Texas A&M Football: 4 players to watch vs. Sam Houston State

The season is here and Texas A&M football is ready to take on Sam Houston State early on Saturday. Who should you watch out for in the season opener?

Texas A&M football is coming off a disappointing and injury-ridden 2021 but is ready for 2022 to be everything they have asked for and more. That journey starts against an FCS opponent who has won almost every game they have played in the last two seasons- Sam Houston State. Who should you keep an eye on in this matchup between the Aggies and the Bearkats at Kyle Field?

Haynes King, QB

The first player to watch seems obvious, but he’s likely the most important one to watch. Quarterback Haynes King was named the starter late in August and now has to figure out how to prove to everyone that he is better than his three-interception performance against Kent State last season. He was injured early in the Colorado game in Week 2, so he didn’t get much time to prove himself.

Now, you want to keep an eye on the quarterback as he — hopefully — won’t have to play the whole game for the Aggies. If things are going well, you may see Max Johnson after a big day from Haynes King.

Devon Achane, RB

Devon Achane is finally the star back and Saturday could start his campaign to be a top draft pick in the running back category. He’s just plain fast and should be a guy to watch for the game for sure, playing against an FCS defense who may just not be able to catch him. Look for a big game from this running back who no longer has to sit behind the likes of Isaiah Spiller. He is known for the big Orange Bowl in 2020, but wait until you see what he’s got in 2022.

Antonio Johnson and Demani Richardson, DB

These two are going to be leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, Antonio Johnson tallied 79 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, a sack, and an interception. Richardson tallied 65 total tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception through 12 games. Both of these guys are difference makers on the defensive side of the ball and you should watch them both in the secondary not just against Sam Houston, but for the season as a whole.