Latest news with #TexasA&M
USA Today
4 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
HC Mike Elko believes Texas A&M junior DL will 'fulfill his potential' in 2025
HC Mike Elko believes Texas A&M junior DL will 'fulfill his potential' in 2025 Texas A&M's defensive line depth became an immediate talking point early in the offseason, mainly due to the departures of Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner, who were all selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, after adding five defensive linemen from the transfer portal, including four edge rushers, interior defensive line depth remains an issue, putting pressure on the starting rotation to perform effectively. On Wednesday night, head coach Mike Elko spoke during the annual Dallas Coach's Night, previewing the 2025 season for what seems like the tenth time this year. Still, it has not yet become redundant, as the second-year leader had plenty to say regarding several players, including junior defensive tackle DJ Hicks. This is a critical season for the former five-star prospect, who was the crown jewel of Texas A&M's 2023 recruiting class, but has yet to live up to his high school production, mainly due to the depth in front of him during his first two seasons. Still, during his first season as a starting defensive tackle, Hicks recorded just 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections. This offseason, Hicks has reportedly worked hard to build more strength in the weight room and work on his technique as a run defender, which, paired with senior nose tackle Albert Regis, needs to reach a level of consistency, as former Iowa State DL Tyler Onyedum is already a proven run defender who also brings notable pass rusher ability to the depth chart. Despite his lack of production, Elko is very high on DJ Hicks to take that next step and finally live up to his immense potetnial as "the guy" on the D-line. "I think DJ Hicks is probably that guy who is going to step into that limelight this year and fulfill his potential." This vote of confidence is a good sign knowing the amount of talent from the transfer portal, as Elko could have named any one of the new additions that have stood out, but remains steady that Hicks will become one of the defense's more reliable defenders. With just one year of eligibility remaining after this season, 2025 needs to be the year that Hicks shines. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2 Texas A&M OL return as PFF's highest rated offensive tackles in the SEC
2 Texas A&M OL return as PFF's highest rated offensive tackles in the SEC Heading into the 2025 college football season, Texas A&M's offensive line will be the key to victory in nearly every game, especially on the ground for the Aggies' deep running back room led by senior Le'Veon Moss and redshirt sophomore Reuben Owens. Returning every starter in the trenches, senior left tackle Trey Zuhn, left guard Chase Bisontis, and right guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams all possess first, second, or third-round NFL Draft potential. In contrast, Zuhn and Reed-Adams could have left for the NFL last offseason. However, right tackle Dametreous Crownover is also a name to watch, possessing the size at 6'7" and footwork to become a long-term starter at the next level. According to Pro Football Focus, Zuhn and Crownover are two of the top six highest-rated returning tackles in the SEC this coming season, bringing two to three years of starting experience in the toughest conference in the country, and will be responsible for keeping starting quarterback Marcel Reed clean throughout the demanding schedule. Against SEC pass rushers, Zuhn finished with an impressive 80.5 pass protection grade, while Crownover's run blocking grade (76.0) was better than his pass protection mark (69.1) last season. Still, under O-line coach Adam Cushing's tutelage, both players should improve in both areas. Texas A&M's offensive line depth will also play a significant role, including 2025 five-star offensive tackle signee Lamont Rogers, who might be took skilled to keep on the field in certain packages, and will be a player to watch this fall. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2026 5-star Edge will take official visit to Texas A&M This weekend
2026 5-star Edge will take official visit to Texas A&M This weekend Texas A&M's recruiting success over the last two weeks is only surprising to those not paying attention. Since Saturday night, coach Mike Elko has landed four commitments, starting with three-star athlete Kaeden Johnson, followed by four-star OT Samuel Roseborough, four-star running back KJ Edwards, and on Thursday afternoon, five-star athlete/cornerback Brandon Arrington chose the Aggies over Oregon. Landing Edwards and Arrington was not expected over a month ago, but Elko and his staff, especially running back coach Trooper Taylor and defensive back coaches Ishmael Aristide and Jordan Peterson, have proven their elite recruiting chops. This is just the start of what's to come this month, as Elko stated that more commits are on the horizon, while another priority prospect has just set his official visit with the program. According to GigEm247's Andrew Hattersley, 2026 five-star edge rusher Tristian Givens, who will announce his commitment on Monday, will take his Texas A&M official visit this weekend before making his decision. Givens is a slight favorite to land with the Aggies, which could be solidified after his OV. Ahead of his visit, Givens spoke with Hattersley about his close connection with College Station, and why the coaching staff, specifically his comfort level, and defensive line coaches Tony Jerod-Eddie and Sean Spencer's plan for him, if he chose the Aggies. "(I like) just how they're going to play me off the edge and stuff and be able to drop me in curls, hooks and all the stuff like that," Givens stated. However, after official visits to Tennessee and Washington, Givens is reportedly "up in the air" regarding his decision. While the Aggies have a leg up as his final host this summer, nothing is set in stone. "Just whichever one, I feel the most comfortable going to and my mom feels comfortable with me going to," Givens stated. According to 247Sports, Givens is the 23rd-ranked prospect in the 2026 cycle, the 3rd-ranked edge, and the 4th-ranked prospect in Georgia. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M baseball lands commitment from elite Maryland Terrapin Shortstop
Texas A&M baseball lands commitment from elite Maryland Terrapin Shortstop Texas A&M baseball coach Michael Earley just scored a massive win in the transfer portal, landing one of the top bats in college baseball. Late Thursday night, he secured a commitment from Maryland shortstop transfer Chris Hacopian after two standout seasons in the Big Ten. Hacopian fills an immediate need in the lineup, especially with Aggie career home run leader Jace LaViolette and Kaeden Kent likely heading to the 2025 MLB Draft. A former All-Big Ten selection, he brings solid defensive skills and a proven offensive presence. Under new infield coach Cliff Pennington, Hacopian is expected to take the next step forward in his junior season at Texas A&M. During his time at Maryland, he compiled an impressive career slash line of .347/.465/.614 with 29 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a 1.080 OPS, while only striking out a total of 19 times. Pairing him with Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac gives the Aggies a powerful trio—if they can put it all together, they'll be a formidable offensive force. Below you can see the announcement on X. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Aggie fans and media react to commitment from Top 30 player Brandon Arrington
Aggie fans and media react to commitment from Top 30 player Brandon Arrington The month of June has been extremely generous to the Texas A&M football program. It's the time of year when college football programs ramp up recruiting efforts to lock in top prospects before the 2025 season. Just a day after landing a commitment from a Top 50 player and the nation's No. 2 running back, the Aggies added another standout—this time from California. On Thursday afternoon, Brandon Arrington announced his commitment to Texas A&M over Oregon. Arrington, the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 2 athlete in the 2025 class, brings a five-star rating with him to Aggieland. In addition to his on-field talent, he offers elite speed and length to A&M's defense. On the track, he's posted personal bests of 10.24 in the 100m and 20.37 in the 200m, impressive marks for his 6-2, 180-pound frame. Arrington told ESPN that strong relationships with A&M assistants Jordan Peterson and Bryant Gross-Armiento played a key role in his decision: "The relationship goes back to day one, for real. They've been locked in with me, recruiting me hard from the very start. The environment feels like home. The people care about football there." Although National Signing Day is still months away and nothing is official until pen meets paper, this is huge news for Aggies fans. Social media lit up in celebration. Texas A&M lands the top athlete in the country Gig'em !! Coach Elko has been on fire this week on the recruiting trail Arrington is making this coach proud Coaches praising coaches Arrington has elite speed Arrington's complete recruiting breakdown AGGIE! Watch Brandon Arrington commit to A&M Exciting times in Aggieland Aggie recruiting is trending up It's been a great start to June recruiting He's Home! Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
