Texas A&M Football: The Replacements, 2022 Edition

OL Kenyon Green & OL Jahmir Johnson

These two were key pieces in 2021, though one obviously has been a key piece longer than that as he started his career in Aggieland. Kenyon Green, the Aggie through and through, will be a huge loss for this line as a starter since he stepped on campus. He has played every position across the offensive line and was an extremely good leader for that unit. Green is, according to many outlets, a guaranteed first-rounder in this April’s draft.

Johnson transferred in from Tennessee as a graduate student and was a strong starter for 11 games of the season. His experience brought him to a leadership role on a very young offensive line. He will be missed as well.

Replacements: Losing Kenyon Green hurts and Jahmir Johnson was a good enough starter for the year. Now, we look to guys like true sophomores center Bryce Foster and tackle Reuben Fatheree II to really lead the line.

Trey Zuhn may be an upgrade from Johnson, that remains to be seen. Akinola Ogunbiyi started the season at guard and Blake Trainor started at the position against Alabama, one of the better performances from the line the whole season. All of that considered, you also have to factor in the newcomers. Could freshman Kam Dewberry step in and soften the blow of losing Green as his protege of sorts? It is possible.

TE Jalen Wydermeyer

Wydermeyer has been a staple in this offense for three years now. He may not have had a top-tier year in 2021, but he is still one of the best tight ends that Texas A&M football has ever seen. His 1,468 receiving yards since 2019 are the most from an SEC tight end in that span. Replacing him will not be easy, but there are guys waiting in the wings for that spot.

Replacements: Baylor Cupp is finally healthy. Blake Smith has talent. True freshman Donovan Green and Jake Johnson coming in are just as talented. The room is full, but which one (or two) will really step up and fill the big shoes left by Wydermeyer? That will be an extremely interesting battle to watch coming into spring practice.

RB Isaiah Spiller

Spiller was a constant for three years in Aggieland and is an Aggie legacy behind his father, Fred Spiller. He was a beloved member of this team and his decision to go pro, while understood, was heartbreaking for many. His last two seasons were 1,000-yard seasons and overall, he is going to be a draft pick that should make a team happy for years to come. However, unlike Wydermeyer, there are proven guys that sit behind Spiller that are ready for their time in the spotlight.

Replacements: The obvious replacement is first and foremost, Devon Achane. Likely the fastest player in college football right now, he was a strong second fiddle to Spiller over the last two years. He really burst onto the scene during the Orange Bowl and then finished with nearly 1,000 yards on just 130 attempts in 2021.

Being the premier back will be great for Achane in what may be his final year in Aggieland. Also talented and ready to come in when Achane needs any kind of rest are guys like Amari Daniels, LJ Johnson, and/or incoming freshman Le’Veon Moss.