Texas A&M Football: 5 Position battles to watch this offseason
By Shelbie Warr
Replacing Christian Kirk: The battle to catch the ball
The Aggies have no shortage of receivers, they haven’t for quite a few years. However, the biggest question now rests on replacing Christian Kirk, the junior wide out who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Kirk did not end up stretching the Aggie’s first round draft streak, but he is heading to his home town team as he joins the Cardinals. Now, dealing with a lack of upperclassmen in terms of wideouts, the Aggies are basically choosing between freshmen and sophomore receivers.
Many believe that sophomore Jhamon Ausbon will be a starter in 2018. His speed and strong hands made him a favorite target for both Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond in 2017. Ausbon has shown himself to be reliable, strong and knowledgeable. This coupled with his experience, no matter how limited, with both quarterbacks will likely help him hold onto that starting position.
In addition, many Aggie fans are just about one hundred percent sure that true freshman Jalen Preston will find a way into the starting line up. He’s a big play wideout, who averaged over 20 yards a reception all three years of his high school career at Manvel. His name is one that has been mentioned over and over by the media since his signing day and one that we will likely hear many times over the loud speaker at Kyle Field.
Our question now is who else sits in the top four of Aggie receivers? The options are currently six sophomores — Camron Buckley, Hezekiah Jones, Roshauud Paul, Quartney Davis, Aaron Hansford, and Kendrick Rodgers— and freshman Caleb Chapman.
Between these guys and a couple walk on options, fall ball will be quite an interesting storyline to follow with Jimbo Fisher at the helm. Personally, I lean toward Camron Buckley earning a starting position. However it is all up in the air and it will certainly be a common question this offseason concerning the replacement of Christian Kirk.