College Football: Top Texas A&M Aggies Newcomers to Watch for in 2020
There is a movement going on in Texas, one that may rock the entire Lone Star State and the SEC West… Texas A&M is on the rise. The Aggies have routinely recruited well, thanks largely to the massive amount of talent within in the state, but with the addition of head coach Jimbo Fisher those efforts over the last two years have catapulted the program among the best of the best in the nation. All that hard work along the recruiting trail is about to start paying off in the win-loss column.
In Fisher’s first two seasons in College Station, he has posted a 17-9 record playing one of the nation’s most challenging schedules with consecutive bowl game wins over N.C. State and Oklahoma State. Off the gridiron, the Aggies have seen a noticeable jump in the recruiting rankings rising from a 13th-place finish in 2017, the last recruiting class under former head coach Kevin Sumlin, to No. 17 in 2018 and then the spike to fourth nationally in 2019 and sixth in 2020.
With A&M rolling off Clemson on the non-conference schedule for Colorado and Georgia out of the SEC East for South Carolina, the Aggies have a chance to make some noise during the 2020 season but will need some help from incoming top talents as impact players. But which incoming Class of 2020 recruits have the ability to crack the two-deep or even earn a starting spot this season?
Top 2020 A&M Newcomers
5-Star WR Demond Demas (6-3, 182) – Tomball HS (TX)
With A&M losing both Kendrick Rogers and Quartney Davis as early NFL Draft entrants, a path has been cleared for receiver Demond Demas to compete for a role within the offense. Demas had a breakout junior season in 2018 with Tomball High School (TX) hauling in 50 passes for 1,574 yards with 23 trips into the end zone cementing his spot as one of the nation’s best. His five-star status was upheld with 57 reported offers dropped. He has comparable size to both Rogers and Davis listed in the 6-foot 3-inch, 182-pound, range and has blazing speed with a 4.43 40-yard dash posted at The Opening Regional in March.
4-Star RB Devon Achane (5-9, 170) – Fort Bend Marshall HS (TX)
There was a youth movement in the Aggies backfield during the 2019 season, and that should continue this season with the addition of Devon Achane. Achane was a fantastic do-everything talent for Fort Bend Marshall High School during his senior campaign rushing for 2,266 yards and 40 touchdowns off 201 carries and secured 38 passes for 768 more yards with 10 more scores posted. Isaiah Spiller and Cordarrian Richardson had their version of thunder and lightening last year, with Spiller taking on the all-purpose role catching 29 passes for 203 yards. Achane could be that 10-carry back that brings energy into the offense. His versatility opens up Fisher’s scheme as he can take a pass out of the backfield or in the slot to the house from anywhere on the field.
4-Star CB Joshuah Moten (5-11, 165) – National Christian Academy (MD)
Many were surprised to see Debione Renfro depart early for the NFL, but as all talented college teams do, they reload. The Aggies may have filled Renfro’s void with incoming four-star corner Joshuah Moten. Moten was a ballhawk for National Christian Academy snagging four picks while knocking away seven passes in stats updated through eight games during the 2019 season. The four-star recruit is different than most A&M corner recruits, being not 6-1 or taller. At 5-11, 165, Moten is technically sound with the ability to play in the Aggies’ off-man zone coverage bringing more speed and athleticism to the position. Being an early enrollee will help Moten contend for time on the field in 2020.
4-Star LB Antonio Doyle (6-3, 229) – Lutheran North (MO)
One spot where the Aggies will have plenty of senior leadership during the 2020 season is at middle linebacker. But with three seniors using up their eligibility this year, grooming a replacement is a must. That is where Antonio Doyle could make an impact. At 6-3, 229, Doyle has the size and athleticism to play the Aggies’ middle or weakside backer role. The four-star recruit spent his senior season helping St. Louis’ Lutheran North to a state championship by tallying 73 stops with 12 tackles for a loss.
5-Star FS Jaylon Jones and 4-Star SS Antonio Johnson
While many of the spots on the Aggies’ roster will be set with returning starters, there will be high competition in the secondary this spring for starting roles. A&M fans have to be excited about the addition of in-state five-star Steele safety Jaylon Jones and East St. Louis’ four-star product Antonio Johnson. Jones (6-1.5, 190) was the highest rated at his position in this recruiting cycle while Johnson (6-3, 182) was slotted as the fourth best in the nation. Both bring size and intimidation to the field, and get a jump on the process as early enrollees. This dynamic duo has the chance to make a lot of noise in the SEC West for years to come.
Recruiting Update
A&M’s 2020 class had 26 commitments, two five-stars, 13 four-stars, and 11 three-stars ranking sixth in the nation, fourth in the SEC. Of the 26 prospects attached to the class, only three-star Fort Bend Bush linebacker Kenneth Phillips III has not signed his letter of intent.
Photo credit: Twitter; Demond Demas Aggies recruiting visit Sept. 2019