Texas A&M Football: Arkansas WR Flip Ashton Bethel-Roman Brings Blazing Speed

Texas A&M Football Flips WR Ashton Bethel-Roman from Arkansas After LOI Release; Speedy Receiver Brings Explosion to Aggies

A late, somewhat clandestine visit before the early signing period for Texas A&M football was that of then-Arkansas commitment Ashton Bethel-Roman out of Missouri City, Texas. He made it to campus for his official visit and left before word leaked that he was even there, given that he was set to sign with the Hogs in only a couple of days.

And sign with the Hogs he did—at least, initially. After the early signing period, his position coach and main recruiter at Arkansas departed Fayetteville, which reportedly sat none too well with Bethel-Roman. It was at this point that he requested a release from his Letter of Intent. It seems as though Arkansas took their time in granting that release, but as of a few days ago, it became public knowledge that his recruitment was back open.

No sooner did it open back up than it was shut down again—this time, in favor of Texas A&M football. Bethel-Roman's visit had apparently been impressive enough that he was ready to jump in the boat with the Aggies—and he made no bones about it. Some guys like to build intrigue in moments like this, but just look at how he was dressed at his signing ceremony:

So, what are the Aggies getting in Bethel-Roman? The receiver out of Ridge Point High School in Fort Bend, rated as the 134th overall prospect in the nation per 247Sports, brings top-end speed and big play ability to College Station. The player comp listed on his 247 page is Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee, which is no small praise; many remember Hyatt for his five-touchdown day against Alabama two years ago. He boasts great genes, as well: his father, Mark Roman, is a 10-year NFL veteran.

Given his slighter build at the moment, he may not be an instant-impact player for the Aggies. Even so, I expect to see him become a bigtime contributor eventually for Texas A&M football. This is a great pickup for Mike Elko and company, and speaks to not only their unrelenting fervor on the recruiting trail, but the momentum around the whole Texas A&M football program.