A position-by-position projection for Texas A&M's 2023 offense

Consistently lethargic performances in 2022 showed Texas A&M’s offense needed an injection of petrol.

The Aggies got Petrino.

The hope in 2023 is the influence of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino will provide the fuel to lift A&M out of its offensive doldrums.

Last season, the Aggies ranked just 93rd in the nation in total offense. They were even worse in scoring offense — ranking 101st by averaging a mere 22.8 points.

Those statistics must spike for the Aggies to be legitimate contenders in the SEC West, where five of A&M's rivals averaged more than 31 points a year ago.

Petrino faces a tall task, but he has material with which to work, as seen in a position-by-position breakdown.

Quarterback

Projected Starter: Conner Weigman or Max Johnson

Outlook: Weigman’s additional experience and Johnson’s return to health should ensure the Aggies get more production in 2023.

How much more will determine whether A&M merely becomes bowl eligible or appears in a prominent postseason game?

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Weigman’s 338-yard game at Ole Miss was spoiled by a 31-28 loss.

Weigman showed glimpses of vast potential in four starts last season. He demonstrated an ability to fit passes into tight coverage and the ability and willingness to scramble for first downs.

Weigman also avoided turnovers, which has been a major problem for the Aggies.

Johnson also did not throw an interception in his three starts last season. More impressively, as LSU’s starting quarterback in 2021, Johnson passed for 2,814 yards and 27 touchdowns and threw just six interceptions. He can run, too.

LSU finished with a 6-7 record that year, but a poor offensive line and soft defense were more to blame than Johnson.

Preseason Projection: Much better. The potential is there for A&M to have one of the better quarterbacks in the SEC. Depending on potential can be disappointing. Still, I’ve seen enough to be bullish on A&M quarterbacks.

Wide Receiver

Projected Starters: Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart and Noah Thomas

Outlook: At Coach’s Night with the Houston A&M Club on Monday, Fisher indicated Thomas would be a starter. Who will be the other two starting receivers? Or will A&M go back to four receivers?

The bet here is A&M primarily uses three receivers. Another bet is Ainias Smith and Evan Stewart will be starters, too. That makes sense. Stewart had 53 catches as a true freshman. Smith has 127 career catches and 17 touchdowns.

But that would mean Muhsin Muhammad III would be backup — a backup who closed last season by catching 23 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns in the last four games in which he played.

Obviously, A&M is deep and talented. Indeed, A&M’s receiving corps should be among the best in the SEC.

Preseason Projection: The receiving corps is championship caliber. The return of Jalen Preston and freshmen Raymond Cottrell and Micah Tease looks like good depth to an excellent group of starters — whoever they might be.

Tight End

Projected Starter: Donovan Green

Outlook: Green had a solid showing as a true freshman in 2022, with 22 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns.

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Max Wright caught nine passes for 129 yards last season.

Still, his projection as a starter isn’t assured. Graduate Max Wright opted to come back for another season. Highly-regarded sophomore Jake Johnson has recovered from injuries that diminished his freshman campaign. Redshirt freshman Theo Melin Öhrström, a prospect from Sweden, might be ready to make an impact.

Preseason Projection: The Aggies are good and deep, especially with the second-year players having added size and experience. Should Green and Johnson show major progress, A&M tight ends could enter elite status reserved for Georgia and LSU.

Running Back

Projected Starter: Le’Veon Moss, Amari Daniels or Rueben Owens

Outlook: Let’s be honest here. The expected running back by committee approach probably won’t be as effective as 2022 starter Devon Achane, who missed two games last season. A&M managed just 30 points in those games against UMass and Auburn. Also, in his final two games, Achane rushed for more yardage than Moss and Daniels combined to accumulate all season. Yikes.

However, that doesn’t mean the outlook is dire. Daniels flashed explosiveness in the last three games. Fisher has predicted Moss will be a high NFL Draft pick someday. Owens is a five-star prospect.

Every featured running back initially needed a chance. All three will likely get a chance to be featured. Whether one steps forward or A&M uses a committee approach, the situation at running back is promising.

Preseason Projection: No running back might rush for 1,000 yards. All three could be at 400 or better. Running ability isn’t a concern. Picking up blitzes and catching out of the backfield might be. Still, A&M rushing game projects to be sound. It could be significantly more than that, depending on…

Offensive Line

Projected Starters:  LT Trey Zuhn, LG Kam Dewberry, C Bryce Foster, RG Layden Robinson, RT Reuben Fatheree

Outlook: It’s no secret, the offensive line is the Aggies’ greatest area of concern. Injuries were a problem last season, with Foster missing most of the year, Dewberry being thrust into the lineup as a true freshman and Zuhn reportedly playing hurt.

But that doesn’t fully explain rushing for 89 yards against Appalachian State, 110 against Sam Houston and 94 against Auburn.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Steve Addazio will be entering his second season as A&M’s offensive line coach.

Robinson admitted he did not play up to standard. Fatheree took a step back after a very good true freshman season in 2021.

Robinson and Fatheree are needed to raise their level of play. Foster’s return from injury will provide a significant boost. So should Dewberry, having gained experience last season. A healed Zuhn figures to be improved.

Still, there are no guarantees the line will be significantly better.

But true freshman Chase Bisontis made such an impression in the spring that he could challenge for a starting job. Sophomore Mark Nabou, who can play guard or center, also drew raves. Guard Jordan Spasojevic-Moko is also back from injury.

All that suggests the incumbent starters are at risk of being passed on the depth chart. That’s a good thing.

Preseason Projection: The Aggies line will be better. Health, more experience, physical growth and a second year under offensive line coach Steve Addazio should ensure progress is made. But how much? The answer figures to determine the level of offensive success. For now, that’s anybody’s guess.