Latest news with #AggieFootball
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko had to say during Wednesday's Dallas Coach's Night
It's been an exciting few weeks for the Texas A&M football program, and based on what Coach Mike Elko shared during Coach's Night with the Dallas A&M Club, things are only looking up. On Wednesday night, Elko discussed all things Aggie football, including the program's direction and the areas where he hopes to grow as a coach. After a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, momentum is clearly building again. Advertisement That buzz started when Elko expanded his coaching staff and confirmed he'll take a more active role on defense. The roster also returns a wealth of experience, led by a veteran offensive line and a deep running back group. While questions remain at wide receiver, the additions of KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, alongside Terry Bussey, form a promising unit. Perhaps the biggest spark? The outstanding job the coaching staff has done recruiting the 2026 class. Though signing day is still a ways off, Elko has already assembled a top-five class with a legitimate shot at reaching No. 1. Below are some of the key quotes from Mike Elko at the Dallas A&M Club's Coach's night: Elko started the night by praising new basketball coach Bucky McMillan "How about one more hand for Bucky McMillan and what his staff did? I can't imagine coming in and not being able to hold a team meeting. What an unbelievable job he and his staff did putting together a roster that will allow them to go out and compete." Laying a strong foundation is paramount to any program "The most important thing you have to do in year one is lay the foundation, and I think we did that at a really high level." Elko highlights the continuity of his staff and team "We retained our entire coaching staff. We were able to bring back six players who had NFL Draft grades." "In this world of the transfer portal and everyone moving, we've been able to stabilize our roster." Texas A&M football is trending in the right direction "This thing is trending in a really positive direction, and that's what this thing has always been about. You guys deserve a championship football program. There's no doubt about that. I told you that when I got hired here... That's what your passion and your support should have. Let us build it. Let us build it the right way." Coach Elko wants to fill up the Aggie trophy case with some football hardware "I want to win as fast as anyone. I want to win a championship as fast as anyone. I want to be in Atlanta. I want to be in the playoff. I want to lift the big trophies. We'll get there, and when we get there, we'll stay there for a really long time." Defensive will be a key spot that coach Elko will focus on "Defensively, we have to get better, and we know that. Our kids have a tremendous amount of pride in getting back to that defensive culture." Texas A&M has a certain standard, and recruits are taking note "Our staff believes what Texas A&M stands for and what Texas A&M represents. Kids still get recruited off relationships and feeling. It's such a misnomer that all of the recruits out there are looking for top dollar." Coach Elko acknowledged that NIL plays a major role in recruiting, but they still held on to key players Without NIL or the ability to compete in NIL, you're not going to be able to acquire the talent you need to compete on the field. We had a lot of really high-end players in the 2025 class that were being targeted by other programs in our conference and other programs in our state that were throwing money around... Not one of them elected to leave." Elko explains his decision to get more involved on the defensive side of the ball "I'm involved (more with the defense) because, when something doesn't meet the standard and you're the leader of the program, you have two choices: Point the finger or dive in to help fix it. My choice was to dive in." Texas A&M is the hottest team on the recruiting trail right now and shows no signs of slowing down "I think the (recruiting) momentum is really good. I think we're going to have a good week. It should be a really, really good week." Coach Elko's response to the following question: Which player would he pick to be stranded on a deserted island with? "There is a lot of depth to this question, and I'll have 119 kids that I didn't pick tomorrow morning." "I'll go with Taurean York." Advertisement 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. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football: Elko speaks during Coach's Night at the DAMC
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch Texas A&M's starting QB show off his arm strengh this offseason
Texas A&M's 2025 football season will be determined by how the Aggie offense performs behind starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who enters his first full season as the starter after last season's QB carousel with Conner Weigman. After working hard this offseason leading to the 2025 Maroon & White spring game, Reed still has a way to go as a passer, but showed improvement in the pocket, delivering several impressive throws during the game, while his enhanced wide receiver room, led by transfer KC Concepcion, showed off their separation skills, as the room is much faster compared to last season. Advertisement For those who feel Reed does not possess the arm strength to become a reliable passer who can be the reason the Aggies win games when a balanced offense can't be achieved, Reed's Father, Rod Reed, posted a video of his son working out this month, showing off said arm strength and accuracy on the process. When judging a quarterback at the Power 5 level, completing the deep pass, especially connecting on post routes in the middle of the field, is vital to success, but in OC Collin Klein's system, short and intermediate passes to slowly and methodically move the ball down the field is the key to a balanced offense, as the Aggies' run game is expected to keep Marcel Reed to having to win multiple games with his arm. While Reed's ability to make plays with his legs will continue to be a big part of the Aggie offense, having more weapons in the passing game, which also includes former Alabama/Texas tight end Amari Niblack will surely help get things rolling early. Last season, Marcel Reed threw for 1,864 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Advertisement 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. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Watch Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed show off his arm talent this offseason
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch Texas A&M's 2025 football team workout this offseason
Every college football offseason, teams look to become well-conditioned before the spring football season, and for Texas A&M's 2025 roster, the freshman and transfer portal additions are becoming well-acquainted with strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt. Head coach Mike Elko and his staff understand what's at stake in the coming months. More transfer portal additions are needed to fill out the defensive line depth and feel safe heading into the summer, but before any of this can take place, it's all about getting in shape and developing a collective team mentality built around toughness and resilience. This weekend, Moffitt and most of the coaching staff were seen putting in the work, completing various drills and one-on-one competitions to up the ante and keep the team competitive during the winter months. Two position groups that will benefit the most from offseason workouts are the wide receivers and tight ends, central to OC Collin Klein's scheme. However, as we've witnessed over the last two months, the 2025 team is stronger than ever and ready for spring football. Weekend work 😮💨#GigEm — Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) February 17, 2025 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. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Watch Texas A&M's 2025 football roster workout this offseason
