Texas A&M football 2017: Projected Aggies depth chart

Offense

Notable Losses: Texas A&M does have two big losses on their offense for 2017. Last year’s starting quarterback Trevor Knight has graduated and will now be playing in the NFL. His dual-threat ability was great, but do keep in mind that he was only in College Station for a year after transferring out of Big 12 powerhouse Oklahoma. Wide receiver Josh Reynolds now plays for the Los Angeles Rams, hopefully to help them have a clue how to move the sticks aerially in 2017.

Quarterback: Jake Hubenak, Senior

Though he didn’t start until the end of the year after Knight’s shoulder injury, the Aggies can finally say that they have some semblance of stability at the quarterback position in the post-Johnny Manziel wake. Hubenak isn’t going to shock the world from the gun for the Aggies, but frankly, few quarterbacks in the SEC can say that. In essence, he’s a high-floor, low-ceiling guy that will allow Texas A&M to be competitive in the SEC West.

Running Back: Trayveon Williams, Sophomore
Running Back: Keith Ford, Redshirt Senior

This is where the Aggies can really flex their muscles in 2017. Texas A&M has a great pair of running backs in Williams and redshirt senior Keith Ford. Though Ford will split time with Williams, it will be Williams that will do the heavy lifting on the ground for Gig ‘Em Nation this year. He’s probably the next stud SEC running back you just haven’t heard enough about yet.

Wide Receiver: Christian Kirk, Junior
Wide Receiver: Damion Ratley, Senior

As it has been since Sumlin arrived in College Station back in 2012, the Aggies will have a vaunted aerial attack in the Air Raid thanks to some outside receivers all across the gridiron. Senior Damion Ratley brings veteran experience to the group, but let’s be real — this season for the Aggies is all about Kirk. If he plays his cards right, we’re looking at the next Mike Evans for Texas A&M football.

Tight End: Kalvin Cline, Redshirt Senior

Hubenak and Sumlin will have a veteran pass catcher at tight end in Kalvin Cline. No, this is guy is not an underwear model, he is a football player and a seasoned one at that. Perhaps his veteran collegiate experience will help make him one of the better tight ends in an SEC West that is frankly in flux at that position?

Left Tackle: Koda Martin, Redshirt Junior
Left Guard: Erik McCoy, Redshirt Sophomore
Center: Colton Prater, Sophomore
Right Guard: Connor Lanfear, Junior
Right Tackle: Keaton Sutherland, Junior

It’ll be interesting to see how the Aggies’ offensive line shakes out this year. They have a combination of upperclassmen and fiery sophomores that will be in charge of keeping Hubenak upright and opening up holes for Williams to run through. Texas A&M is fortunate to have more depth on the outside at tackle in juniors Koda Martin and Keaton Sutherland. However, sophomores in the offensive interior could prove troubling if Erik McCoy and Colton Prater struggle in 2017.

All-Purpose: Jhamon Ausbon, Freshman

Under Sumlin, Texas A&M usually has a guy that can do a lot things in the receiving game. Since Speedy Noil has gone pro and Kirk will play mostly in the slot like Evans once did in College Station, look for freshman Jhamon Ausbon to be the Aggies’ secret weapon so to speak this fall.