30 in 30: What will Askew bring to the table

For the second consecutive year, AggieYell.com is marking the progress towards the start of fall camp with its 30 players in 30 days feature on the most important players to Texas A&M's success in 2013. The list continues with number 29, Nate Askew.

Position: Outside linebacker

Classification: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'4", 230 lbs.

2012 statistics: 3 catches for 10 yards

Why he's on the list: Askew has never played linebacker. He's never made a tackle in college. He's making a switch from wide receiver after three essentially wasted years on offense. So why is he on the list of the most important players to a team seeking its first national championship in 74 years?

Simply put, he's shown he's pretty decent at playing linebacker in the limited opportunities he's had.

With his size and speed, he's got an almost prototypical frame for an outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Due to a lack of depth and several injuries during spring practice, Askew got more of a look than he would have otherwise and showed more ability to play the position than he did at any point during his three years at wideout.

Even though he's got a heavy learning curve, Askew showed during the spring he can do at least two things: rush the quarterback and cover running backs out of the backfield. That may be exactly what the Aggies need from him, as the linebacker Mark Snyder would bring on during passing situations -- Donnie Baggs -- is now a starter at middle linebacker. A&M is going to blitz their linebackers a lot in 2013 and will show a mix of formations, which means Askew could be a big asset if he continues his progression this summer.