Speedy Noil has been labeled as the top wide receiver prospect going into the 2014 season of college football. Although Texas A&M may be losing some strong weapons in their offense, they are looking to even that out with a strong addition at the wide receiver position.
Texas A&M came into the 2013 with high expectations, having the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, and a successful 2012 season that saw them give the Alabama Crimson Tide their only loss.
Although Johnny Manziel put up an incredible performance and almost beat Alabama this season, they were not able to get the job done, and with some key losses at the end of the season, they were bumped down to the Chick-Fil-A bowl.
In the game, they fought a fierce battle with Duke, and came away with a win, 52-48.
Speedy Noil had received interest from several top-notch schools for college football including LSU, Alabama, and Auburn, but Texas A&M was the team that made the offer, and he made the announcement that he would be an Aggie on Thursday.
Earlier this year, SB Nation stated that Speedy Noil is a consensus four-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings, although 247Sports has Noil as a five-star prospect. He’s the No. 55 player nationally in the former rankings, as well as the No. 5 wide receiver and No. 6 player in state of Louisiana.
#8 overall prospect Speedy Noil has committed to Texas A&M! #UAALLAMERICA
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 2, 2014
Speedy Noil is a wide receiver from Edna Karr high school in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has decided to make the switch to wide receiver upon entering the NCAA, however, he spent his high school career playing quarterback.
In 2012, Devante “Speedy” Noil totaled 2,235 passing yards and 1,345 rushing yards as a quarterback, as he showed off his dual-threat ability. This may sound familiar to anyone who has followed the Texas A&M program in the past few years, with Johnny Manziel being one of the best players at the position who is able to pass and run.
He is a smaller player at 5’10.5″, 176-pounds, but makes up for it with his speed and elusiveness. His overall ability and strengths as a player have placed him as the 11th-best overall prospect in 2014, and No.1 wide receiver, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Speedy Noil, on what he'll do if LSU keeps pursuing him: "I made my decision. I'm going to stand with it." #TAMU
— Mark Passwaters (@themarkup) January 3, 2014
Speedy Noil is set to be a strong addition to the Texas A&M offense. Unfortunately for fans of the Aggies, with Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans both being likely candidates to go high in the 2014 NFL draft, they will not be able to see the star players together.
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