The tight end has one catch for 19 yards, but his contribution goes way beyond what you see on the stat sheet. Since he took over as the second tight end, the Aggie running game has improved. He’s a part of the reason why.

The redshirt freshman defensive end entered the season buried on the depth chart, but injuries to Max Wright and Micheal Clemons and the ineffectiveness of Jeremiah Martin got him on the field. He hasn’t played a great deal, but has seen more snaps the last three weeks. All he’s done is produce: he has 1.5 sacks in his 12 tackles and has applied consistent pressure.

The redshirt sophomore was an afterthought coming into the season and didn’t get much a chance to do anything until Charles Oliver got hurt three games ago. Since then, he’s split time at nickel with Clifford Chattman and has racked up 6 tackles, but a lot of big plays: a key tackle for loss against Ole Miss and a sack and interception against Mississippi State. He’s been a solid pass defender and good blitzed, so there’s no reason to think he’ll stop getting playing time now.

After a brutal leg injury and a position switch, nobody knew what Hansford could provide. As it turns out, he’s provided quality depth at linebacker. Hansford has essentially become A&M’s third linebacker and consistent presence in the pass rush package, tallying 9 tackles, a pass breakup and a sack. His playing time has also increased over the past month.

One of the most overlooked members of the 2019 recruiting class, Smith has made himself known on offense and special teams. Smith has 17 catches for 213 yards and 3 scores, and has forced his way into the receiver rotation. He’s also become A&M’s primary punt returner, averaging better than 13 yards a return.