Latest news with #DJHicks
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Notable measurements for several Texas A&M players after the official 2025 roster release
Texas A&M's 2025 roster is now official, featuring the latest roster numbers, heights, and weights for the over 130 players, including walk-ons, who will enter fall camp next week. To some, changes in weight are just numbers with little meaning, but at certain positions, especially in the trenches, correct height/weight is meaningful for players looking to add strength and size. On the defensive line, junior defensive tackle DJ Hicks is entering his most important season as a starter, and is currently listed at 6'5" and 310 pounds, and has been in the weight room this offseason with a focus on getting stronger while maintaining enough weight to push the pocket and be a force against the run. Senior edge Cashius Howell, who is now listed at 6'4" and 255 pounds, is predicted to lead the Aggies in sacks and pressures after his impressive 2024 campaign as a rotational player. Former Iowa State DL Tyler Onyedim (6'4", 295 pounds) will be highly valuable inside due to his versatility and elite run-stopping background, next to senior DL Albert Regis, whose 6'2", 315-pound frame will be fully utilized during his final collegiate season after recording over 30 tackles and six pass deflections last season. Along the offensive line, every presumed starter, including left tackle Trey Zuhn (6'7", 320 pounds), left guard Chase Bistontis (6'6", 330 pounds), center Mark Nabou (6'4", 330 pounds), Koli Faaiu (6'3", 340 pounds), right guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams (6'5", 340 pounds), and right tackle Dametrious Crownover (6'7", 340 pounds) and Reuben Fatheree (6'8", 330 pounds), are all well above 300 pounds. However, starting quarterback Marcel Reed, officially listed as 6'2" and 185 pounds, has added strength this offseason, but is still relatively thin compared to most SEC signal callers. Still, working behind what is assumed to be the best offensive line in the SEC should keep him upright, but designed runs do pose an issue once conference play begins. 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 Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- 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
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Previewing the 2025 season for Texas A&M DL DJ Hicks with his player profile
Previewing the 2025 season for Texas A&M DL DJ Hicks with his player profile As we gear up for the 2025 football season, Aggies Wire is breaking down every player on the Texas A&M roster. Throughout the preseason, each profile will highlight the player's background, recruiting rankings out of high school, and their projected role under head coach Mike Elko this year. DJ Hicks, the top-rated recruit from Texas A&M's 2023 class, enters the season as a veteran presence on the defensive line. The Aggies will rely on Hicks to help fortify their run defense, lining up alongside Albert Regis and Cashius Howell to create a formidable front. While Hicks' statistics through two seasons may not leap off the page, his experience across 24 games, mostly in rotational roles behind current NFL talent, has prepared him for a breakout junior year. With his name now penciled in atop the depth chart, Hicks is expected to see his most significant playing time yet. Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Katy, Texas Height: 6-5 Weight: 310 lbs. Class in 2025: Junior Recruiting Rankings (Class of 2023) National: No. 11 No. 11 Position (DL): No. 1 No. 1 Texas: No. 2 The former five-star prospect, Hicks earned 2022 Texas District 19-6A Co-Defensive MVP honors his senior year. After contributing in nearly every game since arriving in College Station, 2025 could be the year he cements his legacy. Depth Chart Outlook For the first time, Hicks enters fall camp as a projected starter, listed beside senior Albert Regis. Expect him to play a key role in Texas A&M's defensive success this season. Here's what coach Mike Elko had to say about the junior DL during the Dallas Coach's Night: "I think DJ Hicks is probably that guy who is going to step into that limelight this year and fulfill his potential." 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.
