Tag: Blake Ivy

Texas A&M Football’s 2024 roster show’s new S&C Tommy Moffit’s immediate impact

Under new S&C Tommy Moffit, Texas A&M’s 2024 roster is already bigger and stronger

With SEC Media Days beginning on Monday, several head coaches, including LSU’s Brian Kelly, took the stage to preview the upcoming season, providing the usual talking points that may or may not come to fruition once the cleats hit the turf.

Before Mike Elko takes the stage on Thursday afternoon, Texas A&M’s 2024 roster was released to the public, while nearly every player has either gained or lost weight with less than a month before the Aggies kick off the season vs. Notre Dame on August 31.

Under new strength & conditioning coach Tommy Moffitt, freshman offensive tackle Blake Ivy gained the most weight out of anyone, adding 35 pounds to his 6’4″ and now 330-pound frame. Coming in behind Ivy, tight end Donovan Green, who will return after missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, gained 20 pounds, now sporting an impressive 6’4″, 265-pound frame.

Along the offensive line, three reserve O-linemen, Dametrious Crownover, TJ Shanahan, and Aki Ogunbiyi, have added 15 pounds, while the rest of the tight end rotation is beyond massive, all weighing over 260 pounds. This is clearly a sign that the run game is due to improve this season.

On the defensive line, defensive tackles DJ Hicks, Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, and defensive end Cashius Howell have added 10 pounds of mass, and interestingly enough, three of the cornerbacks from the transfer portal (Dezz Ricks, BJ Mayes, Donovan Saunders) have also gained 10 pounds in the weight room, all billed at 195 lbs.

After photos surfaced of starting quarterback Conner Weigman during the Manning Passing Academy, the redshirt sophomore has added five pounds and looks bigger and stronger after missing the final eight games of the 2023 season.

Losing weight a player who could rise through the depth chart, defensive tackle Samu Taumanupepe has lost over 30 pounds, now weighing in at 6’3″ and 350 pounds.

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Texas A&M’s 2024 class is highlighted by an exceptional offensive line haul

Texas A&M’s 2024 early signing day wasn’t perfect, but securing three of the top OL prospects surely helped build toward the future in the trenches.

Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class experienced a wave of de-commitments after the firing of the now-former head coach Jimbo Fisher, as new head football coach Mike Elko is looking to put his stamp on the program, starting with recruiting the players that fit the mold of what he’s aiming to build in College Station.

While the Aggies likely won’t finish in the upper echelon of the recruiting ranks, twelve players, including three of the top offensive linemen, signed with Texas A&M on Wednesday, while four commits, led by five-star ATH Terry Bussey, hang in the balance.

However, more good than bad came out of Wednesday’s results, and focusing on the O-line, new offensive line coach Adam Cushing will have plenty to work with in 2024 and beyond. Led by four-star tackles Blake Ivy and Ashton Funk, four-star guard Isendre “Papa” Ahfua might be the most intriguing prospect due to his strength and size, standing at 6’4″ and 310 pounds.

Going into the 2024 season, The Aggies return four out of five starting offensive linemen, as right guard Layden Robinson stands as the only departure while starting right tackle Chase Bisontis and key reserve guard Mark Nabou announced their returns this week.

With added depth at both guard and tackle, Ivy, Funk, and Ahfua are much too talented not to be considered rotational players as soon as they step on campus.

After the pass protection issues witnessed during the 2023 season, a different coaching scheme paired with said returning experience and the infusion of talent could finally turn things around and help starting quarterback Conner Weigman reach his ceiling.

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4-star OL Blake Ivy signs with Texas A&M over LSU and Texas

Aggies head coach Mike Elko has ensured in recent days that no matter who starts under center at QB next year, they will be well-protected.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has ensured in recent days that no matter who starts under center for the Aggies next season, they will be well-protected.

Freshman All-SEC offensive lineman Chase Bisontis withdrew his name from the NCAA Transfer Portal on Tuesday. The early signing period opened Wednesday and three 4-star offensive linemen put pen to paper and committed to Texas A&M, beginning with Ashton Funk and Papa Ahfua.

The third pass protector to sign his name on the dotted line is Blake Ivy. The 6-foot-3 1/2, 280-pound offensive tackle hails from Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas.

Ivy verbally committed to the Aggies on Aug. 19. He had 18 total offers and took respective visits to Texas A&M, LSU and Texas.

“I appreciate everyone coming out and supporting me today. I know it’s early and you had a lot of things you could do but y’all are here, so I appreciate that,” Ivy said in August. “I would like to first start by giving thanks to God for blessing me with the ability and talents to take this game and use it as a tool to better my future. To my family, for all the unconditional love and support throughout my life and my football journey. To my mom, for bringing me into this world and raising me to be the man I am today. Even though it always wasn’t easy, for believing in me, seeing the best in me and sacrificing to get things that we need and want, even though it wasn’t always easy.

“To my dad for stepping into my life, when my biological father didn’t want to be there. For showing me what a real man looks like protecting and providing for his family and for teaching me valuable lessons that I will take with me in my next chapter in life. Thank you to all the coaches and teammates for bringing the best out of me every day and helping me get to where I am today. I want to thank all the college coaches who saw something in me, giving me a chance to play for their team and be a part of their family.

“With that being said, I will be attending Texas A&M University.”

https://www.youtube.com/live/8IRdy7hkHBw?si=o2Zl_6xk4DtamgUf&t=1260

Other notable schools that offered Ivy include Baylor, Florida, Houston, Missouri, Ole Miss, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, UTSA and Vanderbilt.

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Where does Texas A&M land in Rival’s Top 2024 Offensive line classes?

Where does Texas A&M’ 2024 offensive line class rank among the Top 5 classes in the 2024 recruiting cycle?

With all the changes being made amid new Texas A&M Football head coach Mike Elko, the hiring of Adam Cushing as the program’s new offensive line could have a significant impact on the future recruiting, while a bulk of the Aggies’ 2024 offensive line class is already in the process of meeting the staff, and hopefully solidifying their futures in College Station.

While several issues kept the Aggies from achieving their goals this season, eventually leading to the firing of now-former head coach Jimbo Fisher, the poor play in the trenches, especially in pass protection, led to two A&M quarterbacks to sustain season-ending injuries while allowing 28 sacks, and one the highest pressure rates in the country.

With star quarterback Conner Weigman set to return next season, Elko knows that outside of focusing on scoring points, Weigman will need to be protected at all costs to find any consistency on offense.Get more USC news, analysis, and opinions on TrojansWire.

Who has the Aggies lost in the transfer portal on the OL so far? As of now, freshman right tackle Chase Bisontis remains the only offensive lineman to enter his name, while nearly every starter outside of senior right guard Layden Robinson is set to return in 2024. Now, refocusing on the Aggies’ 2024 OL class, credit to Jimbo Fisher for landing some of the top OL prospects in the country, which already rank among the Top 5 hauls in the 2024 cycle.

Where do the Aggies stand among the rest of the Power 5? Here is Rivals’ current Top 5 Offensive line class in the 2024 recruiting class.

Texas A&M 2024 commit OT Blake Ivy already possesses NFL potential

After landing 2024, 4-Star OT Blake Ivy on Saturday, Texas A&M might have gained a future NFL starter on the offensive line.

2024 four-star offensive tackle Blake Ivy, who excitingly committed to Texas A&M on Saturday, Aug 19, became the fifth offensive line commit in the Aggies 2024 recruiting class, and according to his Clear Springs (TX) Head Coach Anthony Renfro, Ivy’s potential go way beyond the collegiate ranks.

Renfro’s Aggie connection reaches the current 2023 roster, as starting wide receiver Noah Thomas and rotational defensive tackle Albert Regis also played at Clear Springs under Renfro during their high school careers.

In an interview with 247Sports Recruiting Insider, Brian Perroni, Renfro, who has coached Ivy for the last two seasons at Clear Springs, was immediately convinced that he could perform at a high level at multiple spots across the O-line due to Ivy’s imposing 6-4 280 frame paired with his high motor and impressive athleticism.

Noting how vital high school coaches are from a development standpoint, Renfro had to convince Ivy that his future was indeed in the trenches but on offense.

“I got back here two years ago. It was in February, and I got here, and he was in the freshman period. And he’s like, ‘I’m a D lineman,’ and I’m like, ‘No sir, you’re a prototypical Division I offensive lineman,'”

Renfro’s sheer belief in Ivy’s potential stems from his position versatility after switching to offensive tackle, where his 7-foot wingspan and quick footwork off the snap already mirror the traits needed to develop into an NFL offensive lineman.

“I think he’s got a really good shot to play on Sunday someday,” the coach said. “I know he’s probably going to play inside early. Maybe eventually, he’ll find his way outside. But even if not, he’s going to be good.”

Edging out the LSU Tigers in the final stretch of his recruiting journey, Ivy’s future with Aggies is exceptionally bright, and even after an up-and-down first-year coaching stint in 2022, offensive line coach Steve Addazio deserves a ton of credit for assembling one of the most complete O-line hauls in the 2024 cycle.

So, what is Jimbo Fisher getting in Blake Ivy outside the gridiron? Yet another fantastic representative for University, it seems.

“They’re getting a tremendous athlete,” Renfro stated. “I think Blake’s going just continue to get better, you know, once he gets there, and he’s going against that level of competition every day. He’s an extremely hard worker. He’s going to do everything they ask him to do. He’s got a great support system in his family; they’re a really good family. I’ve known them for a long time. Overall they’re just getting a great kid. And that’s the best part about it.”

Entering his senior campaign at Clear Springs High School in League City (TX), Ivy is currently positioned as the 117th-ranked player in the 2024 cycle, the 7th-ranked OT prospect, and the 20th-ranked player in Texas. according to 247Sports Composite.

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After 4-Star OT Blake Ivy’s commitment, Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class steadily rises in the 247Sports rankings

After 4-Star OT Blake Ivy’s commitment, Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class has risen four spots in 247Sports team rankings.

What if I told you that Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class had only six verbal commitments before June, and as of Aug. 19, the class is now 20 players deep?

Jimbo Fisher’s previous recruiting momentum has continued after the 2022 and 2023 cycles. After four-star offensive tackle Blake Ivy’s announcement on Saturday morning, the Aggies 2024 class has risen four spots and is positioned as the 6th-ranked class in 247Sports’ 2024 team rankings. Ranked below the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, Alabama, and Florida State, Fisher’s haul includes one five-star, 17 4-stars, and three three-star prospects.

While the wide receiver group Fisher has assembled stands out, led by five-star Cameron Coleman, the four-star trio of Drelon Miller, Jaylan Hornsby, and Debron Gatling, and three-star track star Earnest Campbell, the offensive line, even before Ivy’s commitment, is one of the most impressive hauls since the 2021 recruiting class landed three current starters in the trenches (center Bryce Foster, left tackle Trey Zuhn, right tackle Reuben Fatheree.)

Looking towards the 2024 season, the Aggies starting O-line will see the departure of starting right guard Layden Robinson, but if things line up as they should, four 2023 starters should return, combined with the deepest offensive line rotation in the SEC.

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2024 4-Star OL Blake Ivy has committed to Texas A&M

2024 4-Star OL Blake Ivy, the remaining piece to the Aggies O-line puzzle, has officially committed to Texas A&M!

Boom! Texas A&M has landed their fifth offensive line prospect in their insanely deep and talented 2024 recruiting class, as four-star offensive tackle Blake Ivy committed to the Maroon and White on Saturday morning.

Ivy joins four-star OT duo Ashton Funk and Weston Davis, three-star IOL Coen Echols, and the most recent addition, high four-star IOL Isendre “Papa” Ahfua, who now make up one of the most complete O-line recruiting hauls in the 2024 cycle, rivaling the Georgia Bulldogs from a pure talent perspective.

At 6-4 280 pounds, Ivy is by far the most athletic offensive lineman in the high school ranks, possessing a 7-foot wingspan with scouts drooling over his potential as an elite blindside protector, while Weston Davis and Ashton Funk possess similar size and athleticism, Ivy’s potential as a “shutdown” future blind side protector left tackle for the Aggies and beyond can’t be rivaled.

Entering his senior campaign at Clear Springs High School in League City (TX), Ivy is currently positioned as the 117th-ranked player in the 2024 cycle, the 7th-ranked OT prospect, and the 20th-ranked player in Texas. according to 247Sports Composite.

Congratulations, Blake! Gig ’em!

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2024 4-Star OL Blake Ivy has announced this commitment date

2024 4-star offensive lineman Blake Ivy has announced his commitment date for Saturday, Aug. 19

Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class has consistently stayed within the Top 10 in 247Sports recruiting team rankings so far this summer, while the critical additions on the offensive line have stood out more than any position group, outside of five-star wide receiver Cameron Coleman, of course.

With four total O-line verbals, including the four-star OT duo Ashton Funk and Weston Davis, three-star IOL Coen Echols, and the most recent addition, high four-star IOL Isendre “Papa” Ahfua, one highly sought-after big man prospect is set to announce his commitment this weekend, as 2024 four-star OT Blake Ivy is reportedly down to LSU and Texas A&M.

According to a post on X (Twitter), Ivy will announce his collegiate destination on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 10:00 a.m., which will stream on Dave Campbells Football YouTube Channel.

Entering his senior campaign at Clear Springs High School in League City (TX), Ivy is currently positioned as the 117th-ranked player in the 2024 cycle, the 7th-ranked OT prospect, and the 20th-ranked player in Texas. according to 247Sports Composite.

At 6-4 280 pounds, Ivy is by far the most athletic offensive lineman in the high school ranks, possessing a 7-foot wingspan with scouts drooling over his potential as an elite blindside protector.

After receiving three “Crystal Ball” predictions from 247Sports recruiting analysts Steve Wiltfong, Andrew Hattersley, and Mike Roach, it’s safe to say that Ivy is safely trending towards the Maroon and White, especially after his recent unofficial visit on July 29 during the Aggies annual recruiting pool party. However, his consecutive visits to LSU on June 23 (OV), and July 28 (UV), don’t count the Tigers out just yet.

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2024 4-star OT Blake Ivy continues to trend toward Texas A&M

2024 4-star OT Blake Ivy has continued to trend toward the Aggies, according to the latest recruiting predictions.

Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class gained its fourth and fifth prospects in the last five days on Monday and Tuesday, as four-star offensive tackle Weston Davis and three-star Edge Gabriel Reliford excitingly committed to the Aggies, leading to four-star wide receiver Drelon Millers’ announcement on Thursday, as he is also a favorite to land with the Maroon and White.

Another name to keep an eye on this month is 2024 four-star offensive tackle Blake Ivy, who, after taking an official visit to College State on June 9, has now received two official predictions to land with Texas A&M after 247Sports recruiting insider Andrew Hattersley and Director of Football Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong released their submissions.

Entering his final senior campaign at Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas, he is currently positioned as the 110th-ranked player in the 2024 cycle, the 7th-ranked OT prospects, and the 10th-ranked player in Texas. according to 247Sports Composite. At 6-4 280 pounds, Ivy is by far the most athletic offensive lineman in the high school ranks, possessing a 7-foot wingspan with scouts drooling over his potential as an elite blindside protector.

After visiting both Texas and LSU the past two weekends, it seems that Jimbo Fisher and his staff have done the work needed to secure a future commitment from Ivy, where he would join Weston Davis, Ashton Funk, and Coen Echols in what is already a very talented O-line group for 2024.

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2024 4-star OT Blake Ivy received ‘Crystal Ball’ to land with Texas A&M

According to one 247Sports recruiting analyst, 2024 4-star OT Blake Ivy is projected to land with Texas A&M after his recent campus visit.

Texas A&M is just days removed from last weekend’s huge recruiting weekend, which included several Jimbo Fisher summer camps mixed in with several official visits, which had 2024 four-star offensive tackle Blake Ivy, one of the program’s priority recruits this summer.

On Tuesday morning, 247Sports’ Director of Football Recruiting Steve Wiltfong, whose prediction record speaks for itself (99.38% for the 2024 class), submitted his official “Crystal Ball” prediction, as he believes that the Aggies will land Ivy, who has yet to nail down a commitment date.

Standing at 6-4 and 285 pounds, Ivy is by far the most athletic offensive lineman in the high school ranks, possessing a 7-foot wingspan with scouts drooling over his potential as an elite blindside protector. Recruiting-wise, the Aggies are currently in heated competition with Texas and LSU, and he’ll head to Austin this weekend and Baton Rouge on the weekend of June 23.

For those worried that Jimbo Fisher and his staff have hit a dry recruiting spell, the summer is when they shine, especially as we near the annual recruiting pool party toward the end of July. Wilfong’s word is one to trust, and Blake Ivy is one of those rare athletes who could compete for snaps at either left or right tackle as soon as he steps on campus.

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