Bussey's growth adds another dimension to Aggie 'Avengers'

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Personal growth is always a goal

Texas A&M junior receiver Terry Bussey has reached that goal in multiple ways.

He’s grown so much he’s now comfortable in bigger shirts, bigger jackets and a bigger role in the Aggie offense.

He’s bulked up to 205 pounds on his muscular 5-foot-10-inch frame. He’s also raised his profile with some outstanding plays during A&M’s August football camp.

“I’ve probably gained about 10 pounds over the year,” Bussey said after practice on Friday. “Just overall, my body is stronger. (I’m) able to take more plays, more cuts, more hits … stuff like that.”

He continued: “Now I feel like I can put my body between people and make catches that I probably couldn’t make a year ago.”

All that figures to add up to more stats. Maybe a lot more.

Last season, Bussey finished with a modest 18 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown. This season, it’s not a stretch to suggest he could at least double that production.

He’s not just bigger. He’s also smarter. Bussey said most of his growth this season has been between the ears.

“Definitely (improved) my football IQ,” he said. “I pride myself on being one of the smartest players on the field. So, just being able to get in the film room, just knowing coverages and where I need to be when I need to be there.”

Bussey is an easy guy to root for because the deck has largely been stacked against him.

Although a five-star recruit in 2024, he’s from Timpson, a tiny town in East Texas. His hometown’s entire population could fit in one section of Kyle Field and have tickets left over.

The jump from Class 2A football to the Southeastern Conference would be difficult enough. To make the situation more difficult, he was moving from quarterback to defensive back.

But when receiver Jabre Barber sustained an injury in April of 2024, Bussey was moved to receiver, a position he’d never played.

TexAgs

Terry Bussey signed with Texas A&M in February of 2024 and did not arrive on campus until after spring practice had concluded that year.

He didn’t complain. He just tried to learn the nuances of the position while playing at the highest level of collegiate competition.

Further, nagging injuries had slowed his growth.

“The biggest handcuff for him is the fact that, you know, injuries,” said A&M offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins, who was previously the receivers coach. “You get to a spring (last year) where he’s figuring out how to play receiver. The second practice gets a hamstring (injury) and is not able to do anything else.

“Now getting a chance to stay healthy. Smart player. Tough player. Brings a definite different dimension to what we’re doing. Has the ability to carry the ball, plays big in space, has some really good explosiveness. We’re excited about Bussey and where he’s at because he’s picking up exactly what we’re trying to do.”

The expected emergence is a major reason the Aggie receiving corps could be as good — or even better — than it was a year ago.

Last season, A&M receivers were led by eventual NFL first-round draft choice KC Concepcion.

Joseph Buvid-Imagn Images

Now wearing No. 6, Terry Bussey has accounted for 1,251 all-purpose yards in 25 games, scoring three career touchdowns.

Bussey, Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton and continued development of Ashton Bethel-Roman could help replace much of Concepcion’s production.

Also, they may make opponents apprehensive about double covering All-SEC receiver Mario Craver.

That foursome, perhaps along with celebrated freshman Aaron Gregory, has Holmon thinking this group could be super … heroes.

“We try to make a team of what we call the Avengers, right?” Wiggins said. “Like everyone of them brings a different character and skill set, just as far as being able to attack the ball, play with the ball speed, drop their weight.

“I think, as a collective, they all do some great things on the field that opens up what we’re trying to do offensively.”

Bussey has heard Wiggins’ Avengers analogy. He agrees with it.

"Everybody in that room has their different skill sets and stuff they’re really good at,” Bussey said. “We all could do pretty much everything, but you’ve got guys with their main focus. Ashton Bethel-Roman is a blazer. You’ve got big-body Zay (Horton).

“You pretty much mix them together, you get me. I feel like I pride myself on being able to do everything. A big kid of receiver, fast, shifty, stuff like that.”