Sam Khan Jr., ESPN Staff Writer
As we continue our look this week at top position battles for SEC teams, we now turn our attention toward Texas A&M’s top two:
Quarterback: Kyle Allen started Texas A&M’s final five games last season, but offensive coordinator Jake Spavital made it clear that the incoming quarterbacks, Kyler Murray and Jake Hubenak, would get a fair shot to compete for the job. Allen has a significant experience edge – he spent two full offseasons learning the offense and had the chance to execute it live last season (he was 3-2 as a starter, including a win at Auburn and earning the offensive MVP honors at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl). Murray and Hubenak are getting extra reps in the early stages of training camp since the Aggies’ staff feels comfortable with Allen’s ability. Murray is the top contender to unseat Allen with his celebrated status as a recruit. The son of former Texas A&M star quarterback Kevin Murray, Kyler won three consecutive state championships at the highest classification of Texas high school football and was 42-0 as a starter. His dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing option since he is the best athlete of the quarterbacks on the roster, but he’s a polished passer too, especially considering his status as a true freshman. Kevin Sumlin typically names a starter two weeks before his team’s season opener, so by the end of this week, a starter probably will be known.
Cornerback: The Aggies return one starter at the position, senior De’Vante Harris, who will be a four-year starter. New defensive coordinator John Chavis seems comfortable with Harris, saying that he’s a “good starting point” for where the Aggies need to go at the position. The cornerback spot opposite Harris is up for grabs with numerous options. Brandon Williams, the former running back, is perhaps the most intriguing. At 6-feet, 205 pounds, Williams is long, lean and fast (he’s one of, if not the fastest player on the Aggies’ roster). After spending his college career in the offensive backfield, the coaching staff elected to move him to the secondary this offseason and he’s currently spending all his training camp practice time on that side of the ball. Victor Davis, who started five games last season, is also a prime candidate for the spot after showing flashes of his potential in spots last season. Alex Sezer and Tavares Garner, both juniors, are also viable options there.