Former Aggie WR Chris Taylor hopes to see more down-the-field shots in 2022

Former Texas A&M wideout Chris Taylor joined Friday's edition of TexAgs Radio to analyze the Aggies’ offense with Haynes King under center. He also discussed the biggest challenges for freshmen wideouts, creating mismatches against Sam Houston and more.

Key notes from Chris Taylor interview

• I'm hoping for great things from Haynes King. Last year ended with the injury, and he didn't get to showcase what he could do. I thought it was going to be Max Johnson under center. That shows the fight and competitiveness in Haynes. I'm excited to see him go under center. 
   
• Evan Stewart does a great job when I've watched him train. He does a good job of getting off the press and making every route look the same. As a freshman, the biggest adjustment is the coverage because defenses move around. Being able to be on the same page with Haynes and reading the defense will be the biggest challenge. If Stewart can do that, he'll have a successful season.
   
• It's been a while since we’ve had a receiver corps this talented, and that’s not to take anything away from former receivers. Ainias Smith and Chase Lane are veteran leaders. You have a solid group here. The biggest thing I'm looking to see is taking those shots downfield. You're telling the opposing teams that they can't sit and squat on routes. I hope Jimbo throws seven to 10 down-the-field shots in those games. Those are momentum changers, and that could be the difference.
   
• As former players, we have done it before. We see things people don’t see. A lot of people don't like watching the game with me because I don't watch it like a fan.
   
• Noah Thomas reminds me a lot of Mike Evans. That’s a huge comparison. The biggest challenge for these guys is the coverage. Those are the moving parts that the young guys have to see. It's not just black and white. Noah has the physical aspect. Now it's the mental side of the game as you start playing better competition through the season.
   
• All players share responsibility. When it's a third and long and the receiver doesn't adjust, things happen. Instead of throwing it into traffic, throw it away. Sometimes taking a sack is not the worst thing in the world. I expect our defense to be one of the best in the country. Punt the ball away. They have to protect the football starting with Haynes. There could be a downpour tomorrow. Protect the football. Not just against Sam Houston but every game this season.
   
• This game is about matchups. Put the playmakers in a position to have mismatches. Put Evan Stewart on a third-string corner. Put a tight end on a slow linebacker. That creates more running lanes. I have a bold prediction. Devon Achane will rush for at least 1,500 yards this season and 12-14 touchdowns. He's a home run hitter.