Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith selected to Paul Hornung watch list

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith has been named to the Paul Hornung Watch List, per PFF. The running back/wide receiver is one of the most explosive playmakers in all of college football.

The multi-faceted playmaker can rack up yards in a hurry, either as a receiver, running back or punt returner.

PFF gushed about the Texas A&M standout in the article, writing:

“(Head Coach) Jimbo Fisher wanted to give Smith some looks at running back in the team’s bowl game (Capital One Orange Bowl), and Smith impressed in that new role. In 2020, he spent significant time at each position and was a dangerous player regardless. On 49 carries, he broke 16 tackles and racked up 10 explosive runs of 10-plus yards. As a receiver, he averaged 7.0 yards after the catch and broke 12 tackles on 43 receptions en route to a 73.1 receiving grade.”

Last season, the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder led the Aggies in receiving yards (564). In just five games, he rushed for 300 yards.

🥶🥶🥶

📝 https://t.co/5q8nNN9VDK#GigEm pic.twitter.com/TbtKtJYF09

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) July 29, 2021

Breakout performance vs. Alabama

Smith had his best performance of the 2020 college football season when he gashed the Crimson Tide secondary for over 150 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Texas A&M got rolled 52-24, but that didn’t stop Smith from having a breakout performance against one of the best defenses in college football. The Missouri City, Texas native hauled in six catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. He also had five carries for 29 rushing yards against Alabama.

NIL representation

Smith recently signed with Wasserman to help him with his Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities.

Looking forward to having @Wasserman on my team to help with my NIL opportunities. My focus right now is my education and football. Let’s get it! #SubZer0 #TeamWass #GigEm #Aggies pic.twitter.com/tSflyMRsSs

— Ainias Smith (@ainias_smith) August 2, 2021

Expectations for 2021 Texas A&M

Ainias Smith has the do-it-all kind of ability that will keep defensive coordinators up at night. He’s one of their best returning players on offense, and the Aggies feature a few of the nation’s best at their positions.

Tight end Jalen Wydermyer is one of the best tight ends in college football. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder was named a preseason Second Team All-American by multiple publications, including Walter Camp and Athlon. He was named Second Team All-SEC in 2020, and he’ll look to build upon that in 2021.

Junior running back Isaiah Spiller rushed for over 1,000 yards last year in just five games for the Aggies. He’s one of the best tailbacks in the SEC. He rushed for over 100 yards in three of five games last season.

The offensive line will be a big question mark for A&M coming into the 2021 season, as the Aggies lose three starters coming into the 2021 season. They also lost former quarterback Kellen Mond to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.

The Aggie defense returns nine starters from a defense that was ranked first in the SEC in 2020.

One thing is for sure, under head coach Jimbo Fisher, the Aggies will be a tough out.

He currently has a 26-10 overall record at Texas A&M, including a fourth place finish in 2020. In three seasons with the Aggies, he’s won at least eight games each year.