Prove It: Untested players hold key to Texas A&M's 2016 success

No doubt, for Texas A&M to have a successful 2016 football season, several players need to step up their game.

But who is most important?

Some might say Myles Garrett, Christian Kirk, Josh Reynolds or Armani Watts. However, those guys are all experienced players and proven commodities.

Perhaps, the most important players to A&M’s success are those whose ability and production are in question. If those unproven players can play at a high level, the Aggies could be in for a big year.

With that in mind, here’s a look at who could be the five most important players to A&M’s success this season:

QB Trevor Knight: He’s apparently the solution to the leadership and chemistry issues that hampered the Aggies last season. Now, the question is whether he can play at a high level. He doesn’t have to be all-conference caliber, though that acclaim isn’t out of reach. The Aggies will settle for an efficient game manager who distributes the football wisely and minimizes mistakes. 

Poor quarterback play was a major factor in A&M’s four regular season losses last season. A&M quarterbacks threw nine interceptions in those losses.

If Knight protects the ball, the Aggies will improve. If he does that and proves himself to be an effective passer and strong runner, the Aggies could contend in the SEC West.

C Erik McCoy: Frankly, the entire offensive line save Avery Gennesy must step up, but McCoy is especially crucial. To illustrate the importance of a dominant center, consider Alabama’s Ryan Kelly. Last season, the Tide ran all over A&M’s defense in the first quarter. After he was injured and left the game in the second quarter, Alabama’s running game wasn’t nearly as productive.

No one expects McCoy to play like Kelly, who was an NFL first-round draft pick. However, at 6-4, 310 pounds, he’s much bigger than last year’s starter, Mike Matthews.

The Aggies have struggled to convert in short yardage situations. McCoy’s size and physicality should help a lot. He should be a primary factor in A&M’s quest to bolster the line.

DT Daylon Mack: Sure, the Aggies also have Kingsley Keke and Zaycoven Henderson, who can wreak havoc on the interior defensive line. But nobody has the ability to be more disruptive than Mack. He seemingly blew up at least one hand-off exchange in the backfield each game last season.

If he becomes more consistent, he could truly be a difference-maker. Mack could go a long way towards solving A&M’s problems in run defense. He also could provide a much-needed inside pass rush to compliment the outside assault of Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall.

LB Otaro Alaka: Substandard linebacker play has been a big factor in the Aggies’ struggles defending the run. Alaka should be a key figure in improvement there.

He emerged as A&M’s best linebacker as a true freshman but was beset by injuries last season. If he comes back strong and picks up where he left off in his freshman year, the Aggies will be better against the run. True, he can’t remedy the linebacker problem on his own. But he can set the pace.

K/P Daniel LaCamera: There is a temptation to put Keith Ford here, but Kevin Sumlin has often talked about the bolstered depth at running back. Besides, if the line is effective, the running game will be productive.

The uncertainty at the kicker position is scary.

The kicker is often taken for granted until he has to attempt a key field goal. Remember all the angst last year, even though Taylor Bertolet converted 22 of 31 attempts? Wouldn’t it be great to be confident three points would be added to the scoreboard?

The Aggies defense figures to be very good. The offense has potential, but more than one game could come down to a final field goal. It will be a huge plus if LaCamera, who hasn’t made a collegiate field goal attempt, emerged as a reliable kicker.