Freshman talent the building block for Texas A&M's future success

COLLEGE STATION - Teams are always hoping to play in that "win now" mode at the start of each season. That isn't always the case no matter how strong they may look. A strict schedule, injuries, and the lack of depth at a position could turn a contender back into a Cinderella story.

Texas A&M fits somewhere in the middle at the moment. The team is sitting at 3-2 and will soon face No.1 Alabama, potentially No.3 Georgia and close the season out against a potential No.5 LSU. Let's also throw in the fact that the Aggies losses have come against a pair of top-10 Tigers, one of whom is the defending national champions.

Expectations were high for the Aggies entering the second season under Jimbo Fisher. Kellen Mond was supposed to take the SEC by storm and the offense was to challenge some of the best SEC defenses. But asking A&M to defeat five potential top-10 opponents is perhaps the most challenging task to complete in football.

The one shining light in what could be another "average" season at Kyle Field is the growth of their young talent. Grading out by 247Sports as the No.4 ranked recruiting class in the nation, five freshmen have grown into future stars out in College Station. While the process has been slow, their production can be celebrated through five games.

It was no surprise that safety Demani Richardson would be a contributor during his first season. Five games into the season and the Waxahachie has already transformed into one of the Aggies' vital defensive starters. The 6'1" defender has transformed into a tackling machine, currently ranked third in tackles with 22 stops.

Richardson has also been fluent in coverage. Dividing snaps in Mike Elko's defense from a "money" based formation, the freshman sensation has yet to allow a touchdown this season.

On offense, Ainais Smith has seen limited action due to a load receiving corp. With the likes of Jhamon Ausbon, Quartney Davis, Kendrick Rogers and Cameron Buckley calling seniority dibs, his production may not match his success. When on the field, Smith has become one of the toughest players to defenders.

Following a six reception, 66 yards outing against Lamar, Smith has seen his role expand. In two games against SEC opponents, the Sugar Land product has collected six catches for 95 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. Against Arkansas, one could find him juking defenders near the sideline for 30-plus yard gains.

Fellow starter Kenyon Green earned the job following fall camp. And despite his outings not as productive as Richardson, he's still a focal point of the team's offensive line. Green has started each game at right guard, forming a strong bond with Carson Green to build "the green mile." He is expected to remain at guard for the remainder of his time in College Station.

There have been highlight moments from role players such as Isaiah Spiller and Jalen Wydermyer. The former Klein Collins running back has rushed for over 100 yards in a game twice this season, showing off his long speed down the sideline. Despite limited production against ranked opponents, Spiller's mistakes are correctable with more snaps.

Wydermyer has been a featured blocker, but also found success in the passing game. Through five games, he's made six catches for 56 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns.

The 2019 class still includes young talent such as tight end Baylor Cupp and quarterback Zach Calzada. The young signal-caller has flashed his potential under center while Cupp was expected to miss the season after undergoing surgery during fall camp.

Teams like Alabama, LSU and Georgia could lose a substantial amount of stars this offseason. Although coaching will help, an established core can only don wonders for a program. Several teams in the SEC will be heading back to the drawing board come January.

But A&M's long-term plan is still well in motion. With the success of their own "fab five," the Aggies should be contenders down the line. Allowing more time for players to learn under Fisher's direction could benefit the team's goal with multiyear starters.

The never-ending carousel of average play should be coming to a close soon in College Station. Fisher was signed for the long game, not the win now. So while A&M fans might be another 8-4 year away, contention is coming.

It's not about "win now" for Texas A&M. It's always been about "win long" in the home of 'The 12th Man'.