Three Aggies from Texas A&M are invited to the NFL Combine.
Three Aggies from Texas A&M Invited to the NFL Combine: A Look at Their Journey and Potential
The NFL Combine is one of the most highly anticipated events on the annual football calendar. It serves as a crucial showcase for college prospects looking to impress NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. The event gives players a chance to demonstrate their athleticism, skills, and football IQ through various drills and evaluations. For the Texas A&M Aggies, having three players invited to the NFL Combine is a significant achievement, as it highlights the program’s ability to develop talent and prepare players for the professional level.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the three Texas A&M players invited to the 2025 NFL Combine, their individual journeys, and what they bring to the table as potential future NFL stars. These players not only reflect the strength of Texas A&M’s football program but also stand as symbols of the growing reputation of the school in producing top-tier talent. As the Aggies continue to make their mark in college football, these players are prime examples of what can happen when hard work, coaching, and opportunity come together.
The NFL Combine: What It Means for Players
Before diving into the specifics of the Texas A&M prospects, it’s important to understand what the NFL Combine represents. Held annually in Indianapolis, Indiana, the NFL Scouting Combine is a week-long event where draft-eligible players are put through a series of physical and mental tests. These tests include the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and shuttle runs, among others. Additionally, players undergo interviews with NFL teams, psychological testing, and on-field drills to showcase their skills in a game-like environment.
For college players, the Combine is a critical opportunity to improve their draft stock and secure a spot in the NFL Draft. A strong showing can lead to a rise in draft position, while poor performances can lead to a drop. Scouts and coaches pay close attention to how players handle pressure, how well they perform in drills, and their overall physical and mental makeup. For players from Texas A&M, being invited to the Combine is a recognition of their talent, and it presents an opportunity to shine in front of the league’s top decision-makers.
The Three Aggies Invited to the 2025 NFL Combine
For the 2025 NFL Combine, three Texas A&M players earned invitations, signaling the program’s continued rise in producing NFL-caliber talent. These three players represent different positions and styles of play but share a common trait: their ability to perform at the highest level. Let’s take a closer look at each of these players and what they bring to the Combine and, eventually, to the NFL.
1. Devon Achane – Running Back
One of the most electrifying players in college football, Devon Achane is widely regarded as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The Texas A&M junior has been a key part of the Aggies’ offense for the past three seasons, and his ability to change games with his speed, agility, and vision has earned him national recognition. Achane has been a constant threat both as a runner and a receiver, and his versatility makes him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster.
Strengths and Skills
Achane is known for his incredible speed. One of the fastest players in college football, he routinely outruns defenders in open space and has the breakaway speed to turn short gains into long touchdowns. His 40-yard dash time at the Combine will likely be one of the most anticipated numbers, as scouts are eager to see if he can match the speed he displayed on the field with a strong showing in Indianapolis. His explosiveness is evident in both the run game and the passing game, where he has shown the ability to make defenders miss and gain yards after contact.
Achane also brings a high level of football intelligence to the table. He has great vision in the backfield, consistently finding lanes and taking advantage of blocking schemes. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives him a versatility that will make him an asset in multiple offensive systems. Whether it’s running between the tackles, bouncing outside, or lining up as a receiver, Achane’s skill set allows him to contribute in various facets of the game.
NFL Outlook
Achane is expected to be one of the top running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. His speed and versatility will make him an appealing option for teams that prioritize offensive playmakers and look to add a back that can impact both the running and passing game. His performance at the NFL Combine, especially in the speed-based drills, will be crucial in solidifying his draft stock. Given his consistent success at Texas A&M, Achane is poised for a successful career at the next level.
2. Jalen Preston – Wide Receiver
Jalen Preston is another key player for Texas A&M who has earned an invitation to the NFL Combine. Preston is a tall, physical wide receiver who has made an impact for the Aggies throughout his career. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 220 pounds, Preston has the size to compete against larger cornerbacks in the NFL, and he combines that size with impressive athleticism. His combination of strength and speed gives him the ability to make plays both on contested catches and in open space, and he is a dangerous target in the red zone.
Strengths and Skills
Preston’s ability to win jump balls and make catches in tight coverage makes him a strong candidate for NFL teams in need of a wide receiver who can provide a physical presence. His hands are reliable, and he’s shown the ability to make spectacular catches in high-pressure situations. While his route running isn’t as polished as some of the top receivers in the draft class, Preston’s size and athleticism allow him to win with strength and physicality, which is a valuable asset for an NFL receiver.
Additionally, Preston’s work ethic and discipline have been praised by coaches and teammates alike. His competitive nature is evident every time he steps onto the field, and his leadership skills have allowed him to be a stabilizing force in Texas A&M’s receiving corps. At the NFL Combine, Preston will have the opportunity to showcase his speed, agility, and ball skills in front of scouts, who will be looking for him to prove that he can transition successfully to the professional level.
NFL Outlook
While Preston may not be a consensus first-round pick, his size and physicality make him a potentially valuable weapon in an NFL offense. His performance at the Combine will likely determine where he stands in the draft pecking order. A strong showing in drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and bench press could elevate his stock and make him a more attractive option for teams in need of a big-bodied wide receiver who can win contested catches and contribute in the red zone.
3. Antonio Johnson – Defensive Back
Antonio Johnson is another standout player from Texas A&M who earned an invite to the NFL Combine. A versatile defensive back who can play cornerback or safety, Johnson has been a fixture in the Aggies’ secondary for several years. He is known for his ability to cover wide receivers in man-to-man situations, his ball-hawking instincts, and his physicality when tackling. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him one of the most intriguing defensive backs in the 2025 draft class.
Strengths and Skills
One of Johnson’s biggest strengths is his versatility. He has the ability to cover a wide range of offensive players, from speedy wide receivers to larger tight ends. His ability to read plays and anticipate routes has made him a valuable asset in the Aggies’ defense. Johnson is also an excellent tackler and has demonstrated the ability to come up in run support and take down ball carriers with authority.
At the NFL Combine, Johnson will be looking to impress scouts with his athleticism. His speed and quickness will be put to the test during drills like the 40-yard dash and shuttle run. Johnson will also have to prove that his ability to cover elite receivers in college translates to the next level, where the competition is much stiffer.
NFL Outlook
Johnson is considered one of the top defensive back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, and his performance at the Combine will only further cement his standing. His versatility and ability to cover multiple positions in the secondary will make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking to add a versatile, playmaking defensive back. If he continues to develop and perform at a high level, Johnson has the potential to be an early-round selection in the NFL Draft.
