Texas A&M Football: 5 players with most to prove in 2019

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the first half of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

Derrick Tucker had a great freshman season in 2017. He saw action in 11 games, making seven starts. He registered 55 tackles, an interception, four pass breakups and forced a fumble.

The next season wasn’t horrible for him, but he only played in 10 games and contributed only 27 tackles as he sat behind Donovan Wilson. Overall, he seems to have regressed from his freshman season and that is not a good place to be.

Leon O’ Neal Jr. may just have one of those safety spots, having had a strong bowl game. Of course, there are quite a few guys who could take that spot. Texas A&M is bringing in the best class of safeties in the country in Brian Williams and Demani Richardson, Now though, the question is who gets that second spot and if it will actually be Derrick Tucker who has struggled since that strong freshman season.

Simply put, Tucker has a lot to prove to be able to sew up that second safety spot because there are two freshmen nipping at his heels waiting for a chance to make a difference on the field. O’ Neal showed what he had during the bowl game, now the Texas State game will be Tucker’s chance to do just that.