While the focus has been on the new additions-especially the Portal and freshmen additions, the key as far as turning the close losses, into wins is the development of the underclassmen that were on their roster in 2022.

As one of the youngest teams in FBS, and with 247’s highest rated roster of talent in 2022, and the SBC’s best recruiting class in 2022 (sorry Marshall, you were in CUSA) there is certainly reason for optimism.

Here is a brief over view of each position with a detailed look at the underclassmen that were on their roster in2022 that could impact 2023:

QUARTERBACK
Lost starter James Blackman and backup AJ Mayer, and have a commit from former Colorado/Tennessee GT QB J.T. Shrout.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:

Jaxon Daley (6-2, 215) rFR -Consensus 3-star prospect who chose A-State over Iowa State, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Rice, Buffalo and Western Kentucky.. Coaches are high on him, and should be in the mix to start even with Portal addition(s).

Looking ahead, the addition of J.T. Shrout is a huge plus. While Jaxon Daley should be in the mix to start or be a solid backup, IMO they need at least one more upper classman added to this position group, to avoid the pitfalls of relying on freshmen as backups in so many position groups last year. If they don't IMO this position group still does not look a strong as 2022.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Lost starting center Ethan Miner to the Portal, and off/on starter Ernie Ramirez to graduation. Not sure of the status of starter OT Robert Holmes (6-4, 339) -who missed most of the last two seasons and has graduate but has a year of eligibility left. Also return veteran Christian Hoz (6-5, 301) rJR, and added Portal transfers Jacob Bayer (6-4, 315) rJR, Jalen Cunningham (6-5, 330) rSR, Tobias Braun (6-7, 315) rSO, and Hamilton Hall (6-5, 330) GT.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning-and there are a lot of them:
Mehki Butler (6-3, 332) rJR- fist team JC All-American who started at OG in 2022, and should do the same in 2023 as an upperclassman, and could get postseason recognition.

Makilan Thomas (6-3, 315) rSO- 3-star prospect out of HS, who had one start as a true freshman at OG, then started at OT in 2023. Dispite an influx of talented older players on the OL , and still being an underclassman, should be a starter at OG or OT, and should get postseason recognition.

Noah Smith (6-7, 315) rSO-3-star prospect out of HS, started two games in 2023. A-State has brought in some solid P5 help at OT, so Smith must have a solid offseason to increase his role in 2023.

Aleric Watson (6-4, 284) SO- earned two starts as a true freshman, and impressed coaches. Butch Jones says he is going to be a great player, and brings toughness to the OL. A-State has brought in some P5 help at OT, and has some experienced backups who have red-shirted, so that may allow them to red-shirt him. Chose A-State over Memphis, Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State and Murray State.

Chase Jessup (6-1, 291) SO- primary backup at center as a true freshman, and should have the same role in 2023. A solid 3-Star out of HS who chose A-State over SMU, Air Force, Kansas, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico and Vanderbilt.

Austin Woods (6-5, 306) rSO- made the two deep as a redshirt freshman. A solid 3-Star prospect as a 4-year starter out of HS, has developed from 265lb to over 300lb, and if he continues to develop could play a bigger role in 2023. Chose A-State over Illinois, Louisiana Tech, Tulane and Texas State.

Darrell Harden rSO (6-3, 319)– 3-star recruit who made depth chart at OG as a rFR in 2022. If he continues to develop could play a bigger role in 2023. Chose A-State over Indiana and Tennessee.

Elijah Zollicoffer (6-5, 349) SO – listed as #2 on depth chart at OT as a true freshman. Not sure of his red-shirt status but because A-State added some P5 transfers he could red-shirt if needed in 2023. If he has a solid offseason could see his role increase, an even push to start. Highly recruited and chose A-State over Auburn, Florida, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Maryland, UCF, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Florida State, West Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota and Virginia.

Saidou Bar (6-4, 302) rFR- despite being new to the game a player that coaches feel has a lot of upside. Looked like solid prospect in spring practice last year, but needs to continue to develop to play a significant role in 2023. Chose A-State over Memphis and Tulane.

Kyle Kelly rSO. (6-5, 284)– Has limited pt but arrived as a 240lb OT. Was up to 284lb last year, and needs another good offseason to continue to develop to see his role increase. Chose A-State over Tulane, Ohio and Western Kentucky.

While they will probably lose a few to the Portal the next go-around, there is absolutely no reason they should not be a much improved offensive line in 2023.

RUNNING BACK
Lost starter Johnnie Lang, and return Seniors Brian Snead (6, 212), and Marcel Murray (5-11, 210) rSR, and added Zac Wallace (6, 220) rJR through the Portal. If healthy these three should be solid.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Ja'Quez Cross (5-9, 182) rSO- 2022 Portal Transfer from Purdue, who earned one start in 2022. 3-Star prospect who was the No. 11-ranked overall recruit in the state of Arkansas by 247Sports. Should see a bigger role in 2023 as an APB.

Mike Sharpe II (5-11, 186) SO – a 3-star prospect out of HS, who earned pt as a true freshman. Shows the ability to be a very good RB if he continues to develop. Chose A-State over Memphis, Marshall, New Mexico, South Alabama, Western Kentucky, Air Force, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, East Carolina, Georgia State, Middle Tennessee, Army and Mississippi State.

Bobby McMillan (5-10, 207) rFR- redshirted. Have seen no comments about this player.

Looking ahead, if they stay healthy and don’t lose any to the Portal, this group should give them a solid run game behind a bigger, older and better OL.

RECEIVER
Lost starters Te’Vailance Hunt , and Champ Fleming to graduation. Return speedy starter Jefferson Foreman (6, 175) rSR, and added Portal transfers Cortney Jackson (5-11, 175) rJR, and maybe Corey Rucker (6, 212) - who was a freshman All-American at A-State before transferring to South Carolina . Lots of lettermen returning but one of the biggest reasons they underperformed on offense was the inconsistence play by the receivers, something Butch Jones commented about after almost every game.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Khyheem Waleed (5-11, 199) rJR- 2022 Portal Transfer from Boise St. Does not have great hands but could push for a starting job with a good offseason, and fall camp. Chose Boise over Virginia, UCLA, Iowa State, Michigan State and SMU, among others.

Daverrick Jenkins (6-1, 173) rFR- smooth receiver, who was a consensus 3-star recruit out of HS. Earned one start, and looked like he is a big-time talent, who could see his role increase big-time in 2023 Chose A-State over Indiana, Appalachian State, Mississippi State, Penn State, Toledo, Buffalo, Western Kentucky, UAB, East Carolina and Florida Atlantic.

Adam Jones (6-2, 184) rJR. - 2022 Portal Transfer from Central Michigan, he and was a primary backup who earned several starts, and if he continues to develop should do the same as an upperclassmen in 2023.

Reagan Ealy (5-9, 160) JR- speedy former walk-on, with good hands who has earned pt since he stepped on campus, and should continue to do the same as an upperclassmen in 2023 .

Omar Walker (5-9, 168) rSO- 3-star recruit who used his speed to get some pt-clocked in at 10.50 in the 100 meter dash in HS, but needs to develop to contribute in a deeper, faster WR room in 2023. Chose A-State over SMU.

WR Wyatt Begeal (5-11, 201) rSO- converted QB that missed 2022 but drew praises from coaches before getting hurt.

Looking ahead, they are returning a lot of youngsters with pt and adding a lot of freshmen with real speed, so if Corey Rucker is eligible, and Cortney Jackson contributes as hoped, should be a little better in 2023. If Butch Jones does not like what he sees this spring, look for some late additions.

TIGHT END
Lost All SBC Seydou Traore and reserve Vershaud Richardson to the Portal, and Reed Tylor to graduation. Added JC transfer Kevin Diaz (6-4, 255).

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Emmanual Stevenson (6-3, 243) JR- a 3-star recruit out of HS who Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference, as a true. Took a backseat to All-SBC Seydou Traore- now at Colorado, in 2023, but is a solid candidate to start in 2023.

TE Miller McCrumby (6-3, 221) rFR- Their highest rated recruit in 2022, he spent last season as a redshirt. If he added the necessary bulk could be a significant contributor in 2023. Chose A-State over Texas Tech, Colorado State, Kansas, Louisiana, Rice and New Mexico.

Looking ahead, will be hard to replace Traore, who was rated the #2 TE in the Portal by ON3Sports, but should be a solid group.

CORNERS/SAFTIES
Lost starter Kenneth Harris to the Portal, but return starters Samy Johnson (5-10, 188) rSR , and Leon Jones (6-1, 190) rSR. Added Donte Thompson (5-11, 175) and Manny Stokes Jr (5-10, 165) rJR from the Portal.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Denzel Blackwell (5-9, 185) rJR - 2022 Portal Transfer from Boston College, who was off to a good start at CB before injuries limited him. If healthy could play a bigger role in 2023, and could start.

Drew Rawls (6, 185) rJR- 2022 Portal Transfer from Utah. A consensus 3-Star recruit out of HS who can play corner or safety and should see his role increase in 2023.
.
Ahman Robinson (5-11, 180) SO. – Not sure of his red-shirt status but solid 3-Star prospect who earned pt as a true, and should see his role at CB increase in 2023. Chose A-State over Missouri, Indiana, Bowling Green, South Alabama, Wyoming, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Akron, Purdue, Miami (OH), Maryland, Illinois and Minnesota.

James Reed III (5-11, 175) rFR. – Speedy corner that earned pt as a true, and should see his role increase in 2023. Chose A-State over Northwestern, Middle Tennessee, Liberty, Western Kentucky and Marshall.

Trevian Thomas (6, 180) rJR- a solid 3-star who has been a consistent contributor and should be a solid candidate to start at safety as a upperclassman. Chose A-State over Arkansas, Georgia Southern, Akron, Liberty, Western Kentucky and Georgia State.

Sam Graham (6, 205) rSO, JC transfer. Red-shirted, but got some pt at end of the year. Should be a strong candidate make their 2-deep at safety, and chose A-State over offers by Kansas and Virginia Tech out of JC.

Websley Etienne (5-11, 186), rFR- highly recruited player out of HS who red-shirted in 2022. Needs a good offseason to get into position to contribute in 2023. Chose A-State over Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi State, Syracuse, Utah, Florida Atlantic, Buffalo, Ole Miss, Charlotte, North Carolina, Middle Tennessee, UConn, Yale, UAB and Marshall.

Looking ahead, losing Kenneth Harris was big, but should be a little better just based on being a year older and CB Donte Thompson could be a significant addition.

DEFENSIVE END
Lost starters Kivon Bennett, and Thurman Geathers, and reserve Robert Mcwilliams to graduation.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Blayne Toll (6-5, 251) rJR- 2022 Portal Transfer from Colorado. One of the top players in Arkansas as a senior, before choosing the Razorbacks, earned expensive pt as a backup in 2022. Should do the same in 2023 as an upperclassman, and could start.

Israel Whitmore (6-1, 237) rSO- 3-Star prospect out of HS as a LB, who was move to DE last season. Good athlete that needs to have a solid offseason to see his role increase in 2023. Chose A-State over Southern Miss and Austin Peay.

Keyron Crawford (6-5, 240)SO. – maybe their best athlete, was a basketball player in HS but in one season showed the ability to be a big-time player. Chose A-State over Iowa, Nebraska, South Florida and Western Kentucky.

Dennard Flowers (6-2, 239) rSO- 3-Star recruit out of HS that looked like he was going to have a solid season last year. If healthy should see his role increase in 2023. Chose A-State over Akron, Eastern Michigan, South Alabama, Texas State, Troy and UAB.

Looking ahead, Bennett and Thruman were big losses and they have not added any Portal transfers so while not a bad unit, probably not as strong as last year. Could see more additions before next fall.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Lost starters John Mincey and T.W. Ayers to graduation. Lost Deris Jackson-who did not register any snaps in 2022, and added GT transfer Micah Bland (6-2, 327) through the Portal.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Ethan Hassler (6-2, 245) JR- a solid 3-star recruit as a LB out of HS that move to DE, and now DT. Called one of their toughest players by Butch Jones , earned pt at every position he has played, and should see his role increased if he can add some weight. Could push to be a starter as a upperclassman. Chose A-State over Southern Miss, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, Tulsa and Wake Forest.

Terion Tank Sugick (6-1, 275) rSO- 2022 Portal Transfer from Vanderbilt. Strong candidate to start in 2023. Chose Vandy over Virginia, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee, Wester Virginia, Purdue and Kentucky out of HS.

Timothy Hardiman II (5-11, 269) rSO- Little undersized, but strong and quick, and saw significant pt in 2022 as a red-shirt freshman, and could see his role increase in 2023. Originally signed with Navy and spent one year the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island.

Treviance VJ Bronson (6-2, 275) rJR- 2022 Portal Transfer that played in 10 games earning four starts as a freshman at Lamar. Earned pt toward the end of the season last year and played well. Should be a solid contributor in 2023.

Rusty Rustemeyer (6-1, 282) rFR. – Consensus 3-star prospect who red-shirted, but got some pt late in the season. While A-State has added one transfer and expects to add more, he is physical enough to earn more pt, but needs a solid off season. Chose A-State over Kansas, Rice, Ball State, Buffalo, Illinois, Air Force, Army, Iowa, Nebraska and Northwestern.

Kadan Lewis (6-1, 255) rFR. A solid 3-star recruit who chose A-State over Tulane, Louisiana, Memphis, Ole Miss, ULM, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky. He must bulk up from his HS weight of 255lb, but with a good offseason has the talent to contribute in 2023.

Looking ahead, the graduation of former VOL John Mincey and T.W. Ayers are big losses-although Ayers starting showed how young they were, but not a bad group returning. Probably a year away as far as development physically. They are adding so some talented true freshmen to those they added last year, and they are working hard to add at one or two older players through the Portal of JC ranks. Should be a little better just because of their numbers , being a year older and the fact they are talented, just how much better probably depends on who they add between now and next fall.


LINEBACKER/NICKLE
Lost starter Jordan Carmouche to graduation, suspended Derrick Bean, and Tristan Shorter- who did not produce any stats in 2022, to the Portal, but return starters Jaden Harris (6-1, 224) rSR, Melique Straker (5-10, 200) rSR, and speedy backup Joe Britton (6-1, 225) rSR. Added Wendell Davis (6-2, 240) as GT, and Gavin Potter (6-1, 224) rJR, through the portal, and 3-Star JC Matthew Drake Thornton (6-2, 235) rJR is committed.

As far as their 2022 underclassmen returning:
Charles Willekes (6-1, 224) rJR- 2022 Portal Transfer from Michigan State. Was solid in 2022, and should get more pt in 2023 as an upperclassman, and could start.

Dane Motley (5-11, 211) rJR- solid 3-star prospect out of HS who has starting experience, and should get more pt in 2023 as an upperclassman. Chose A-State over Appalachian State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ball State, Buffalo, Georgia Southern, Georgia State and Coastal Carolina.

Cruse Temple (5-11, 210) rSO- 2022 Portal Transfer from East Carolina, earned pt in 2022, and should do the same in 2023. Rated as a three-star prospect by 247 and ESPN.com, and received offers from Air Force, Army, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State and Navy, out of HS.

Javante Mackey (6-2, 221) rFR.-was expected to play a big role as a true in 2022 before getting hurt. While they added a couple of P5 transfers at LB , he should see his role increase in 2023 and could be a major contributor. Chose A-State over Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Eastern Michigan and Western Kentucky.

Cam Jeffery (5-11, 189)- a consensus 3-Star prospect who has contributed solid play in every game since he arrived, and should do the same in 2023. Chose A-State over Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Auburn.

Looking ahead, Jordan Carmouche was a big loss but Davis, Potter and if signed Thornton should more than offset his loss. No reason they should not be a lot better in 2023.

SPECIAL TEAMS
P William Przystup (6-4, 250) rSR - 2022 Portal Transfer from Nebraska, expected to start
K Dominic Zvada (6-2, 170) SO - was outstanding as a true freshman and should be even better in 2023.

Edited note: Updated QB room.

Lot of reading for sure because they had such a young rooster in 2022, but should give a good feel for the prospects of improving with another year of development, in a program being built around developing HS recruits.

Like this year, barring a lot of injuries or defections, or the need for more "culture building" personnel decisions by Butch Jones, there is no tangible reason they should not have a decent team, and could be a good one.

Don't want to imply they do not have some freshmen that will impact 2023, I'm sure they do.

Unlike last year however, Butch has their roster to where most rooms will be 3-deep with players they can go with, unless the "newbie" is simply better, or they have an unusual number of injuries, or the Portal bites them between now and next fall.

The only room that does not have enough depth now to not rely on true freshmen is the QB room, and that may or many not be the case this fall.

While they are expected to add at least one transfer-if they don't already have one, and they reportedly have several that would commit immediately if they extended an offer, they feel they can get "winning" play from rFR Jaxon Daley , and don't want to mess that up. Think they have both their true freshmen additions on campus, so it probably depends on how comfortable they feel with them after spring, as to how many to add.

There is expected to be another surge of QB's entering the Portal as spring practice concludes at schools across the country.

Will update after next Wednesday, or if they add a QB, but expect this will suffice until their fall roster is on campus.

Know when grilled, most fans know very little about their own roster in depth, much less another teams, but these young players are the "whys" A-State fans should be optimistic about their programs prospects for success going forward, even in the super competitive SBC.

No tangible reason 2023 should not reflect the progress being made.

Other than QB , there is no positions where I can see freshmen making their depth chart, but because of their talent, and so many of their returnees also being young, there are few that could.

While A-State is loaded with young players on the DL, they are young, so cannot rule out a true freshman muscling their way onto the field.

Brian Alston, DL - this consensus 3-Star recruit might be too good to keep off the field. Received Power 5 offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State and West Virginia.

Ian Jeffries DL - another consensus 3-Star prospect who owned Power-5 offers from Illinois and Indiana, as well as offers from Liberty and Georgia State.

Timothy Gulley, DL- A solid 3-star prospect,- who was sprinter on their track team at 300lb, held offers from Memphis, Marshall, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Louisiana Tech, Troy and others.

Terrell James, DE- Consensus 3-star recruit by all four major recruiting rankings, held offers from Purdue, USF, Coastal Carolina, FIU, FAU, Georgia Southern, Tulane, Temple, Western Kentucky and others.

The receiving corps was a constant thorn in the side of Butch Jones last year and he added a lot of speed in their freshmen class, and their speed could get these players onto the field as trues :

DeAndra Burns Jr., WR - a consensus 3-star recruit , the Arkansas state champion as a junior in the 100 meters, also received offers from Arkansas and Pittsburgh.

Clyde Curry, WR- a 3-Star recruit who received offers from Michigan State, Minnesota, Western Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Southern Miss, among others.

Chauncy Cobb, WR- A midyear signee, this 3-star prospect has a 10.66 100-meter dash, and also received offers from Air Force and Navy, among others.

Tennel Bryant, WR- a 3-star prospect who recorded a 10.29 100-meter dash, who received offers from Air Force, Army, Central Michigan, Massachusetts, Navy, and Toledo.

Takare Lipscomb, WR - a consensus 3-Star prospect offered by AppSt, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Pittsburg, Western Ky, among others

Tyler Little, TE- because they are low in numbers at TE, this 3-star prospect could earn pt. Also offered by Eastern Michigan, Air Force, Buffalo, New Mexico State, UTEP and others.

Jaylen Raynor, QB- unless they add some transfers-which is almost a certainty , or some PWOs beat him out, Raynor will be on their depth chart by default. A midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp, the 3-Star prospect was offered by Army, Air Force, Navy, UMass and Miami (Ohio).

Edit Note: Added WR Takare Lipscomb to the list of WR's.

Again, will update after next Wednesday, or if they add a QB at any point, then go fishing until next fall.

Little fyi- they have a very talented team, and year three of the Butch Jones era will make it very clear those recruiting sites are right and they don't take a backseat to any SBC team when it comes to overall talent. More than anything what is expected to be clear is Jones' ability to develop talent- something those 4 and 5 star types at Tennessee felt they did not need to do.

Don't have a clue if he can coach.

The only down-side I see is their fan's will return in force on the Conference forum saying they saw this coming the whole time.

Just thought last night the first two years of the Jones ear are like the last two years of the Roberts ear- and just prior to their almost decade of sustained- although modest success , when discussing their talent with A-State fan- who are probably the Rodney Dangerfield's of collage athletics anyway.

No matter what evidence you presented to them that their roster talent was on the cusp of turning their program around, they simply could not see it.

One big difference this time is there is not overwhelming evidence a coaching change in their HC -not sure about their coordinators, is necessary to take advantage of their talent. Not yet anyway.