Despite taking a medical redshirt in 2015, Texas A&M linebacker Otaro Alaka comes into the 2016 football season with high expectations and will be a vital piece of the puzzle if the Aggies want to improve on stopping the run in 2016.

Whether they have transferred in from other schools, redshirted, been injured or just haven't reached their full potential, some Aggies have yet to make a large impact in Maroon and White. Olin Buchanan has picked five unproven Aggies that could affect 2016 in a big way.

After a promising freshman campaign, Otaro Alaka struggled through an injury-riddled 2015 and nearly lost his father to a stroke. With the family emergency in the rearview mirror, the sophomore is ready to lead a bigger, faster set of linebackers for coach John Chavis.

The 2016 football season holds promise for Texas A&M, but to reach its lofty goals the program must provide answers to some tough questions. Who will fill voids left by upperclassmen, improve positions of weakness and step up to push the Aggies to the next level?

It was unquestionably one of Texas A&M's weak links in 2015, but the linebacker group that lined up for John Chavis in the spring provided reason for hope. Numbers, health and talent are all improved — but will it be enough heading into the fall?

Nearing the end of another spring the things we know and the things we don't mesh to form an interesting puzzle for Texas A&M Football. Which Aggies have positioned themselves for a breakout year, and what will we have to wait until the fall to figure out?

In the book go two weeks of Texas A&M's spring camp, dangling a long list of storylines, developments and possibilities. As the Aggies head off to Spring Break, which players have made strong cases to start in the fall and which new coaches have made the biggest impact?

Even on a defense that improved in large amounts, the Texas A&M linebackers are aware they were seen as the weak link. On Friday John Chavis and Otaro Alaka discussed what the group's health, added talent and depth and, most importantly, resolve means for its 2016 prospects.

College football's revolving door can usher some players out as quickly as they came in if new talent surpasses them. Five Aggies enter Texas A&M's spring camp with either a golden opportunity to seize or, perhaps, one last chance to carve out a role.

A wary eye cast in the direction of the Texas A&M football program will encounter a list of concerns to address before dreams of grandeur in 2016 can even take shape. But look closer — a combination of new coaching, talent available and options could make for an accelerated rebuild.

In Saturday's performance John Chavis likely saw several things he didn't like. What he also saw, however, were things that could be easily corrected. His Texas A&M defense heads into SEC play with much to prove — but also much to be excited about.

Brian Polian returns to Kyle Field as head coach of the Nevada Wolfpack featuring a dynamic rushing attack and a strong set of tight ends. Kevin Sumlin's Aggies await with key pieces returning and stars looking to break out. Who will make the difference?

From Texas A&M's three quarterbacks to the performances of two unheralded running backs, a number of Aggies were the story of Saturday night. Kevin Sumlin and his players spoke with the media after the victory about what comes next.

After a strong close to his freshman season, now sophomore linebacker Otaro Alaka looks to be a key component to the 2015 Texas A&M defense, both in his play on the field and his leadership off it.

Inexperience often clouded the Aggies' high-potential group of talent during an up-and-down 2014 campaign. One year and several changes later, that won't be the case. The time is now for a few of Texas A&M's young, soon-to-be stars.

All around Aggieland and beyond, eager eyes will watch Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray duke it out for the title of Texas A&M's QB1 — and for good reason. However, heading into fall camp, competition that will be key to the Aggies' season also litters the rest of the roster.

Every team seeks at least one standout at every level of the defense. Some may have more; some may not have any. In the Southeastern Conference, which defensive triumvirates will enter 2015 atop the list?

During Wednesday's edition of TexAgs Radio, former A&M and NFL DB Jordan Pugh shared his thoughts on the linebacker position at A&M, what to expect from the position and how the Aggies are recruiting so well.