Texas A&M Football Recruiting: Meet the Aggies' 2016 Class

The Texas A&M Aggies wrapped up the 2016 recruiting cycle with the nation's No. 18 class. While the Aggies didn't sign one 5-star recruit, it could end up being Kevin Sumlin's best recruiting class since becoming Texas A&M's head coach back in 2012.

The reason for that is depth and versatility. 

Sumlin's previous classes had star power. Whether it was Kyle Allen, Myles Garrett or Kyler Murray, the Aggies featured a big-time headliner. 

Not this group. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The Aggies signed 21 players, including five offensive linemen, three wide receivers, three defensive backs, two running backs, two linebackers, two defensive ends, two athletes, one quarterback and a kicker. 

A&M failed to sign a defensive tackle or tight end for the class of 2016. Fortunately for the Aggies, they have youth and depth at both positions. 

Now, let's take a look at Texas A&M's 2016 recruiting class.

Player	Rating	Position	Position Rank	Hometown
Justin Madubuike	4-star	SDE	5	McKinney, Texas
Kellen Diesch	4-star	OT	10	Trophy Club, Texas
Quartney Davis	4-star	WR	24	Houston, Texas
Aaron Hansford	4-star	OLB	12	Washington, D.C.
Clyde Chriss	4-star	WR	40	New Orleans, Louisiana
Travon Fuller	4-star	CB	22	Athens, Texas
Charles Oliver	4-star	CB	26	Fairfield, Texas
Trayveon Williams	4-star	APB	8	Houston, Texas
Tyrel Dodson	3-star	ILB	13	Franklin, Tennessee
Austin Anderson	3-star	OT	39	Mineola, Texas
Ikenna Okeke	3-star	S	27	Smyrna, Tennessee
Rakeem Boyd	3-star	RB	22	Houston, Texas
Kendrick Rogers	3-star	WR	76	Frankston, Texas
Alton Robinson	3-star	WDE	28	Converse, Texas
Nick Starkel	3-star	QB	20	Argyle, Texas
Moses Reynolds	3-star	ATH	35	San Antonio, Texas
Riley Anderson	3-star	OT	50	Mineola, Texas
Clifford Chattman	3-star	ATH	42	New Orleans, Louisiana
Colton Prater	3-star	OG	57	Bossier City, Louisiana
Braden Mann	3-star	K	4	Cypress, Texas
Ryan McCollum	3-star	OT	112	Spring, Texas

Aggies Loaded Up on the Offensive Line

The Aggies have become something of an offensive tackle factory in recent seasons. Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi were all first-round picks in the NFL draft in each of the last three seasons, respectively. Germain Ifedi hopes to make it four in a row this April.

That meant it was time to restock this position in the class of 2016.

Texas A&M received signatures from four offensive tackles, including 4-star Kellen Diesch. At 6'7", 270 pounds, Diesch has the type of build that could add 30 pounds of muscle with ease and not sacrifice any athleticism. While he isn't as athletic as some of the previous A&M offensive tackles, Diesch has outstanding length. He will need work on keeping his pad level down at the next level.

The Anderson brothers—Austin and Riley—both have good size and the necessary strength to come in and push for playing time as early as 2016. Both are rugged blockers who play with the necessary mean streak and finish their blocks. They could project as guards in the future.

Top Offensive Newcomer

For the first time in three years, Sumlin didn't sign an elite quarterback prospect. The past two years saw the additions of Allen and Murray. However, both players decided to transfer within a week from one another back in December.

That left the quarterback position in a perilous position. 

Fortunately for the Aggies, former Oklahoma starter Trevor Knight transferred to Texas A&M and enrolled last month. He could be the team's starting quarterback this season.

Sumlin considers Knight a part of this class and is pleased with his addition, per Suzanne Halliburton of the Statesman.

“He’s a guy as as far as college football goes, he’s a grown man,” Sumlin said. “He’s very, very strong in his faith. You see how certain guys ooze leadership. He’s all about that. He’s filling a void in leadership that we need." 

While the Aggies did sign a quarterback for this class, 3-star Nick Starkel, he could use a year on the sidelines while Knight and the only experienced quarterback left from last year's team, Jake Hubenak, battle it out for the starting job this spring. 

Sumlin likes Starkel, but believes he could use some developmental time, according to Brent Zwerneman of the Houston Chronicle:

The Aggies signed a few offensive players who could possibly help them this fall, including wide receiver Quartney Davis and running back Trayveon Williams, but the addition of Knight makes him A&M's top offensive newcomer for 2016. 

Top Defensive Newcomer

Defensive end Justin Madubuike, a 6'2 ½", 250-pound defensive end from McKinney, Texas, could make an immediate impact for the Aggies in 2016.

Madubuike is thickly built and possesses a high motor and an explosive first step. While he isn't as gifted as Myles Garrett, Madubuike brings a relentlessness to the position that makes him a handful to block. 

While the Aggies return all of their two-deep at defensive end, Madubuike could help in a specialized pass-rushing role. 

He will need to develop more moves to his repertoire. It will be tougher to beat SEC offensive tackles with just speed and athleticism. With so many upperclassmen in front of him, Madubuike won't need to play every down. He doesn't struggle versus the run, but it will obviously be a bigger challenge at the next level. Fortunately, that won't be an issue in 2016. 

Sleeper of the Class

Cornerback Charles Oliver is a bit of an unknown on the national level. The 6'2 ½", 184-pounder from Fairfield, Texas, could be a big-time addition for the Aggies.

Oliver possesses outstanding length. His long arms allow him to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. In addition to his length, Oliver is fluid in his movements and can flip his hips and run with the receivers. 

Oliver will need to add some strength at the next level, and that shouldn't be a problem. He has a high football IQ and plays with confidence, making him a favorite of defensive coordinator John Chavis. 

With good coaching in college, Oliver will learn to get his pad level lower to take on ball-carriers. He's a willing tackler, but that sometimes gets in him trouble. 

The Aggies graduated two of their top cornerbacks from last season. There's a chance for Oliver to make an immediate impact. Don't be surprised if he seizes that opportunity. 

All recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports.

Bryan Manning covers college football for Bleacher Report, and you can follow him on Twitter @bdmanning4.