Year two under Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko starts on March 20. Unlike last year, he is settled in, and his players now know what to expect.
Texas A&M football concluded the 2024 season with mixed results, going from a team on the rise to one struggling against top competition. Despite a solid record, their drop-off late in the season, compounded by injuries to key players like Tyreek Chappell, Le’Veon Moss, and Mark Nabou, disappointed fans eager for greater success.
Under head coach Mike Elko, culture building became a priority, focusing on accountability and execution as core principles for long-term success. As Texas A&M looks to compete in the 2025 SEC season and aim for the College Football Playoffs, fans are eager to see whether Elko’s leadership can transform the Aggies into title contenders.
Coach Elko spoke to the media ahead of the start of spring football.
A big position that A&M needed to address was cornerback
“We wanted to add some depth into the secondary. We were able to get Julio Humphrey. … We had great speed, great athleticism.”
After Conner Weigman transferred, Elko brought in a veteran QB
“Quarterback was a really tricky thing for us. We felt we needed an older guy in the room, and that’s not always the easiest thing.” “(Jacob Zeno) is going on his 11th year of college football… I’m kidding. It’s his sixth or seventh. … He’s going to come in here and have an opportunity to battle with Marcel (Reed).”
Mike Elko speaks on the struggles late with defense
“We just didn’t play defense the way I wanted to, and I don’t point fingers. … It’s making sure we play defense the way I want to.”
Transfer WR Kevin Concepcion will play a major role in the offense
“He’s lights-out. He has tremendous quickness, tremendous acceleration. … He plays extremely physical.” “We’re really, really excited about what he’s capable of.”
The offensive line went from a position of weakness to a position of strength
“Last year at this time, that was a big concern, and now you look at it, and you have the top seven back from a group that played pretty good football last season.” “We’re going into spring ball with 20 offensive linemen… That’s a really good starting point, and then they’re going to be out there, competing and getting better every day.”
Internal competition will be a keyway to make teams better
“We want a program where people are always a little unsettled and feel a little uncomfortable and feel like every day they go out there that they have to compete for opportunities and playing time.”
Elko remains very confident in QB Marcel Reed’s ability
“Marcel (Reed) is really talented. He has the ability to make every throw on the field. What he needs is that natural Year 1 to Year 2 progression.”
“He has been hard at work since the bowl game making sure he’s a master of this system.”
Texas A&M’s offensive line isn’t dealing with depth issues, that’s for sure
“Last year at this time, that was a big concern, and now you look at it, and you have the top seven back from a group that played pretty good football last season.”
“We’re going into spring ball with 20 offensive linemen… That’s a really good starting point, and then they’re going to be out there, competing and getting better every day.”
Even with the frustrating end to the 2024 season, there is still a lot of excitement around Mike Elko and his staff. The fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the team after being able to get a full offseason when they step on the field on April 19 for the spring game.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Mike Elko said before Texas A&M’s spring practice season
