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National Signing Day 2016: Ranking and grading each SEC football recruiting class

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 3, 2016; Gordo, AL, USA; Gordo High School linebacker Ben Davis fields questions after committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama during national signing day at Gordo High School. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Gordo, AL, USA; Gordo High School linebacker Ben Davis fields questions after committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama during national signing day at Gordo High School. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; A view of a Texas A&M Aggies helmet at NRG Stadium. Aggies won 38 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; A view of a Texas A&M Aggies helmet at NRG Stadium. Aggies won 38 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 Texas A&M recruiting class doesn’t include a big-name, five-star prospect for the first time since 2009, but that’s okay. While the Aggies would certainly rather bring in elite talent, this year’s class has solid depth that should pay off in the long run.

Instant Impact Performer: OT Kellen Diesch

It’s difficult for an offensive lineman to step onto campus and immediately compete for a spot in the starting lineup, but the biggest weakness on the Texas A&M roster heading into the 2016 season is the offensive line. The Aggies return just one full-time starter and two others that have significant playing experience, which means the team’s top offensive line recruit, four-star tackle Kellen Diesch, could be fast-tracked.

Diesch is ranked No. 105 overall in the 247Sports Composite, and is the tenth best tackle prospect in the nation. Since he did not enroll early, however, Diesch’s quest for a starting spot will have to wait for the fall.

Underrated Signee: ATH Moses Reynolds

The younger brother of Texas A&M wide receiver Josh Reynolds, Moses Reynolds is a three-star prospect from San Antonio ranked No. 572 overall in the 247Sports composite, and No. 35 nationally among athletes. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Reynolds played quarterback primarily in high school, though also saw time at wide receiver and on defense.

A long-strider, Reynolds was a very effective runner that gained over 3,000 yards on the ground during his high school career and scored 45 career rushing touchdowns. As a senior, he was on the receiving end of two TDs and recorded three interceptions on defense. Unlikely to play quarterback in college, look for Reynolds to add depth to the Aggies’ receiving corps, or perhaps in the secondary.

Unanswered Question: Who is the quarterback of the future?

The biggest question mark entering the 2016 season for Texas A&M is uncertainty at the quarterback position. While Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight is expected to start for the Aggies, and rising junior and former 4,000-yard JUCO passer Jake Hubenak showed promise as the starter in the Music City Bowl, the Aggies struggled to find a QB of the future following the departures of Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray. Three-star signee Nick Starkel, ranked No. 20 among pro-style passers this year, doesn’t have nearly the upside of those two former five-stars, and is the only signal-caller A&M was able to land.

Yes, 2017 five-star Tate Martell is currently committed to Texas A&M, but there is a long, long way to National Signing Day 2017.

Complete 2016 Texas A&M Football Recruiting Class:

Final Thoughts: Where have the five-stars gone? Sumlin’s biggest strength to date (other than unleashing Johnny Manziel), has been luring elite talent to College Station, but the 2016 Texas A&M class is the first under his watch that does not include a five-star prospect. Depth is great, but premium talent is better.

Next: Tennessee

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