The quest for redemption starts in earnest.
The Texas A&M football team, aiming to avenge a disappointing 5-7 showing in the 2022 season, officially reports on Tuesday.
Among those reporting are eight returning starters on offense, eight returning starters on defense and 19 members of the top-ranked 2022 recruiting class.
The most intriguing competitions when practice begins on Wednesday are at quarterback, running back and the offensive line.
Conner Weigman and Max Johnson vie for the role of starting quarterback.
Last season, Weigman made four starts with the Aggies going 2-2 in them. He passed for 896 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions.
Johnson made three starts in which A&M went 2-1. He passed for 517 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.
That competition figures to extend late into August.
It’ll take at least that long for coach Jimbo Fisher to opt for a replacement for All-SEC running back Devon Achane. He’ll be deciding among the trio of Amari Daniels, Le’Veon Moss and five-star freshman Rueben Owens.
Daniels and Moss played sparingly behind Achane last season. Daniels rushed for 200 yards on 26 carries. Moss gained 114 yards on just 27 carries.
If none of the three emerges as an obvious starter, the Aggies likely would not hesitate to use a running back by committee approach.
All five starters return in the offensive line, which figures to make significant improvement as long as last year’s injury plague isn’t duplicated.
Injuries limited center Bryce Foster to just four starts. With a full season, Foster could challenge for All-SEC honors.
Left tackle Trey Zuhn made 11 starts in 2022 despite playing injured. Left guard Kam Dewberry, a true freshman last season, was thrust into the starting lineup because of injuries to Aki Ogunbiyi and Jordan Moko. They’re back healthy but face a tough challenge in unseating Dewberry. A&M’s offense became more productive after Dewberry moved into the starting lineup.
Right guard Layden Robinson and right tackle Reuben Fatheree are also looking to improve on their 2022 performance.
A&M will also be looking to upgrade its pass rush and bolster its run defense in preparation for the season opener against New Mexico on Sept. 2.