Texas A&M Football: WR Ryan Swope Must Carry Aggies Against New SEC Foes

As Texas A&M makes their move into the best football conference in the country, many things around the program must change for success to viable. This is a team that hasn't known their true potential in what feels like decades, making the addition of new head coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff all the more appropriate for the transition.

Immediate triumph on the gridiron requires such rapid adjustment, especially with such a difficult league filled to the brim with top-notch coaches, hard-hitting defenses, and dangerous offenses approaching fast. Sumlin and his new program will have their hands full trying to configure a stratagem probable for a favorable outcome.  

However, every equation needs a constant.

In the case of the 2012 Aggies, their constant will be senior wideout Ryan Swope.

As senior QB and future No. 8 overall NFL Draft selection Ryan Tannehill's favorite 2011 target, Swope has compiled an extremely impressive resume. Bringing in 89 receptions for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns last year alone, he was considered to be one of the best in the nation.

Finishing the 2011 season ranked as the 19th best wideout when going by his 93 yards/game, Swope is easily one of the most consistent players in the sport. Compared by many to former Texas Tech and current New England Patriot WR, Wes Welker, his fearless nature in the slot position makes Swope invaluable on the field. 

Ranked by CBSSports.com as the 12th best available WR for the 2013 NFL Draft and the No. 97 prospect overall, Swope has proven his ability to make a impact on a game. Without a doubt A&M's best offensive skill player, this powerful receiving corp will need his leadership to continue its success under new head coach Kevin Sumlin.

With Sumlin and OC Kliff Kingsbury coming into A&M with a spread offense dominating their playbooks, Swope is exactly the kind of threat they need to build around for the SEC to feel any kind of pressure from the Aggies.

One of the senior wideout's best qualities, however, is his ability to decipher defensive schemes and find holes that his quarterback can put the ball into easily. With senior Ryan Tannehill graduating to the NFL, spring practice has shown that sophomore Jameill Showers will more than likely get the start at QB in 2012, making Swope's "field smarts" even more of a necessity.

As is known around the country, the SEC is the defensive centerpiece of the college football world. With Sumlin gearing up to construct a powerhouse spread offense in College Station, however, a high-caliber wideout such as Ryan Swope is more than a requirement, especially since it will be A&M's first year in the conference.

As the Aggies will be visiting Bryant-Denny, Jordan-Hare, and Davis-Wade to take on Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State, respectively, as well as hosting LSU and Arkansas at Kyle Field, the best of the SEC West will bearing down upon A&M all season.

Swope provides solid leadership for the team as well as big-time numbers at his position. Sumlin and his new program have to put their faith in their top wide receiver's abilities as they enter their new home; things are changing but Swope remaining the same is crucial to A&M success.