In preparation for the 2014 college football season, Saturday Down South takes a look at the X-factor for every SEC team. Not only do these players have the opportunity to make major contributions for their respective squads, but they could also be the difference in a successful season or a losing season.

Today, we’re discussing the X factor for the Texas A&M Aggies.

WR Speedy Noil

With a name like Speedy Noil, you expect him to be fast. And Noil is fast, don’t get me wrong. He’s electric. But he’s much more than just speed.

In high school, Noil was a jack-of-all-trades for his team, playing quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Now, a true freshman at Texas A&M, Noil will be a receiver for the Aggies, but he’ll be a a key contributor to the success of the team.

The Aggies are entering their first year of the post-Manziel era. While I don’t believe Manziel is irreplaceable, you can’t argue that it’ll be an adjustment finding a replacement for all the production and excitement Johnny Football brought to College Station.

Enter Speedy Noil. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound true freshman has turned several heads this spring after enrolling early back in January. The New Orleans native has showcased his blazing speed on more than one occasion and has surprisingly been very “polished” in his route running. Reports out of Aggies camp also suggest Noil’s strength has been surprisingly good for a true freshman.

RELATED: SEC’s top impact newcomers of 2014: No. 5 Speedy Noil

Noil’s combination of size and seed will make him that much more valuable for the Aggies. You’ll see him line up in both the slot and on the outside. He can be a deep threat and a guy to get you the shorter receptions with his crisp routes.

The Aggies recently released their depth chart for their opening game against South Carolina and Noil is listed at No. 1 at both receiver and punt returner. His ability to make an impact in both the receiving game and special teams makes him even more of an x-factor for the Aggies this season. As great as his strength and route running skills are, speed is Noil’s primary asset. Heck, it’s his first name! He’ll come in as one of the more dangerous returners in college football with the expectations of taking one or two back for a touchdown.

RELATED: Texas A&M releases starters for South Carolina game

Noil has the potential to be in the upper echelon of college football’s most dynamic players. If everything we’ve heard out of camp in College Station comes to fruition in the regular season, Noil isn’t your ordinary true freshman. Expect him to have the ball in his hands as much as possible within this explosive Aggies offense and become an instant impact player in college football.