Texas A&M’s 2023 season may not be going as planned. Still, no one can deny that the Aggies’ 15th-ranked defense, aided by their ferocious pass rush (34 sacks), has kept the team in nearly every game this season, solely responsible for several victories.
While the topic of head coach Jimbo Fisher’s future likely leaves some Aggie fans feeling uninspired, his steadfast recruiting prowess is still impressive. With this year’s pass rush living up to its potential under second-year defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, one of the more underrated 2024 defensive ends has included A&M in his Top 5 program list.
Earlier this week, 2024 four-star edge Lugard Edokpayi narrowed his collegiate destinations to single digits, as Rutgers, Minnesota, Marland, Florida State, and Texas A&M have made the cut,
Listed at 6-6 and 215 pounds, Edokpayi, amid his senior season at Bishop McNamara (MD), is a highly athletic prospect, playing at both defensive end and wide receiver while also playing basketball as a forward in the football offseason.
According to On3, Edokpayi is the 28th-ranked Edge in the 2024 class and the 9th-ranked player in Maryland.
BREAKING: 2024 4-Star EDGE Rusher Lugard Edokpayi (@_Lugard3do) is down to 5 Schools!
The 6-6.5, 225 lb EDGE from Bowie, Maryland is ranked as a Top-30 Prospect at his position (#9 MD) per On3
Where should he go? 👇 pic.twitter.com/ZUDmeHopWY
— JGPCFB (@jgpvisuals) November 7, 2023
Under Jimbo Fisher, fans remember current Las Vegas Raider Tyree Wilson, who became one of the best pass rushers in the county after transferring to Texas Tech. Without making a direct comparison, Edokpayi’s length, explosiveness, and enhanced footwork due to his time as a wide receiver have been missing on the edge for several years.
After visiting Rutgers during the matchup with Ohio State last weekend, Fisher and his staff have been communicating with the young star. In contrast, a visit to College Station is likely in the planning stages.
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