Other than Johnson, TE options all raw

Fourth in a position-by-position series looking at the 2022 Texas A&M Aggies after spring workouts.

Today: Tight ends

Who’s back: Max Wright, senior; Blake Smith, sophomore; Fernando Garza, redshirt freshman.

Who’s gone: Jalen Wydermyer, Baylor Cupp.

2022 signees: Jake Johnson, Donovan Green, Theodor Melin Ohrstrom.

What to expect: One of the biggest head-scratchers of the 2021 season was the non-dominance of Wydermyer, whose first two seasons at A&M were supposed to lead to a robust junior year.

Despite a down junior season compared to expectations, Wydermyer bypassed his senior year for the NFL draft, paving the way for a handful of unproven tight ends to try and make their mark in Jimbo Fisher’s offense.

The opening was supposed to go to former five-star prospect Baylor Cupp, but he intends to transfer to Texas Tech. An insider said Cupp simply was searching for a “fresh start” following two serious injuries early in his career.

One player Fisher is counting on starting Sept. 3 against Sam Houston is true freshman Jake Johnson. He’s the brother of new A&M quarterback Max Johnson, a transfer from LSU, and son of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Brad Johnson.

While Jake Johnson is new to college, he arrived this spring polished and perhaps able to step right in for Wydermyer as starting tight end. Johnson did not play in the Aggies’ annual spring game, however, because of a minor injury.

Smith earned more snaps in Johnson’s absence in the Maroon & White game and caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Max Johnson.

A knee injury sidelined Smith his freshman season of 2020, and he’s come along gradually since.

“He’s had some really good days, but he has to be more consistent in what he does,” Fisher said. “He has a chance to be a good player … (but) he’s got to be more physical, get stronger at the point of attack and be strong-handed when he’s running routes.”

Projected depth chart

1. Jake Johnson

2. Blake Smith

3. Max Wright

4. Donovan Green

5. Fernando Garza

6. Theodor Melin Ohrstrom