Texas A&M Football: The Replacements, 2022 Edition

DL Michael Clemons, DeMarvin Leal, Jayden Peevy, Tyree Johnson

These four guys have given quite a bit to Texas A&M football over the years, whether they transferred in from a JUCO or were members of the Aggies from the start. Now, they are all headed to the NFL and the defensive line is looking mighty thin nowadays. These four will be missed for sure, especially along the edges. Leal is looked at as a top-round pick and the other three should be finding NFL homes as well as they are extremely talented in their own right. The question is though, who replaces them across the defensive line?

Replacements: The inside is looking strong enough with guys like McKinnley Jackson, Isaiah Raikes, Adarious Jones, and incoming five-star Walter Nolan. The question, however, lies on the edges. There are quite a few prospects from recent recruiting classes. Shemar Turner, Tunmise Adeleye, Fadil Diggs, Donnell Harris, Jahzion Harris, and incoming freshmen Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy and Malick Sylla provide plenty of options.

S Leon O’ Neal

Losing Leon O’ Neal is a big deal, on and off the field. This guy was an Aggie through and through, stating multiple times that there is nothing he wouldn’t do for this team, for this school. He was a constant in the secondary for the Aggies for quite a while and replacing him in the locker room is a bigger deal than replacing him on the field, in my opinion.

Replacements: The secondary is a strong, deep position group for the Aggies. Antonio Johnson, an All-SEC player this season, and three-year starting safety Demani Richardson headline the group of returnees. Will Johnson move to safety? What about Jaylon Jones, who has started two years at corner? Where does that leave super-senior Myles Jones? There is also Duece Harmon and incoming five-star prospect Denver Harris. Simply put, there is no shortage of talent and options for the safety position that Leon O’ Neal leaves open.

LB Aaron Hansford

Aaron Hansford, after losing two seasons to injury, made the move from receiver to linebacker in the offseason before the 2019 season. It was the best decision he could have ever made as he went from a guy who sat on the bench much of the year to a guy who could very well see his name called in April. However, now the Aggies are in a bind. There are other linebackers sitting behind him, but who is going to replace the consistent production that Hansford put up?

Replacements: Many were sure that incoming freshman Harold Perkins would be the guy for the Aggies in 2022, noting that his talent would absolutely have to garner playing time. He has now decommited though, so it is questionable that he will be in the fold. Edgerrin Cooper showed flashes of greatness throughout the 2021 season. Andre White could take Hansford’s spot as well, but until we see who can match that production, there are going to be some apprehensive Aggies when it comes to the linebacker position.