Jimbo Fisher on Ainias Smith: 'His draft stock is going to soar'

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith is the most productive member of the Aggies receiving core returning to College Station in 2022, and head coach Jimbo Fisher believes Smith’s patience to turn pro will benefit him in the long run.

“He made a great decision coming back, his draft stock is going to soar,” Fisher said.

Smith led Texas A&M in both receptions with 47 and receiving touchdowns (six), and trailed only tight end Jalen Wydermeyer in receiving yards with Smith finished with 509 and Wydermeyer with 514. If it were not for him returning, the Aggies would have lost all of their significant offensive contributors from last season.

In three years with the Aggies, Smith has compiled 112 receptions for 1,321 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s also a proven threat in the rushing game, though Fisher and the Aggies barely utilized Smith out of the backfield in 2021 after taking 49 carries for 293 yards and four touchdowns for Texas A&M during his sophomore season in 2020.

Smith has said he’d like to get back to his hybrid wide-back position he cultivated in Fisher’s offense over the pandemic-riddled 2020 season, noting that NFL star Deebo Samuel has made the style of play a fan-favorite due to the production level and entertainment it brings to the game.

“I actually want to give a shout-out and appreciation to Deebo Samuel,” Smith said. “It’s not very easy for anybody to do that on the next level. For him to be able to do that so well, it just really shows that people like me out there can be valued. It’s definitely an opportunity that he’s opened up not only for myself, but other people under me.” 

While Smith’s spot in the starting rotation is likely all but secured barring any major setback, all he can do is create chemistry with all three quarterbacks currently vying for the Aggies starting spot, which has been tabbed as the most interesting quarterback battle in the country, according to On3’s Jesse Simonton.

Redshirt sophomore Haynes King is the presumptive starter, but LSU transfer Max Johnson (who has a win over TAMU) is a veteran that could step in at any time if King doesn’t make strides regarding footwork, mechanics and decision making. Meanwhile, Conner Weigman, a five-star freshman will likely have to wait his turn despite his blue-chip status.

Whoever it may be, Smith will be out wide, or possibly in the backfield to make sure his QB1 look the part as Texas A&M looks to finally get over the hump in the SEC West and finally make their long-awaited berth in the College Football Playoff.