Texas A&M football: 3 breakout candidates for the 2023 season

Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) and defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) and defensive lineman Walter Nolen (88) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes (34) and defensive lineman Walter Nolen (88) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

My favorite to break out on the defensive side of the ball was nearly a tie between Walter Nolen and Shemar Stewart, but I believe that the former No. 2 recruit has a higher ceiling (just slightly).

Nolen was the second-best recruit in the 2022 class and he was Texas A&M’s highest-rated. That second part may not seem like a major accomplishment for a five-star, but seeing as the Aggies had six five-stars committed, it’s huge.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle from Tennessee will be a staple of the defensive line for this season and next before he likely makes a leap to the NFL.

But he’s barely scratched the surface.

In fact, Nolen had a solid first season with 29 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in 10 games, but he’s capable of so much more. I think we’re about to see him become one of the best defensive linemen in the country and a potential All-American in 2023.

I have high expectations for the Aggies’ defensive line, namely Nolen.