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Can Texas A&M make surprise run at SEC title behind sophomore trio?

By Hayden Hyde

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Can Kyle Allen, Myles Garrett, and Speedy Noil help Texas A&M rise from mediocrity in the brutal SEC West?

It’s July and temperatures are running high in College Station, Texas, almost as high as expectations for the upcoming football season. Texas A&M has enjoyed a moderate level of success since entering the SEC in 2012.

Related: Texas A&M Season Preview and Prediction

In addition to Johnny Manziel’s Heisman Trophy, the Aggies have rattled off four consecutive bowl game victories. Kevin Sumlin has built one of the most consistent offenses in college football and is consistently locking down top recruits.

A few of his more illustrious recruits are now the three most important pieces on the team: Kyle Allen, Myles Garrett, and Speedy Noil.

Allen was a five-star quarterback from Arizona, a key out-of-state win for Sumlin, and took over mid-year for the incumbent starter Kenny Hill. Most Aggies, including myself, were frustrated with Kenny Hill’s inconsistency and off the field antics, so Allen was a remaining beacon of hope for the rest of the season. The game against Louisiana Monroe was less than encouraging as he completed 13-of-28 passes for 106 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Things improved, however, and the Aggies won at Auburn behind four touchdowns from Allen in the first half. Allen has shown the physical ability, intangibles, and leadership qualities to be a special player for the Aggies from that moment on.

Of course, Allen’s job is made easier when he’s throwing to a playmaker like receiver Speedy Noil.

Noil was another five-star recruit from New Orleans and is another true sophomore that A&M will be counting on this season. The Aggies beat LSU for his services, which was a big time recruiting victory for the program. He recorded 583 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman, which may not seem like much when glancing at the stats. However, Noil consistently made highlight reel, Odell Beckham-esque catches for the Aggies.

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He wasn’t dubbed “Speedy” for nothing either. Noil possesses elite speed and the ability to change direction, he has fluid hips and can track deep balls well. He has all the traits one looks for in an elite receiver, now he must start putting it together this year. Hopefully the coaching staff is able to expand his route tree and help him succeed. Noil and Allen had an unquestionable chemistry and it will be fun to watch it unfold in 2015.

The final member of the three is arguably the most talented player in the SEC. Defensive end Myles Garrett burst onto the scene last year and provided the Aggies with a much-needed pass rush. The freshman who ranked second to Leonard Fournette as the nation’s No. 2 recruit also broke Jadeveon Clowney’s freshman sack record even though he didn’t start until the fifth game and had 11.5 sacks.

Garrett single-handedly manhandled Auburn’s offensive line during their upset in Auburn and he will be the cornerstone of John Chavis’ defense, and could potentially have a Von Miller-type impact for the rest of his A&M career.

Sumlin hit the jackpot when Allen, Noil, and Garrett signed with A&M and the Aggies will go as far as this trio can take them.

Allen has shown the leadership qualities of an elite college quarterback, Garrett is quiet off the field and disruptive on it, and Noil has as much talent as anyone in college football.

The sun is bright, but the future is brighter in College Station.

Next: Top 15 QB's With The Most To Prove in 2015

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