Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is set to speak on Thursday afternoon during this week’s SEC Media Days.
Still, before the final day of the annual event, TexAgs Radio host David Nũno sat down with SEC Network analyst Chris Doering, who, like a host of other media members this week, provided his opinion of new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko.
Interestingly enough, current SEC head coaches have noted Elko’s successful career as a defensive coordinator, including a four-year stint with the Aggies, this week, referencing the difficulty of facing an Elko-led defense. However, Elko’s last two seasons as Duke’s head coach saw two consecutive bowl appearances while helping develop current Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard.
After inheriting a talented and experienced roster led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman, new offensive coordinator Collin Klein has plenty to work with. Klein and Elko both agree that a physical running game and officiant passing offense is the way toward prosperity.
Agreeing with this principle, Nũno phrased the question perfectly, noting that after opening the season vs. Notre Dame, Texas A&M will travel to Florida to attempt to win its first SEC road game since the 2020 season. Well, Doering, a fan of Elko’s background, feels that “physicality and a blue-collar mentality” should get the job done:
“Yeah, I’m really excited about this A&M team this season,” he stated. “You know, Coach Elko, having been there before, understands the culture. What he’s been able to do on defense, what he did at Duke, he brings a physical type of mentality that I think is going to fit this A&M team. You play away from Kyle Field, you got to play physical, and I think he’ll bring that.”
Doering further explained his excitement regarding Conner Weigman’s return to the lineup after missing the final eight games of the 2023 season:
“So excited that Conner Weigman is coming back, and it feels like a brand new start,” Doering stated. “You know he was gone so long last year; it feels like forever since we’ve seen him play. I’ve heard a lot of talk about him being a first-round quarterback in the Draft next spring, so I’m excited about what he can do in this offense.”
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