Tennessee, Texas A&M's Wins in Recruiting Paying Dividends in 2016

Both Tennessee and Texas A&M had high expectations entering the 2016 season.

However, few could imagine that their meeting in College Station would feature the SEC’s only unbeaten squads other than defending national champion Alabama.

Both teams still have hurdles to clear in their respective divisions, but the reason they are in this position on the field is because of the victories each school has logged on the recruiting trail.

According to Scout’s rankings, Texas A&M’s five-year class average is No. 13 nationally, while Tennessee is right behind them at No. 17.

Class Year	Tennessee Rank	Texas A&M Rank
2012	22	21
2013	36	6
2014	4	7
2015	5	10
2016	18	20
2017	7	8

A closer look into that window shows that both programs are benefiting from huge wins for national prospects during that period.

Volunteers head coach Butch Jones and his staff were the favorites to win the SEC East mostly because of the talent brought in from the 2014 and 2015 classes—both of which finished in the Top 10 nationally.

The 2014 class produced five current starters on offense and four on defense. Additionally, starting kicker Aaron Medley and ace return man Evan Berry were in that group. Among the biggest wins for the Vols in that cycle were landing receiver Josh Malone, running back Jalen Hurd and defensive end Derek Barnett.

Tennessee’s 2015 class—which finished No. 5 nationally—has supplemented the roster with depth in key spots. For example, sophomore defensive linemen Kyle Phillips, Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle are all listed in the Vols' two-deep and provide them with a load of talent capable of winning in the trenches for years to come.

Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin has endured a similar experience building up his roster in College Station.

Three consecutive Top 10 classes beginning in 2013 has helped Texas A&M climb up the ladder in the rugged SEC West. The Aggies offense has found periods of success since moving over from the Big 12 after the 2011 season. 

The biggest transformation for the Aggies has come on the defensive side of the ball.

Senior starters in defensive end Daeshon Hall, defensive tackle Hardreck Walker and linebacker Shaan Washington all arrived in the 2013 class—which finished No. 6 nationally.

According to Ourlads, another six defensive starters arrived in the 2014 class—including corners Nick Harvey, Donovan Wilson and safety Armani Watts. Of course, All-American defensive end Myles Garrett was the headliner of that group.

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 class—which features a key reserve in stud defensive tackle Daylon Mack and starting linebacker Richard Moore—finished No. 10 nationally and has provided the roster with quality depth.

Both teams are also enjoying success in the 2017 cycle—with both schools occupying spots among the Top 10 classes in the country.

Recruiting is a huge part of why Tennessee has taken a step forward in beating East powers Florida and Georgia and emerging as the front-runner in the division.

Similarly, the Aggies have emerged as the primary threat to the Crimson Tide in the West.

Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s showdown in College Station, the future for both programs is bright thanks to their successes in February over the last few years.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of Scout.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani