Texas A&M took an expected hit Tuesday, as junior wideout Christian Kirk announced his intention to forego his senior season and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
A star from the moment he stepped on campus, the former 5-star became known as one of the nation's most explosive players. Kirk led the team in every major receiving category in 2017, catching 71 passes for 919 yards and 10 TDs. He also returned 1 punt and 1 kickoff for touchdowns, giving him 7 special teams scores for his career and a total of 31 touchdowns overall.
Kirk leaves with a total of 234 receptions and 2,856 receiving yards, second and third on the A&M all-time list respectively. The junior for Scottsdale, Ariz., saved his best for last, hauling in an Aggie bowl record 13 catches for 189 yards and 3 TD in the 55-52 loss to Wake Forest in the Belk Bowl. His total of 24 receiving touchdowns are also third on the A&M all-time list.
Kirk's ability to make big plays was evident this season. In spite of A&M's turnover at quarterback, Kirk still managed a total of 12 touchdowns on just 103 combined touches as a receiver and returner, meaning he scored once every 8.6 times he touched the football.
A first-team All-SEC player each of the past two seasons, the 5-foot, 11-inch, 200-pound Kirk immediately enters the conversation of the best wide receivers in Texas A&M history, along with Ryan Swope, Mike Evans, Jeff Fuller, Robert Ferguson and Josh Reynolds. Had he stayed for his senior year, he would have likely left with every A&M receiving record. As it is, he's likely to join Evans as a first round draft pick next spring.
Where does A&M look for a replacement?
It will be difficult for the Aggies to duplicate Kirk's leadership and production, but they may have a couple of players waiting in the wings to try. Bremond freshman Roshauud Paul caught 16 passes for 187 yard and showed the athleticism that made him the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year in 2017. With incoming coach Jimbo Fisher's desire to use more of the tight end, fellow slot receiver Camron Buckley (17 catches, 282 yards and 3 TD) may move over and split time with as the inside receiver. The Aggies are also after the receiver bearing the closest resemblance to Kirk -- Houston Episcopal's Jaylen Waddle, who has Texas A&M and Alabama as his current leaders.
