Texas A&M’s first football game is (finally) only five days away, and with that, we have seen the first official depth chart of the 2020 season. While there are several positions where we receive some clarity, it still leaves a lot left unanswered.

As Travis Brown’s tweet, mentions, perhaps the biggest answer we received is that senior receiver-turned-tight-end-turned-linebacker Aaron Hansford will start in place of Anthony Hines, who announced his intent to opt out of the season on Sunday. It’s somewhat of a surprise (at least to me) that this spot didn’t go to Ikenna Okeke, who is listed as a backup along with freshmen Edgerrin Cooper and Antonio Doyle.

Depth Chart Notables:

• We receive no clarify whatsoever at wide receiver, with every player listed having an “or” between, them, meaning there are no defined starters. This isn’t necessarily surprising, since A&M enters the year with a ton of talent but very little experience after losing two players to the NFL Draft, one to season-ending injury and one to an opt-out from last year’s receiving corps.
• No surprises on the offensive line, as Dan Moore and Carson Green lock up the tackle spots, Kenyon Green and Jared Hocker start at guard and Ryan McCollum starts at center. McCollum is the only player who didn’t start in 2019, but also has a ton of previous experience. Improved line play will be essential if A&M hopes to take the next step in 2020.
• Redshirt freshman Zach Calzada and true freshman Haynes King are apparently tied for the backup quarterback spot.
• Isaiah Spiller and Ainias Smith are listed as co-starters at running back, and you have to think they’ll rotate in and out based on the situation (with former WR Smith serving as more of the pass-catching/3rd down back)
• Demarvin Leal is listed as a backup to Michael Clemons at DE, but we have also heard that Leal may play at defensive tackle as well this season. On the other side, Tyree Johnson and Jeremiah Martin are listed as co-starters.
• In the secondary, Myles Jones and Travon Fuller are listed as starting cornerbacks, beating out junior college transfer Brian George and five-star freshman Jaylon Jones.
• Leon O’Neal, who announced intentions to enter the transfer portal this offseason before staying put, is a co-starter with Keldrick Carper at safety (with Demani Richardson occupying the other safety spot).
• Devin Morris appears to have won the nickel corner job after a strong showing in 2019.
• Ainias Smith is the primary kick and punt returner.