Texas A&M tight end Baylor Cupp is out indefinitely after suffering a broken bone in his lower leg during a scrimmage. 247Sports is reporting that Cupp could be out for the season.

Cupp had surgery on Tuesday to have a plate inserted near his ankle and tibia. 

The true freshman from Brock ranked as one of the pillars of Texas A&M’s 2019 recruiting class, and No. 1 tight end in the nation. Despite playing in a run-based offense, Cupp caught 20 passes for 492 yards and six touchdowns as a senior, while helping lead the Eagles to the state semifinals.

Cupp enrolled early and quickly proved that he was ready to take over the position. In the spring game, he led the team with five catches for 88 yards. 

The only returning tight end who caught a pass last season was junior Ryan Renick, and he only caught the one for eight yards. Sophomore Glenn Beal has played in a blocking role, but has yet to catch a pass. The Aggies also moved Camron Horry, son of San Antonio Spurs standout Robert Horry, back to tight end from defensive line. 

In addition to Cupp, Texas A&M signed Dickinson tight end Jalen Wydermyer in the 2019 recruiting class. The Aggies also boast a big group of tight end walk-ons, including Jacob Groff (6-2, 200), Tyler Ondrusek (6-7, 211), Daniel Haak (6-2, 238) and Tyler Scoggin (6-4, 248). 

The Aggies are tasked with replacing All-American tight end Jace Sternberger, who became a star in Jimbo Fisher’s offense during his first year in College Station. Sternberger led the team with 47 catches for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

The tight end plays a big role in Fisher’s scheme because of its versatility. Sternberger was asked to help pave the way for single-season leading rusher Trayveon Williams, and still play a primary receiving role. Fisher has added a pair of tight ends in each of his receiving classes, and already has a commit from Southlake Carroll senior Blake Smith in 2020. He views the position as critical.

We named Texas A&M tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley to our 40 Under 40 list earlier this year. During his time at Mizzou, he helped develop Albert Okwuegbunam into a Mackey Award finalist. Texas A&M pursued Finley aggressively in order to steal him from the SEC rival. With Cupp’s injury, Finley’s coaching ability will be put to the test right away.