Ainias Smith announces decision to return to Texas A&M for 2023

Ainias Smith has unfinished business at Texas A&M, and he’s opting to return to the Aggies over taking his talents to the 2023 NFL Draft.

The star running back would’ve been a fascinating selection for any of the 32 franchises, but Smith is choosing to hone his craft for another season. On Thursday, Smith took to Instagram to pen a letter to the football world revealing his decision.

Texas A&M standout Ainias Smith @ainias_smith remaining with the @AggieFootball for another season pic.twitter.com/UxrWUSA7mh

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 2, 2023

“I just want to start this by off saying I’m thankful to God for waking me up each and everyday,” began Smith. “I want to thank my parents for being my biggest support system everyday. To my brother, I thank you for teaching me and showing me the different views of life. To my family and friends, I thank y’all for being there for me and always checking up. I thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers which have gotten me to where I am now. Have made many prayers and have had a plethora of thoughts, but after everything, I had to make an important decision that will set up my future.

“With that being said, I will be returning to school for one more year. Aggie nation, let’s run it back!”

Through four seasons at Texas A&M, Smith has accumulated 384 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, 127 receptions and 17 receiving touchdowns and 551 return yards and one return touchdown.

Now, he’ll have another shot to show off his electrifying ability for Texas A&M one last time.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. 100 underclassmen were approved for last year’s draft. 73 of those 100 underclassmen were granted special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.