Texas A&M is set to lean on a few players this season who can swing a game without always lighting up the stat sheet.
That kind of value matters, especially for a Mike Elko team heading into the year with plenty of roles still taking shape. Some contributors won’t be the obvious stars on a box score, but they’ll still be doing the dirty work that keeps drives alive, closes space, and changes possessions.
At running back, Amari Daniels has emerged as one of those players who keeps showing up when called upon. He’s built, he’s invested, and he’s the kind of back who can run through contact if a defender gets in his way. Right now, he appears to be in position to either claim the No. 2 spot in the room or split carries with the No. 1 option.
Daniels has already flashed that value in multiple games, whether it was helping as a blocker or finding room to create something out of nothing. The 5-foot-9 Memphis, Tennessee, native finished with 43 carries for 182 yards and a touchdown, and that production should rise.
He could also be used more as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s the kind of sneaky difference-maker who can help in a lot of ways.
Texas A&M also brought in Houston Thomas to give the tight end group another gear. The College Station native is back home after playing at UTSA, where he caught 34 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns.
Thomas averaged 10.2 yards per catch and had his best outing against USF, when he went for 77 yards. He posted nine games with at least 20 yards receiving, and seven of those stayed under 40 yards.
Even so, those performances still gave the Roadrunners a lift. He was important to their passing game and also helped as a blocker.
At 6-foot-5, he’s the kind of player who can surprise people if they’re only looking at the numbers.
On defense, safety Ratcliffe brings a different kind of impact. He may not always be the guy making the flashiest play, but he’s going to be around the ball in coverage, ready to tackle, defend passes, and create turnovers when the chance comes.
Last season, Ratcliffe had 33 solo tackles and three passes defended. Those pass breakups may not jump off the page, but they still matter.
He also had only two games with five or more assists, coming against Mississippi State and Miami. In every other game he played, he had at least one assist, except for Auburn.
The Chula Vista, California, native brings speed, creativity, and steady support to the Maroon and White defense.
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