Texas A&M’s 2024 football outlook is mixed.
Those of us who cover the program collectively feel that the team’s “ceiling” is 9 to 10 wins, while a seven- to eight-win campaign seems more realistic under head coach Mike Elko’s first season with the program.
However, knowing what Elko has inherited roster-wise, paired with the nearly 30 players he landed from the transfer portal, don’t count this team out from any game this season because former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton has a chance to be an absolute game-wrecker after the Bryan, Texas native returned home before starting his NFL career.
Not recruited by former Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher, Scourton, who likely felt somewhat betrayed by the snub, made the most of his time at Purdue, recording 72 tackles and 12 sacks during his final two seasons, including 50 tackles, a Big Ten leading ten sacks, and 15 tackles for loss last season.
Bringing immense size (6-4, 285 pounds) and strength to an Aggie defensive line littered with 5-star talent, Scourton joins what could be a dangerous pass rush trio with junior DE Shemar Stewart and senior DL Shemar Turner returning in the trenches.
While several other players on A&M’s roster deserve preseason recognition, Scourton was recently named as the program’s only ESPN preseason All-American, coming in opposite Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr.:
“Scourton is back home after transferring from Purdue. He’s from nearby Bryan, Texas, and was a big score for new Aggies coach Mike Elko in the transfer portal after leading the Big Ten with 10 sacks last season. The 6-4, 285-pound junior had 42 total quarterback pressures a year ago, and both Michigan and Ohio State had problems blocking him. Scourton’s deep array of pass-rush moves, according to Pro Football Focus, is the best in the country.”
Scourton isn’t just a bull rusher who solely depends on his size to get in the backfield. As Pro Football Focus noted, his pass rush finesse and deep bag of moves set him apart when NFL scouts come to College Station this season.
Texas A&M will open the 2024 season vs. Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31. The game will air on ABC at 6:30 p.m. CT.
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