The Preseason SEC Football Media Poll and All-SEC Team was released yesterday and six Aggies are in nine slots. A&M was picked to finish second in the SEC West behind Alabama, and received one vote to win the SEC outright.
Vanderbilt also received a vote to win the SEC, so a preseason prediction isn’t something to get too excited about.
No Aggies made the preseason All-SEC first team offense or defense, but punter Nik Constantinou made first team as a specialist. Constantinou lead the SEC and finished top 10 nationally, averaging 46.61 yards per punt.
Second Team All-SEC Is Where It’s At
Layden Robinson is preseason All-SEC second team. Robinson started 10 games last season at right guard and thrived at the position. Robinson made the Associated Press All-SEC second-team following the season. Devon Achane also made All-SEC second team at RB. Achane finished with 910 rushing yards and led the SEC with 7 yards per attempt in 2021. An All-American in track who returned a kickoff for a TD against Alabama, Achane was also named second-team All-Purpose as a specialist.
Antonio Johnson is preseason All-SEC second team as a defensive back. Johnson finished second on the team in 2021 with 79 total tackles, including 7.5 TFL, an interception, and a forced fumble. Johnson was named 2021 Associated Press All-SEC second team and Pro Football Focus first team All-American. He is also named to numerous preseason All-American teams by multiple publications.
McKinnley Jackson is preseason All-SEC third team on the defensive line. Jackson started four games for A&M last season, appearing in 10 games overall. He totaled 14 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 TFL in 2021. The 3-tech is expected to thrive in the tackle rotation in 2022.
Ainias Smith is pre-season All-SEC third-team at WR, second-team at Return Specialist, and third-team All-Purpose. Smith led the Aggies with 47 receptions for 509 yards and 6 TDs last season. He returned a punt 95 yards for a TD against South Carolina and earned Special Teams Player of the Week. The diverse player started all 12 games for A&M in 2021 and was a team captain.