Texas A&M Football: 5 players who must step up in spring 2018

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Kendall Bussey #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies avoids a tackle attempt by T.J. Brunson #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Kyle Field on September 30, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

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The defensive side of the ball is where Texas A&M could really shine in 2018. There’s a good amount of returning starters on the defense, especially with the linebackers. Among those that will be getting slotted into a larger role in 2018 is rising sophomore outside linebacker Buddy Johnson.

Getting more exposure at the very end of the 2017 season, Johnson definitely made an impact on the interim head coach at the time, Jeff Banks. However, he’ll have to do the same thing with the new head coach in town, as Jimbo saw a lot of defensive talent roll through Tallahassee in his time with the Florida State Seminoles.

Johnson originally signed with the Aggies as a three-star prospect, coming out of Dallas, Texas, in the 2017 recruiting class. He got his chance to make an early impact with the program last year, and made good use of it. Former head coach Kevin Sumlin used Johnson in more of a special teams role, but that should expand.

Of all the potential starters in the linebacking corps that could really shock some people this year, Johnson’s name might be at the top of the list. He’s the perfect breakout candidate for 2018, and he’s got the ability to make things happen in Spring Practice.