A look at Texas A&M’s key players and the traits that make them dangerous

The Texas A&M Aggies are a SEC Championship contender for a reason. Here are five key players to know in maroon ahead of when the Longhorns battle their longtime rivals on Saturday.

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No. 11 EDGE Nick Scourton (6’4”, 285 lbs)

Scourton is a freakishly athletic edge rusher with a rare combination of size, strength, and speed. His explosiveness off the line makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles, while his lateral quickness allows him to adjust and close on ball carriers in space. Scourton’s ability to bend around the edge with power and flexibility is elite, and he’s equally adept at anchoring against the run. His athleticism allows A&M to move him across the defensive front, creating mismatches that he can exploit with his relentless motor.

The matchup between Scourton and Texas’ Kelvin Banks—a projected top-10 NFL draft pick—is one of the most compelling battles in this game. Banks is known for his balance and technical prowess, but if Scourton can win their one-on-one matchups, generate pressure on the quarterback, and control the edge, it will not only impact the outcome of the game but also cement Scourton’s standing as a first-round draft talent.

No. 20 DB BJ Mayes (6’0”, 190 lbs)

Mayes is a fluid and dynamic defender in the slot who uses his athleticism to impact multiple facets of the game. His quick first step makes him a dangerous blitzer, while his smooth hips and speed allow him to stay with receivers in coverage. Mayes’ instinctive playmaking ability is amplified by his elite reaction time, enabling him to jump routes and disrupt passing lanes. His knack for reading quarterbacks and closing quickly on the ball has made him one of the most productive defenders in A&M’s secondary this season.

No. 10 QB Marcel Reed (6’2”, 205 lbs)

Reed is a natural athlete at quarterback, combining mobility, arm strength, and creativity. His ability to escape the pocket and extend plays keeps defenses on edge, and his top-end speed makes him a threat in the read-option. Reed’s quick release and velocity on throws allow him to hit tight windows, while his agility lets him evade defenders in space. When the game breaks down, Reed’s instincts and improvisational skills make him particularly dangerous, as he can turn broken plays into explosive ones.

No. 21 LB Taurean York (6’0”, 230 lbs)

York is a physical and instinctive linebacker with a nose for the football. While he isn’t the fastest player on the field, his ability to anticipate plays and close quickly allows him to consistently make tackles in space. York’s balance and core strength make him hard to block, and his relentless pursuit ensures he’s always around the action. He has a knack for finding the ball carrier and delivering punishing hits, embodying the physicality that defines A&M’s defense.

No. 2 WR Terry Bussey (5’11”, 195 lbs)

Bussey is an electrifying freshman with elite explosiveness and versatility. His acceleration and burst allow him to break away in the open field, whether he’s playing receiver, running back, or returning kicks. Bussey’s lateral agility and ability to change direction on a dime make him a constant threat to turn short gains into long touchdowns. His raw athleticism and quick reflexes also make him dangerous on special teams, where his vision and elusiveness can flip field position in an instant.

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No. 5 RB Amari Daniels (5’8”, 205 lbs)

Daniels is a compact, powerful back with exceptional balance and quickness. His low center of gravity allows him to absorb contact and keep his legs churning through tackles, while his burst through the hole makes him difficult to stop once he gets going. Daniels’ agility enables him to slip past defenders in tight spaces, and his deceptive speed allows him to break long runs when he finds daylight. His physicality and finishing ability near the goal line make him a reliable weapon in short-yardage situations.