The Early Signing Period begins Wednesday and the Aggies hope to keep the 2022 signing class together despite the departure of DC Mike Elko.

Here’s a look at what the Aggies are expecting to ink for what could be one of the best signing classes in program history as ranked by 247sports.com.

By the numbers

Overall rank: No. 3
SEC rank: No. 3 (behind Alabama and Georgia)
5-stars: 4
4-stars: 14

Did they find a future QB?

Yes.

The Aggies are no stranger to landing 5-star QBs. Kevin Sumlin routinely did it.

Jimbo Fisher has, too. Connor Weigman is the No. 2-ranked QB in the 2022 class. He’s a 6-2, 208-pound 5-star from the Houston area.

The Aggies’ QB room will be well-stocked in 2022, assuming Haynes King and Zach Calzada return.

The question becomes: Is Weigman the final piece of the puzzle in Fisher’s building of a championship program?

Who is the best offensive player?

For obvious reasons Weigman, an in-state, 5-star QB, will draw the most attention.

But wide receiver Evan Stewart is higher-rated, nationally and in the state of Texas. Stewart, a 5-star recruit out of Frisco, is the No. 6-player in the country. He’s the No. 2 wide receiver and No. 2 overall in Texas.

Stewart also plays a position of need. Injuries hit the position hard, so Stewart could provide much needed help and become an immediate factor.

Who is the best defensive player?

Defensive lineman Walter Nolen is the No. 2-ranked player in the country.

Nolen, a 5-star, is the No. 1 overall recruit in Tennessee and No. 1 DL in America. He is a 6-4, 325-pound imposing figure with busy hands and excellent lateral movement.

With junior DeMarvin Leal declaring for the NFL Draft and 3 seniors across the defensive line, Nolen will have an opportunity to contribute right away. His athleticism offers versatility in whatever role Fisher and his new DC decide.

What position did they recruit the best?

The Aggies recruited hard after wide receivers. They have 5 commitments, including Stewart as well as 4 more 4-star recruits. It’s a position that suffered somewhat this season but looks to have a bright future.

Four of the 5 recruits are among the top 10 nationally at their position.

After Stewart, Chris Marshall sits at No. 7. Donovan Green is the No. 4 tight end in the country. All of them are from Texas. Then there’s Theodor Melin Ohrstrom, from Sweden, who ranks No. 10 nationally at the position.

What position do they still need to recruit?

The Aggies could use another running back. They have just 1 commitment at the position. Le’Veon Moss is a good one, however. The 6-0, 190-pounder from Baton Rouge, La., is a strong runner with good balance.

As good as Moss is, it’s far from a done deal.

Experts are predicting the 4-star standout will stay home and ultimately sign with LSU. If that indeed is the case, then the Aggies would be without a RB commitment as Early Signing Period begins Wednesday.

Did they keep the best players home?

If all goes to plan and the commitments sign, then the Aggies got their share of top recruits from within the state. Texas A&M has commitments from 3 of the state’s top 10 rated recruits. In addition to Stewart (No. 2) and Weigman (No. 7), safety Bryce Anderson is a hard commit and ranked No. 9 in the state.

Additionally, the Aggies have commitments from 7 of the state’s top 20-ranked talent. In all, the Aggies are hoping to sign commitments from 12 of the top 50-ranked recruits out of Texas. They are all 4-stars or higher.

Overall, how you should feel about this class …

It’s difficult to complain about a No. 3 ranking nationally (the highest under Fisher). Even if the 2 programs above them are both SEC teams and 1 of those, Alabama, rules the SEC West.

Fisher continues to bring in top talent and grow the program. If games are won in the trenches, the Aggies should be in good shape. Of the 21 commitments, 7 are offensive (3) or defensive (4) linemen. And in addition to the 5 WR recruits, Fisher is hoping to make official the 4 DB commitments as well.

It’s a solid haul to be sure.