Category: NIL

It’s official: Derek Miller has been hired on as Texas A&M’s Director of Recruiting

The Aggies have officially announced that Derek Miller will be the Director of Recruiting, following Mike Elko from Duke.

It was reported early this month that Derek Miller would follow Mike Elko to Texas A&M, but nothing was set in stone. Well, that has now all been put to rest as it’s now official that Miller will serve as the “General Manager” of recruiting, otherwise known as the Director of Recruiting.

Miller is regarded as one of the up-and-comers in the college ranks regarding player personnel and recruiting. He is known to be very detail-oriented and a great leader, even at his young age. ECU head coach Mike Houston said as much when Miller joined his staff back in 2021.

“Derek’s work ethic, attention to detail, organizational and leadership skills will provide a great impact not only in recruiting, but across the board in many phases of our program’s development,”. We are extremely fortunate to have someone with his expertise and proficiency in this critical position.”

Elko, being familiar with Miller after working together at Bowling Green, joined Elko at Duke and helped bring in one of the better recruiting classes in team history. This is a massive acquisition for the Aggies and for the first time in about seven months, Texas A&M will have a fully staffed recruiting department.

Congratulations to Miller for joining the Aggie network and we look forward to seeing what he can do once Mike Elko can completely take over the football functions for A&M.

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Social media reacts to Jay Bateman being the next Texas A&M defensive coordinator

Texas A&M is set to hire Florida ILB coach as the program’s new defensive coordinator

News broke via TexAgs on Thursday morning that Texas A&M is in the process of hiring Florida’s assistant coach Jay Bateman to be the new defensive coordinator for the Aggies.

After coach Mike Elko mentioned in his press conference on Wednesday that we could expect a hire soon, rumors started to swirl. The name that came up the most was the former Aggie linebacker coach and current Duke defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci.

We know how the internet can be, and the Santucci hate was abundant and unwarranted. Now, with the Bateman, some of the same people are still complaining.

With Elko being a defensive coach, the thought behind the hire really came down to how good of a fit Bateman would be within Elko’s system and the staff. Granted, Bateman has been up and down with his success, but he is known mainly for turning around a struggling Army defense and being named as a 2018 Broyles Award finalist.

It’s not the splash hire fans might have wanted, but Elko seemed more interested in building a grounded staff that can recruit and will jell with the university. But like everything in life, not everyone will agree with everything that someone does, and social media gave us a taste of both sides.

Texas A&M OL duo Chase Bisontis and Mark Nabou announce their return for the 2024 season

It’s official: Texas A&M offensive linemen Chase Bisontis and Mark Nabou will return for the 2024 season.

During Wednesday’s national signing day, Texas A&M and new head coach Mike Elko were as busy as ever, signing 12 players, including three four-star offensive linemen, as many of the issues that plagued the Aggies in 2023 stemmed from poor play in the trenches.

Even better news: new offensive line coach Adam Cushing is poised to have nearly every starting offensive lineman from last season returning in 2024, as it was announced on Wednesday night that starting right tackle Chase Bisontis and reserve guard Mark Nabou, who started multiple games at center and left guard last season, will also return in 2024.

After withdrawing from the transfer portal on Tuesday night, Bisontis, who dealt with the annual freshman “baptism by fire” season, steadily improved down the stretch due to his elite traits and brute strength.

Mark Nabou’s ascendance as one of the team’s highest-rated blockers not only provided a consistent impact when his name was called, but with the departure of veteran right guard Layden Robinson, Nabou may be the perfect fit to fill said void, placing fellow returnee Kam Dewberry at left guard.

In a similar fashion to every returning player, Bisontis and Nabou, through Texas A&M’s NIL initiative Texas United, posted their announcements on X, cementing what could be one of the better offensive lines in SEC play, if, and that’s a big if Adam Cushing can unlock this groups potential finally.

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‘I think we’ve added great people to the Texas A&M community’ Everything Mike Elko had to say during National Signing Day

Here’s what Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko had to say following National Early Signing Day.

Mike Elko entered the A&M job with limited time to assemble a staff. On top of that, he had the tough task of managing the current roster, high school recruiting and hitting the transfer portal.

Given the circumstances, I’d give Elko a B+ grade overall mainly because, even though he has a lot on his plate, I believe he’s been a tad bit slow filling out important coaching positions. Granted, he did mention once bowl season is over the staff will shape up quickly. Outside of that, he’s been doing a bang-up job on the recruiting trail, especially rebuilding the relationship with the THSCA in a short period of time.

Like with most coaching changes, many football players will rightfully start looking for other places to continue their college careers with a staff they might have built a prior relationship with. Coach Elko addressed one of the coaching positions that has yet to be filled on his staff and if it’s affecting the recruiting.

“I don’t think there has been any problem in selling the defense. I think finding a linebackers coach, which is where the coordinator will come from, has been more of a challenge.”

He also mentioned that a hire to fill the vacant defensive coordinator spot should come within 24-48 hours. Another topic of interest was the status of signing high school recruits who might have been on the fence or just having the time to reach out to as many recruits as he liked.

“The group that we put together is really about quality and not quantity….. When you’re a new coach, you can do a lot of things in your first 18 days that can set your program back a lot.”

“At some point, we’re going to have to come up with some kind of governance that has some sort of access to roster management that isn’t open moves every single day from the end of the season into January.”

Coach Elko hit on several other topics that you can check out from the Press conference below:

The Elko era is almost in full swing, and the future looks bright as the team starts to take shape.

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2024 4-star OL Papa Ahfua officially signs with Texas A&M

Elko gets good news as 4-star OL Papa Ahfua signs on the dotted line

It’s flip season and with a new head coach at the helm with an incomplete staff, everyone is on edge during National Early Signing Day to see if commits will stick or sign elsewhere.

I collective sigh of relief happens every time a commit stays with their commitment and the Aggie offensive line is officially bringing in some reinforcements. Isendre Ahfua better known as “Papa” put pen to paper on early signing day marking the second OL commit in the Elko era.

The 6-4, 310-pound tackle has been committed since August and chose the Aggie over Miami, Alabama, Auburn, and Oregon. 247 Sports has him projected as a Power – starter with the ability to play multiple positions.

Elko is off to a great start retaining two talented offensive lineman and we look forward to seeing who signs next.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

Texas A&M sophomore DL Shemar Stewart set to return to College Station for 2024 season

He’s Back! Aggies sophomore defensive lineman Shemar Stewart will be returning to College Station for the 2024 season.

In a huge announcement, Texas A&M sophomore defensive lineman Shemar Stewart will be returning to College Station next season.

According to Texas Aggies United, the official name, image, and likeness partner of Texas A&M Athletics, Stewart will be “back for more” in 2024.

Stewart is a man among boys, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 285 pounds. He is a native of Miramar, Florida, and graduated from Monsignor Pace Academy in 2022.

As a true freshman, Stewart appeared in all 12 games for the Aggies and made six starts. He recorded 23 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks last year. He earned the Defensive Top Newcomer award during the annual team banquet.

This season, Stewart played in 11 games but saw a dip in his production. The sophomore logged 10 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. However, he did recover a return of a blocked kick for a touchdown during the season.

Texas A&M begins the 2024 season at home against Notre Dame on Aug. 31.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

Texas A&M OL Trey Zuhn will officially return for the 2024 season

Texas A&M OL Trey Zuhn III is the fourth Aggie to announce his return in 2024 through NIL partner, Texas United.

Texas A&M’s football roster in the beginning stages of the offseason has already dealt with significant attrition, as more than a dozen players have entered the transfer portal. At the same time, several 2024 commits have either flipped or de-committed this month.

Three veteran players have also declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, including wide receiver Ainias Smith, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, offensive lineman Layden Robinson, and standout linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who will likely be the first of the four to hear his name called.

On Friday, two more vital members of the 2023 roster announced their return for the 2023 season, starting with star running back Le’Veon Moss, followed by starting left tackle Trey Zuhn III, one of the toughest players on the team, bar none. Appearing in all 12 games during the 2023 redshirt sophomore season, Zuhn was consistently one of the highest-rated pass blockers on an otherwise porous offensive line per Pro Football Focus.

Heading into the 2024 campaign, quarterback Conner Weigman will be back in the saddle after his season ended prematurely due to injury, and while the rest of the O-line is finally due to improve under new offensive line coach Adam Cushing, Zuhn’s trustworthy play while protection Weigman’s blindside has to help new head coach Mike Elko sleep better at night.

Including Zuhn and Moss, four Texas A&M starters have announced their returns.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark inks NIL deal with Gatorade

Women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark added Gatorade to her NIL portfolio as she continues her quest to become the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader at Iowa.

As Iowa star Caitlin Clark ascends the college basketball record books, her NIL portfolio continues to grow.

Clark inked a new NIL deal with Gatorade on Tuesday, according to a news release from the company. Gatorade joins State Farm, Nike, Buick, Bose, H&R Block, and others in having deals with Clark – who recently became the 15th college basketball player ever to reach 3,000 career points.

Gatorade will donate $22,000 to the Caitlin Clark Foundation as part of the deal.

“This partnership is special because not only does Gatorade fuel the best athletes in the game, but they’re also committed to leading by example and giving back, which is what I strive to do every day,” Clark said in the news release. “I’m honored to join such an iconic brand that has some of the most elite athletes in sport on their roster and can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Clark joins a star-studded group of college athletes with NIL deals at Gatorade, including fellow women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers at UConn, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Penn State running back Nick Singleton.

No. 4 Iowa will take on Cleveland State on Saturday, December 16 at 8:00 PM ET as Clark continues her quest to break the all-time women’s college basketball scoring record of 3,527, set by Kelsey Plum at the University of Washington in 2017.

Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark inks NIL deal with Gatorade

Women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark added Gatorade to her NIL portfolio as she continues her quest to become the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader at Iowa.

As Iowa star Caitlin Clark ascends the college basketball record books, her NIL portfolio continues to grow.

Clark inked a new NIL deal with Gatorade on Tuesday, according to a news release from the company. Gatorade joins State Farm, Nike, Buick, Bose, H&R Block, and others in having deals with Clark – who recently became the 15th college basketball player ever to reach 3,000 career points.

Gatorade will donate $22,000 to the Caitlin Clark Foundation as part of the deal.

“This partnership is special because not only does Gatorade fuel the best athletes in the game, but they’re also committed to leading by example and giving back, which is what I strive to do every day,” Clark said in the news release. “I’m honored to join such an iconic brand that has some of the most elite athletes in sport on their roster and can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Clark joins a star-studded group of college athletes with NIL deals at Gatorade, including fellow women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers at UConn, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Penn State running back Nick Singleton.

No. 4 Iowa will take on Cleveland State on Saturday, December 16 at 8:00 PM ET as Clark continues her quest to break the all-time women’s college basketball scoring record of 3,527, set by Kelsey Plum at the University of Washington in 2017.

Texas A&M Safety Bryce Anderson officially announces that he will return for the 2024 season

Through Texas A&M’s official NIL partner, Texas United, sophomore safety Bryce Anderson announces his return for the 2024 season.

Texas A&M’s football roster in the beginning stages of the offseason has already dealt with significant attrition, as more than a dozen players have entered the transfer portal. At the same time, several 2024 commits have either flipped or de-committed this month.

Three veteran players have also declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, including wide receiver Ainias Smith, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, and offensive lineman Layden Robinson.

Still, great news made its way to social media on Monday night, as stand-out sophomore safety Bryce Anderson announced that he will return for the 2024 season amid recent false rumors (his Twitter was hacked) regarding his potential entry into the portal. Through Texas A&M’s official NIL (Name, Image Likeness) partner “Texas United,” Anderson was tagged in a post, simply stating, “Staying in Aggieland.”

Bryce Anderson’s ascendance up the depth chart slowly gained traction during his 2022 freshman season, as the former high school quarterback immediately converted to safety due to his speed, instincts, and efficient tackling in the open field, recording 28 tackles, 16 solo tackles, and 3.5 tackles for loss in 11 games.

Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin began utilizing Anderson off the edge in blitz packages this season, leading to an uptick in tackles for loss (7) while finishing fourth in tackles with 47, three QB hits, 1.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and an interception on the year.

Bryce Anderson’s importance to the defense can’t be described just with statistics. Still, as McKinnley Jackson and safety Demani Richardson depart, Anderson will take on a more prominent leadership role in the locker room next season among a roster with many new faces.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.