Though the 2021 campaign did not meet expectations, Texas A&M nonetheless had its moments and its stars. Players who rose to the occasion, stepped up in the clutch and made a name for themselves.

The majority of those players have left their mark on the program and made way for the next wave of talented athletes. So, who will step up and become synonymous with Texas A&M football in 2022? Here are 5 candidates that just might fill the bill.

1. Devon Achane

The Aggies’ top returning running back figures to get a bulk of the carries this season, with the departure of Isaiah Spiller to the NFL Draft. And Achane has proven that he is certainly capable of being that guy.

It started late in his freshman season when the speedster carried 9 times for 99 yards in a victory at Auburn and then had the breakout performance in an Orange Bowl victory over North Carolina, where he ran for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns.

That propelled him to success last season, when he shared time with Spiller in the backfield but still managed to log 4 100-yard games and another 98-yard performance and finish the 2021 season with 910 yards and 9 TDs.

He led the team last year in reaching the end zone, finding paydirt a total of 11 times. Achane showed his versatility by scoring on a touchdown reception, 1 of 24 catches (261 yards) for the season, and also returning a kickoff for a touchdown as well.

2. Ainias Smith

The Aggies received a big boost when Smith decided to return for his senior season. The team’s top receiver with 47 catches a year ago undoubtedly will be the go-to guy again in 2022. Over 3 seasons, Smith has compiled 118 pass receptions for 1,050 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He figures to be the Aggies’ home run hitter this season. But it may be his versatility that makes him the face of Aggieland. He rushed for 293 yards and 4 TDs in the 2020 season, and last year returned a punt for a score.

Yes, Smith has all the necessary tools to lead the Aggies in the upcoming season.

3. Max Johnson

It’s a new name in Aggieland, but not an unfamiliar one. Johnson threw the last-minute touchdown for LSU that beat Texas A&M in the 2021 season-finale. That sour taste could be made sweet in 2022 with Johnson trading in his purple and gold jersey for the maroon and white.

The transfer started 12 games for the Tigers in 2021 and threw for 2,814 yards and 27 TDs. He ranks 3rd in passing yardage among returning QBs in the SEC behind only (Alabama) Bryce Young and (Mississippi State) Will Rogers.

That’s invaluable experience and a quality that could prove to be a key factor in his success this season.

4. Haynes King

He was the Aggies’ starting quarterback heading into the 2021 season. That seems like a long time ago now that he suffered a season-ending injury in just the 2nd game. He battled Zach Calzada for the starting role and won that. He’ll battle again this spring and fall with Johnson for the starting spot.

Should he win the quarterback battle for a second consecutive year, King would become the focal point of the team and have the opportunity to be its leader. We’ll see how he does against an experienced competitor for the position, but King has already proven that he is capable of stepping into that role.

5. Demani Richardson

The senior safety is already among the team leaders, and a 4th season could be his time to shine. With 172 tackles over 3 prior seasons, the seasoned veteran has played in 32 games over his career at College Station.

With as much leadership as Texas A&M has lost from 2021, Richardson’s name could be the one Aggieland remembers most from the 2022 season when all is said and done.