The Texas A&M Aggies- forever the bridesmaids, never quite the bride. Barring some sparse moments of prominence, the Aggies’ football program has historically been ancillary to their relatively “bigger” SEC contemporaries. They are often an afterthought in the conference, even more so after the Texas Longhorns’ entry post-realignment. To be fair, it’s not for a lack of trying. A&M has expended revenue and resources to force a change in perception and performance. Their historical relevance was widely expected to change when they hired their former DC, Mike Elko, as head coach. Year 1 is in the books. The verdict? Moments of greatness meshed with equal parts moments of growth. But enough positivity to look ahead to 2025. However, a dark cloud is forming over College Station. Rendering their buildup into fall inconspicuous.
No matter what side you were rooting for or if you saw it from a neutral perspective. The Eagles’ Super Bowl triumph over the Cheifs made one football cliché ring true. The game is won in the trenches. The Philly D-line’s dominance at the line of scrimmage completely nullified the best quarterback in the sport. Mike Elko didn’t need a reminder of how a strong defensive line is a foundational pillar for any successful team. Kirby Smart’s Georgia has shown it time and again in the proximity of the southeast. However, that game perhaps served as a reality check for Elko. The Aggies’ own D-line isn’t up to par, and the 12th man themselves are taking notice.
Cameron Ohnysty of AggiesWire has published an article that’s reverberated concern around College Station. The premise of the article is Texas A&M’s defensive line depth or lack thereof. Andrew Stefaniak of the “Locked on Aggies” podcast relayed the key takeaways from this eye-opening revelation. As well as his own take on affairs. Right off the bat, Ohnysty alludes to the Mike Elko era beginning brilliantly but fading away down the stretch. But reminiscing over bygones is the least of the fans’ concerns.
“Texas A&M’s defensive line depth is still the biggest question, as former Iowa State DL Tyler Onyedim represents the only interior D-line addition joining junior DJ Hicks and senior Albert Regis,” read the aforementioned article. “Elko will need to attack the transfer portal once again, and add at least one or two more experienced defensive tackles to fill out the room.” The article explicitly pointed to the interior being a sticking point and not the edge rushers. A sentiment that Andrew Stefaniak concurred with as he leveraged his thoughts on the pod.
“Defensive line is that one position where you really need some new guys. I mean, you’re in a spot where you did a great job bringing in players in that EDGE room,” he said. Mike Elko bolstered the position group with T.J. Searcy from the Florida Gators, Samuel M’Pemba from Georgia and Dayon Hayes from Colorado. “But there’s concerns when it comes to your interior defensive linemen. Yes, I have my concerns with the [IDL],” continued Stefaniak. The Aggies may not rub shoulders in the upper echelons of the SEC with regularity. But they are renowned for having solid D-lines year in and year out. With the spring portal around the corner, Elko does have a chance to address this issue. Well, it’s not the only one he’s contending with. When it rains, it pours, even down in Texas.
Mike Elko’s stance on Marcel Reed spawns further duress for the QB
Marcel Reed’s individual season was a microcosm of Texas A&M’s overall. Came in with a lot of fervor, showed promise, and left room for improvement. With Conner Weigman now gone, Reed is firmly QB1. He’ll follow on from the likes of Johnny Manziel. That brings about a certain level of prestige, talking strictly football! But it also tags along with responsibility and onus. Marcel Reed’s gotten his toes wet and now carries the weight of the 12th man and Mike Elko’s offense. Which always tends to blow hot and cold. “Marcel is progressing the way you would have wanted him to,” said Elko ahead of spring camp. One CFB savant has reinstated just how vital a sophomore leap is for Marcel Reed and the Aggies.
Guesting on That SEC Podcast, reporter Steven Lassan said, “The biggest storyline this offseason for Texas A&M revolves around the growth of the passing game under Marcel Reed. The Aggies have invested in him.” He pointed to them bringing in KC Concepcion and Mario Craver into the receiving corp. through the transfer portal. Two players with distinct styles that cover all bases. With KC more of a short-route and intermediary threat and Mario a deep threat. Well, Craver has just gotten into trouble with the law and has been arrested. So, his contribution is up in the air. “With a strong running game and offensive line, Reed’s development could push A&M into top-15 or top-20 contention, potentially even the expanded playoff picture,” continued Lassan.
Both Marcel Reed and Mike Elko are on the same timeline, entering their sophomore season in College Station. Their success and shortcomings are intrinsically linked, too. One can’t diverge from the other. This creates a fascinating storyline amongst a plethora of others brewing for the Aggies. With clarity about the QB position, Elko will want to address his favored side of the football and that D-line pronto.
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