Texas A&M Football: Christian Kirk is 2017 offensive MVP for Aggies

Another bowl appearance for Texas A&M football was helped along by the Aggies offensive standout, star receiver Christian Kirk.

Texas A&M football relied on the ground game for a good portion of the season, but the best offensive player was not a running back. Junior wide receiver and former All-American Christian Kirk is the best weapon that the Aggies have on offense.

The lack of touches for Kirk this year is part of the reason that head coach Kevin Sumlin does not have a job anymore in College Station. He had a career low in touches with only 61, compared to 91 the two seasons previous. The quarterback transition between true freshman Kellen Mond and redshirt freshman Nick Starkel had a lot to do with that.

Starkel was the starter for the Aggies entering the season, and Kirk showed much better chemistry with him behind center. Mond had some issues getting comfortable in the Texas A&M offense.

Wins over the Ole Miss Rebels, Arkansas Razorbacks, and New Mexico Lobos were largely thanks to Kirk’s efforts. Kirk combined for 307 receiving yards and three touchdown catches in those victories for the Aggies. He also returned a punt for a touchdown against the Lobos.

In the final three games of the regular season, Kirk averaged well over 15.0 yards per catch and compiled two receiving touchdowns. Altogether, Kirk caught 58 passes for 730 yards and seven touchdowns. It was good enough for Kirk to be named to the All-SEC Second Team. Mizzou wide receiver J’Mon Moore was the other All-SEC Second Team honoree at that position.

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Kirk projects as a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He would have to declare early, but there’s a good chance he does since Sumlin is no longer with the program. Kirk could get a chance to compete at a new level in the SEC West under new-hire head coach Jimbo Fisher.