12 Players to watch in Arkansas-Texas A&M Southwest Classic

Arkansas has performed an out-of-conference ranked opponent, a top-five FCS faculty, and an SEC faculty within the first three weeks of the season.

Now at 3-0, they’re able to tackle their first-season rival in Texas A&M.

The Aggies and Razorbacks’ rivalry goes again to 1903, when the 2 first met. Many gamers have showcased their abilities on this rivalry, nevertheless it’s time for a brand new legend to emerge from this previous Southwest convention matchup.

Texas A&M has been a thriller this season after going by means of the summer time as one of many hottest groups coming into the season. Jimbo Fisher continues to be in search of a quarterback, and nobody has damaged out because the go-to participant on the offense.

Arkansas hasn’t had that drawback. Simply within the backfield alone, the Hogs have two gamers with nationwide recognition.

This sport is the right alternative for a person participant to interrupt out and inscribe their title within the historical past e book of this century-old rivalry.

Arkansas QB, KJ Jefferson

Sep 17, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) warms up previous to the sport in opposition to the Missouri State Bears at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports activities

Jefferson has been constant for the Hogs. He hasn’t had the Heisman-moment however the Hogs are successful, which is a big piece to the Heisman puzzle. Breakout sport in opposition to the Aggies might spark that dialog.

Texas A&M RB, Devon Achane

Sep 17, 2022; School Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies operating again Devon Achane (6) runs with the ball in opposition to the Miami Hurricanes in the course of the second half at Kyle Area. Obligatory Credit score: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports activities

How do you beat a group with the most effective move rush within the nation? Use your operating backs within the passing sport and Achane may very well be what the physician ordered for the Aggies.

Arkansas RB, Rocket Sanders

Sep 17, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman celebrates with operating again Raheim Sanders (5) after a rating in opposition to the Missouri State Bears within the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas gained 38-27. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports activities

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This shouldn’t be a shock. Sanders is slowly changing into one of many nation’s greatest backs, and a fourth consecutive 100-yard sport might spark a Heisman dialog for the sophomore.

Texas A&M QB, Max Johnson

Sep 17, 2022; School Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) drops again to move in opposition to the Miami Hurricanes in the course of the second quarter at Kyle Area. Obligatory Credit score: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports activities

Johnson doubtless gained the beginning job after main the Aggies over the Hurricanes. His numbers have been pedestrian, however Arkansas struggles within the secondary might give the junior confidence to sling it.

Arkansas WR, Matt Landers

Sep 17, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks vast receiver Matt Landers (3) catches a move within the second quarter as Missouri State Bears nook again C.J. Crump (16) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports activities

Landers leads the group in catches and receiving yards, however he hasn’t touched the endzone but. Anticipate a landing connection between Landers and Jefferson this Saturday.

Texas A&M WR, Evan Jefferson

Sep 10, 2022; School Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies vast receiver Evan Stewart (1) is tackled by Appalachian State Mountaineers within the fourth quarter at Kyle Area. Appalachian State Mountaineers gained 17 to 14. Obligatory Credit score: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports activities

The freshman vast receiver hasn’t scored a landing but, going in opposition to a banged up protection the freshman might have his first breakout sport.

Arkansas DL , Jordan Domineck

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Jordan Domineck #14 of the Arkansas Razorbacks sacks Jason Shelley #3 of the Missouri State Bears in the course of the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bears 38-27. (Picture by Wesley Hitt/Getty Photographs)

Domineck has been compelled on the line of defense and an enormous cause why the Razorbacks have the most effective line of defense within the nation. 

Texas A&M DB, Bryce Anderson

Sep 17, 2022; School Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) and defensive again Bryce Anderson (1) sort out Miami Hurricanes operating again Jaylan Knighton (4) in the course of the second half at Kyle Area. Obligatory Credit score: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports activities

The Aggies will miss security Demani Richardson due to focusing on in opposition to Miami within the first quarter. Freshman Bryce Anderson is predicted to switch Richardson within the secondary. Anderson has All-American accolades below his belt however this isn’t highschool anymore.

Arkansas LB, Drew Sanders

Sep 10, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Drew Sanders (42) pursues South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) in the course of the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas gained 44-30. Obligatory Credit score: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports activities

At this level, in the event you’re not watching Drew Sanders play linebacker, you simply don’t like soccer.

Texas A&M DB, Antonio Johnson

Jan 2, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels vast receiver Dazz Newsome (5) catches soccer for a landing as Texas A&M Aggies defensive again Antonio Johnson (27) defends in the course of the second quarter of the sport at Arduous Rock Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports activities

Johnson leads the protection in tackles from the Nickleback spot and is considered one of solely two gamers with a solo sack.

Arkansas CB, Hudson Clark

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 17: Hudson Clark #17 of the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrates with teammate Jalen Catalon #1 after returning a interception for a landing within the second of a sport in opposition to the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Picture by Wesley Hitt/Getty Photographs)

It’s straightforward to overlook that Hudson Clark is on this protection, and it’s as a result of not a lot motion goes his manner, however the secondary wants a giant play to offer it life.

Texas A&M LB, Chris Russel Jr.

Sep 3, 2022; School Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Chris Russell Jr. (24) in motion in the course of the first half in opposition to the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Area. Obligatory Credit score: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports activities

Russell Jr should have a giant sport if the Aggies anticipate to cease the Hogs operating sport.

Story initially appeared on Razorbacks Wire