5 Texas A&M Football Players to Watch Against Auburn

Shaan Washington

That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of other really good players on this defense, but Myles Garrett is leaps and bounds ahead of most.

However, senior linebacker Shaan Washington gives the defense the leadership it needs in the middle of the field.

After collecting 81 tackles and 7.5 tackles for a loss in 2015, he becomes the captain of this defense. He’s already playing at a high level in 2016 with 13 tackles, 1 sack and 5 pass defended.

Washington has already defended more passes this year than he did all of last year. That ability to cover the slot receiver or running back is what makes him such a problem for offenses.

At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds he has the height and quickness to keep up with just about anyone you throw at him.

Auburn will have to be smart with how they try to matchup with Washington.

And when he blitzes it’s hard for an offensive line to pick him up because of the focus on Garrett and Hall.

Texas A&M has allowed just 241 yards rushing in two games (an average of 78.5 yards per game), and only 2.3 yards per carry. A lot of that has to do with Washington’s ability to plug holes quickly and stop the running back in the backfield, or for a minimal game.

He may not be polarized as one of the bets linebackers in the country, or even in the SEC, but he’ll make a difference in this game on Saturday.

Next: Auburn Football vs. Texas A&M: Matchup and Predictions

Other Notable Players to Watch for Texas A&M:

Keith Ford – Running Back (22 carries for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns)

Josh Reynolds – Wide Receiver (6 catches for 131 yards and 1 touchdown)

Armani Watts – Defensive Back (8 tackles, 1 sacks and 1 pass break-ups)

Justin Evans – Defensive Back (13 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 pass break-ups)