Saturday Blitz
Fansided

SEC Football: Top 10 players to watch this spring

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) and linebacker Tim Williams (56) react after a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) and linebacker Tim Williams (56) react after a fumble recovery during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Oct 29, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) returns a punt for a 70 yard touchdown against the New Mexico State Aggies in the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) returns a punt for a 70 yard touchdown against the New Mexico State Aggies in the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas A&M Aggies will need to replace quarterback Trevor Knight this spring. But having wide receiver Christian Kirk lined up at receiver should certainly help make it a smooth transition.

Kirk almost eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for a second time in 2016, but his 928 receiving yards still stands out. He caught 83 passes and nine touchdowns last season as well. He led the SEC in receptions and ranked fourth in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

More saturday blitz: 30 Best College Football Coaches of All-Time

Not to mention, Kirk is a key cog in the Aggies punt return game. Through two seasons, he has 27 returns for 623 yards and five touchdowns. He led the FBS in punt return touchdowns last season with three touchdowns, ranked first in punt return yards with 282 and averaged 21.7 punt return yards per return, also first in the FBS.

Kirk’s playmaking ability will be on full display as the Aggies look to challenge for the SEC crown again in 2017. They started the season 6-0 before falling 33-14 to Alabama on October 22. After that, they would go on to drop four of their last five games of the season.

Home/SEC