Grading the Aggies: WR Jhamon Ausbon

COLLEGE STATION - With the bye week, Texas A&M will have a chance to catch their breath before facing No.1 Alabama. The No.25 Aggies come into the midseason with a 3-2 record, with both losses at the hands of top-10 programs.
There's time to correct the little mistakes on both sides of the ball before the Aggies host No.1 Alabama on October 12. One area where A&M has found marginal success is in the receiver room. Jhamon Aubson and Quartney Davis have each acted as Kellen Mond's safety net, transforming short passes into long gains downfield.
With this being a bye week, let's look at some of Aubson's greatest strengths and weaknesses thus far for the Aggies' offense.
POSTIVES
Aubson out the gate has been the Aggies' most consistent weapon on offense. The junior wideout rarely makes drops, continues to thrive under pressure, and impresses with his acrobatic plays in the open field. He currently leads the team in both receptions and yards.
Of the top two targets, Ausbon has been the go-to weapon of choice for Mond. Consistently using his well-known speed to win against defenders, Ausbon has a plethora of routes where he can win. Not just a vertical threat, the young receiver has made a name for himself after the catch, averaging 13.9 yards per reception.
The strongest suit for Aubson is his clutch factor. Multiple times this season, Mond has made some questionable throws into traffic, leaving it up to his target to make the play. Of all his receivers, Ausbon continues to use his body to make plays outside his reach.
NEGATIVES
Much like Davis, Ausbon has fell victim to dropping passes. With three drops on the season, there have been moments that could have swung A&M's direction that ended in punts. Twice the team could have found their way into the end zone. Instead, they'd end up losing.
From a playing perspective, there have been times where it looks as if the two roommates are not on the same page. Failing to communicate with his quarterback, Ausbon and Mond have tried to connect in the red zone twice this season. Both drives ended in interceptions, killing the momentum for A&M's offense.
OVERVIEW
With the run game taking a step back, Ausbon and the Aggies receiving corp has stepped up. The true leaders on offense, the dynamic duo of wideouts have made plays all season to keep A&M's offense on a proper path. Of the two receivers, #2 has acted as the top guy.
While Davis shines after the catch, Ausbon has been a reliable deep threat. On top of that, he continues to make plays through the air that adds another set of downs for the offense. Overall, it's hard not appreciate what Ausbon has shown this season despite limited production.
The numbers might not match his skill level, but Ausbon has impressed this year. Although not a touchdown machine, his play-making skills make up for that and pair well with Ainais Smith and Davis' scoring ability.
Midseason grade : A

Cole Thompson is a sports writer and columnist covering the NFL and college sports for SI's Fan Nation. A 2016 graduate from The University of Alabama, follow him on Twitter @MrColeThompson
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