Receiving corps among the nation's elite

Why they're second: The wideouts gave the defensive ends a run for their money for the top spot, as they've got explosive talent, experienced veterans and a lot of depth. They're easily the best receiver group in the SEC and maybe the best in the nation.

Height/Weight: 5'11", 200 lbs.

2015 stats: 80 catches for 1,009 yards and 7 TDs; 24.6 yards per punt return and 2 TDs.

It took Kirk about a quarter to acclimate himself to the college game; after that, he was close to unstoppable. He became one of the most exciting players in the sport as a true freshman, using his agility and toughness to make big plays out of short passes and using his speed to get deep. A freshman All-American, Kirk has impressed coaches and players alike with his drive to be great. He should be a first team pre-season All-SEC pick in a few weeks, and the sky's the limit for him. He is the biggest weapon in a receiving group filled with them.

Height/Weight: 6'4", 191 lbs.

2015 stats: 51 catches for 907 yards and 5 TDs

Even though he didn't match his amazing touchdown numbers from 2014, Reynolds otherwise had a spectacular 2015 season as he averaged better than 17 yards a catch. He doesn't attract as much national media attention as some of his teammates, but it's Reynolds who has been the deadliest weapon in the Aggie arsenal the past two seasons. He should also receive pre-season All-SEC consideration and another quality season could push him into the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Considering he's already developed a rapport with new QB Trevor Knight and nobody's stopped him yet, that possibility may be more of a likelihood.

Height/Weight: 6'5", 240 lbs.

2015 stats: 45 catches for 560 yards and 4 TDs

Last year, A&M fans began to get an idea of what Ricky Seals-Jones can really do. He showed that he's a physical receiver that's tough to bring down, a deep threat in the middle of the field and possibly the best blocking wide receiver in college football. That was with an offense that didn't maximize his talents.

Noel Mazzone, on the other hand, likes to use big receivers, and he's never had one quite as talented as Seals-Jones. This spring, the new offensive coordinator had more passes thrown RSJ's way that probably to any other receiver, as he saw the potential matchup problems the big athletic receiver could cause.

Even with all the weapons the Aggies have at receiver, it's looking like a good bet Seals-Jones will have a lot of passes thrown his way this year. If he has a strong season, his athletic gifts could be enough to make him a first round prospect as well.

Height/Weight: 5'11", 192 lbs.

2015 stats: 21 catches for 226 yards and 2 TDs

Nobody in Texas A&M's talented roster of receivers has been blessed with more physical gifts than Speedy Noil. Getting those gifts to be put on display, however, has been a frustrating process. Injuries and off the field issues made his 2015 season essentially a waste, one that ended with his suspension for the Music City Bowl (and the season opener against UCLA).

A lot of people expected Noil would be gone by the time spring practice rolled around, but he was not only on the field, he was by all accounts practicing with a new attitude and motivation to put last year behind him. His spring ended with an arrest for driving without a license, but coaches and players alike praised him as a model teammate.

If Noil can stay on the field and out of trouble, the quick passing game Mazzone is installing could be a perfect fit for him. Aggie fans are eagerly hoping that 2016 brings the Speedy Noil they've been waiting for since his arrival two years ago. If they get that guy, he could be one of the most explosive players in the conference.

Height/Weight: 5'11", 195 lbs.

2015 stats: 9 catches for 102 yards and 3 TDs

Tabuyo has, for whatever reason, been underutilized during his A&M career but has made a lot of big plays when he has gotten the football. With his final year looming, the speedy Hawaiian is approaching the season with a vengeance, moving past Damion Ratley in spring practice and having a huge spring game. He is also staying in College Station to train instead of going home during the break between the end of classes and summer school. If he gets the football, he'll probably make plays in 2016.

Height/Weight: 6'4", 171 lbs.

2015 stats: 8 catches, 65 yards

After an impressive 2014 season (464 yards, 5 TDs), it looked like 2015 was going to be the year Pope became a dynamic fifth receiver for the Aggies. Instead, a knee injury hobbled him the entire season and made him an afterthought. The knee brace was gone when spring practice began, however, and his speed was back. He quickly moved back into the backup slot behind Reynolds and could be ready to have the big season everyone was expecting last year in 2016.

Height/Weight: 6'1", 207 lbs.

2015 stats: 2 catches, 7 yards

Niederhofer didn't see the ball much in 2015, but quietly found his way back into the receiver rotation in the slot this spring. He isn't the fastest or flashiest guy, but he's consistent and he has good hands. While his role isn't set, he enters the summer as Christian Kirk's backup.

Height/Weight: 6'6", 220 lbs.

2015 stats: Redshirted

Reduced to almost an afterthought in Jake Spavital's offense, the former 4-star got a huge boost with the change in offensive coordinators. Iheanacho found himself as the primary target among the backups as he experienced a big spring. Slated to be the backup to Seals-Jones this season, he could be on the verge of a couple of big years in the near future.

Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs.

2015 stats: 15 catches for 200 yards and 2 TDs

Ratley is remembered by the A&M fan base for the catches he didn't make, and not the ones he did, in 2015. Though plenty fast and athletic, Ratley's inconsistencies when it came to catching the football stung the Aggies several times last season and hurt him again in the spring. He goes into the summer looking to prove himself again and hoping to wrest a job away from Pope or Tabuyo.

Height/Weight: 5'9", 180 lbs.

2015 stats: 2 catches, -1 yard

A favorite of former WR coach David Beaty, Jeffery has had trouble getting playing time in his first two seasons at A&M. He needs a big summer to avoid getting passed over by the younger receivers.

Height/Weight: 6'1", 195 lbs.

After catching 36 passes for 625 yards during his senior season at Cy-Ridge, Siverand redshirted his first season at A&M. He showed up at spring practice looking noticeably bigger, but still behind a number of more experienced receivers. He should be in the mix for at least a backup job at outside receiver in 2017, but his snaps may be limited this year.

Height/Weight: 6'2", 187 lbs.

2015 stats (at Langham Creek High School): 53 catches for 961 yards and 10 TDs

A burner with good size, Davis may be the true freshman most ready to contribute in 2016. Still, with the depth chart as it is, the Aggies may lean towards redshirting him and preparing him to compete for a starting job in 2017.

Height/Weight: 6', 175 lbs.

Chriss is a product of New Orleans Warren Easton High School, where the Aggies have had some success in recent years. There's no real shock as to why A&M (and LSU) wanted him: he can flat out fly. He's another guy who could possibly redshirt this year and then be used on the outside in 2017.

Height/Weight: 6'5", 194 lbs.

2015 stats (at Frankston High School): 29 catches for 558 yards and 6 TDs

Coming out of 3A Frankston, Rogers may need a redshirt season to get stronger and to adjust to the college game. But he comes with some outstanding skills, including outstanding leaping ability and much better than expected speed. With Seals-Jones likely departing after this season, Rogers could be the guy who steps in with Iheanacho as the big slot receiver in 2017.