Apex Performance of the Week: A&M's hardwood & gridiron standouts

In this week's Apex Performances of the Week, we highlight Texas A&M football’s Ainias Smith, Jahdae Walker and Max Johnson for their showings at Ole Miss as well as men’s basketball players Hayden Hefner and Wade Taylor IV following their season-opener on Monday night.

David Nuño’s Performances of the Week: Ainias Smith, Hayden Hefner & Wade Taylor IV

• Ainias Smith could be on here every week. He plays with such passion. He makes so many good plays. He steps up, and when you give him the ball, he makes things happen.
   
• How about Hayden Hefner? He had 19 points with four rebounds and two assists. He had long sleeves on and was just dominating out there.
   
• You also have to mention the Preseason SEC Player of the Year: Wade Taylor IV. Could I call him "Four"? He scored 16 points. If he wanted to get to the rim, he could get there whenever he wanted to.

Olin Buchanan’s Performances of the Week: Jahdae Walker & Max Johnson

• Jahdae Walker stepped in for a starter who was out with a bruised thigh. He came in and caught eight passes for 100 yards. He made some big plays. You hear other programs say, "Next man up." He played great.
   
• Max Johnson had one egregious mistake that may or may not have been his fault. He and Smith weren't on the same page on that interception, but he threw for 305 yards with a couple of touchdown passes. I wouldn't say he was excellent because of that interception, but he played exceptionally well.