The 2025 Texas A&M Maroon & White Spring game answered many early questions about the defensive side of the ball. The team made plays on all three levels, limited the big plays, and caused several turnovers while looking in midseason form.
At the end of last season, coach Mike Elko made headlines for being upset about his team’s inability to stop pass plays during the bowl game against a depleted USC Trojan football team. He took full responsibility for not having his team ready to play and said he would get more involved in the defense. However, he didn’t just talk about it; he attacked it head-on, hitting the transfer portal and adding to his staff.
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The Aggies got a head start on shoring up the cornerback position when Will Lee announced that he was returning for his senior season, but that still left a void when it came to experienced players who had success at a high level. A&M veteran Tyreek Chappell spent most of his time on the injured reserve list, and the talented Dezz Ricks struggled down the stretch.
Coach Elko brought some competition to the position when he picked up transfers Jordan Shaw from Washington and Julian Humphrey from Georgia. After getting rave reviews during spring practice, they put in some solid work during the spring game. Will Lee spoke on the defensive backs after the game.
“Jordan Shaw specifically like he’s a dog. That’s really been like a person I always felt close with since he came in. He’s an open guy you can talk to him all day every day about anything and on the field, he knows what he’s doing he’s playing fast”
“Julio he’s making great plays out there on the field and he’s going to keep balling. So we got two blankets now so we going to put it to work”
The defensive back room now has depth and talent that have been working hard. Will Lee has confidence that they will be back on track and much improved, easing coach Elko’s concerns from the end of last season.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s Will Lee III speaks on improved DB room with new additions
