It’s early, but new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is already off to the races, securing 21 players from the transfer portal while, on paper at least, rebuilding several areas, including the offensive and defensive trenches.
Needing more depth and starting talent in the secondary, seven defensive backs have verbally committed thus far, led by four cornerbacks, and according to 247Sports Chris Hummer, another could be on the way.
After spending his last two seasons as Duke’s head coach, Elko has already assembled his impressive coaching staff with multiple former staff members while keeping in contact with many Duke players who have entered the portal, led by productive cornerback Brandon Johnson, who visited the Aggies last weekend.
For most of his collegiate career, Johnson has played at the nickel corner spot, accumulating 128 tackles (70 solo tackles), 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions from 2021-2023.
If Johnson were to commit, cornerback coach Ishmael Aristide, who also coached at Duke last season, would have many options in the slot. At the same time, hybrid safety/nickel Bryce Anderson could be freed up to move to use his speed and athleticism to blitz at a higher rate outside of his coverage duties.
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