Aggies to watch: SEC sack leader coming to Austin to face Texas

As Texas A&M rolls into Austin, it’s time to get to know some of the Aggies you are likely to see lots of Friday. There will be a number of new faces the Longhorns will have to contend with this year, as well as some veterans that have made massive leaps. On offense, it’s two new WRs that can change the game in a second. On defense, it’s one of the SEC’s top players at every level, particularly in the pass rushing department.

Let’s talk about the Aggies that will define this matchup:

Texas A&M RB Reuben Owens

Owens is a name many Longhorn fans are likely familiar with. Texas was in his recruitment until the very end, but the Aggies won out and he’s become a major contributor this season. 570 yards and 5 scores on the year, and truly blazing speed when he gets out into the open field. The Longhorns run defense is all-important in this game, and it’ll likely be contending with #4 consistently.

Texas A&M WR Mario Craver

Craver has likely been the most valuable addition the Aggies made this offseason, transferring in from Mississippi State. Craver is the top WR for the Aggies, largely because of his ability after the catch. He’s remarkably special in the open field, and has a unique contact balance when necessary. In a game where open-field tackling will be a massive key, Craver is likely the toughest Aggie to get on the turf.

Texas A&M WR Ashton Bethel-Roman

Another incredibly valuable addition came from the high school ranks in Ashton Bethel-Roman. Bethel-Roman’s ability to stretch the field opens up so much space for Craver and Concepcion, not to mention the elite catch radius. Bethel-Roman is someone Texas will have to contend with for at least the next three years, but this is likely the only where he won’t be the Longhorns main focus. Despite that, they can’t lose track of #3 or he will flip the game on it’s head.

Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell

If there is a pass rusher in the SEC better than Colin Simmons, it’s Cashius Howell. Howell leads the SEC and is second in the country in sacks on the season. He will be a true handful for Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker on Friday night. Howell, much like Simmons, is about limiting not full taking out of the game. If the Longhorns can limit his impact, there should be openings for Arch Manning and the pass game.

Texas A&M LB Taurean York

We will see two of the best pass rushers in the country on Friday night. It will be no different for the LBs, with Anthony Hill Jr. and Taurean York taking centerstage. York does not have the measurables Hill has, but the instincts and consistency in tackling is special. Any time Arch Manning leaves the pocket to scramble, #21 will be right there waiting for him. York is one of the most consistent players in the country and the Texas playmakers will have to find a way to make him miss on Friday.

Texas A&M DB Will Lee III

Will “The Blanket” Lee III is the top coverage corner for the Aggies and one of the better in the conference. Despite not reeling in an INT this season, he has 6 PBUs thus far, so he’s making plenty of an impact. Given where Lee plays on the field, it’s likely to be Parker Livingstone, Emmett Mosley V or Ryan Wingo in front of him on any given snap. At 6’1”, Lee has tons of length but Livingstone, Mosley and Wingo should have an advantage in the category nonetheless. The Texas WRs winning 1-on-1 battles against one of the top coverage corners in the country might decide this one

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Cashius Howell, Mario Craver tops Aggies to watch on Friday night