Texas A&M football: 5 Aggie greats who didn’t live up to the NFL hype

Despite big-name talents such as Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and Josh Reynolds that suited up for the Aggies, it’s actually Ryan Swope that goes down as the most prolific receiver in Texas A&M football history. None of the aforementioned players matched the level of consistent production that Swope put up over his four years in College Station.

Blessed with elite speed, Swope flashed a bit as a true freshman with the Aggies, garnering 19 receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown in the 2009 season. He exploded the next season, however, racking up 72 catches for 825 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore. But as good as that year was, he bettered it in his final two college campaigns.

Swope had his best season as a junior for Texas A&M, posting career-highs across the board as he notched 89 receptions for 1,207 yards and 11 scores. In his final season, he remained a stud with 72 catches for 913 yards and eight touchdowns. He finished his career as the all-time leader in career receptions and receiving yards while sitting fourth in receiving touchdowns with the Aggies.

The reason Swope never panned out in the NFL, however, isn’t due to his talent. A sixth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, he retired before ever playing a down due to lingering issues regarding concussions. It’s tough to see a player with his college production and physical gifts not get a chance to prove his merits at the next level.