Tag: Cashius Howell

Texas A&M’s Las Vegas Bowl D-line starters announced amid departures

Texas A&M HC Mike Elko announced who will step in place of Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner vs. USC in the Las Vegas Bowl

Texas A&M’s 2024 regular season might be over, but the Aggies still have a chance to win nine games and head into the 2025 offseason with momentum. Coach Mike Elko and his staff will be without 22 players, including 19 who entered the transfer portal and three NFL Draft-bound defenders.

While this was expected, depth across the defensive line is an issue going into next Friday’s Las Vegas Bowl vs. USC, as starting defensive ends Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart were the first players to declare for the draft. In contrast, senior defensive tackle Shemar Turner announced his intentions on Tuesday.

During Monday’s pre-bowl press conference, Elko discussed the departures while noting the team’s budding culture and the opportunity presented to the younger players, especially on defense, who will play the entire game and gain more experience heading into next season.

“For some of our seniors, there is a chance for them to go out and have a big game against USC. … It’s an individual basis. Our kids trust in the culture here. They trust in the coaches. They trust in what we’re saying.”

Along the defensive line, Elko confirmed that Edge/defensive end Cashius Howell, defensive tackle DJ Hicks, and defensive end Rylan Kennedy will likely play the entire game outside of a handful of snaps.

Howell, a star in the making during his first season with the Aggies, ended the year with 35 tackles and three sacks, earning a 73 defensive grade and a team-high 82.6 pass-rush grade per Pro Football Focus.

Kennedy, who finished the year with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks, earned the second-highest PFF pass-rush grade (81.0), while DJ Hicks started most of the season next to Shemar Turner, finishing with 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Texas A&M will face USC in the Las Vegas Bowl on Friday, Dec. 27. The game will air on ESPN at 9:30 CT.

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Texas A&M DL Cashius Howell is ready to face his former team

Former Bowling Green DL Cashius Howell is the key to decyfering the Falcon’s offense

Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) will return to Kyle Field to face Bowling Green (1-1) for a Saturday night showdown. The lingering question regarding who will start at quarterback for the Aggies will come down to Conner Weigman’s health status at the end of the week.

The Falcons are an interesting team with plenty of veteran leadership to keep any game competitive, led by senior quarterback Conner Bazelak, who has thrown for 422 yards and two touchdowns in the program’s first two games while almost defeating Penn State in Beaver Stadium to open the 2024 season.

However, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has his only secret weapon in the form of defensive lineman Cashius Howell, who currently starts at the Jack position in Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s defense. For the last three seasons, Howell was a member of the Falcon defense, recording 9.5 sacks in 2023.

In his first season with the Aggies, Howell spoke on Monday regarding his comfortability at the Jack position. He has already recorded nine tackles and his first sack against Florida.

“It’s kind of like a hybrid position between a defensive end and a buck linebacker.”

“I feel like they named it jack because it’s like a jack-of-all-trades.”

Due to his size and athleticism, he is extremely versatile, so it’s no surprise that his snaps continue to increase every game. Set to face his former teammates, Howell knows this reunion will be short-lived once both teams hit the field. However, deep-rooted friendships still remain in place.

“Those are my best friends. A lot of those guys will be at my wedding. It’s kind of bad blood, but I keep in contact. I’m still in good graces with the coaches.”

“I still play video games and talk on the phone with some of my roommates. I’m excited to play (Bowling Green).”

While Texas A&M as a program has experienced its fair share of Group of Five losses, including the memorable Appalachian State loss under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, Howell’s warning to his new team should help in preparations this week to prevent another shocking outcome.

“I know how Power 5 schools go into these lower conference-level games. Every year I was at BG, we had an upset over a higher conference school. … They’re going to come in here ready to go to work and get after us.”

“I’ve been telling all my teammates and coaches that for a long time.”

Texas A&M will host Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.

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Texas A&M’s Week 4 depth chart has been released ahead of facing Bowling Green

Texas A&M’s Week 4 depth chart reveals little change ahead of Saturday’s home test vs. Bowling Green

Texas A&M’s critical SEC road win against the Florida Gators on Saturday afternoon was the program’s first conference road win since the 2021 season and head coach Mike Elko’s first SEC victory.

Heading into next Saturday’s home test vs. Bowling Green on Saturday night, the Aggies are heavy favorites, but don’t forget that this MAC team nearly pulled off an epic upset over a top-ten-ranked Penn State team in Beaver Stadium to open the 2024 season.

On Monday, Elko, along with running back EJ Smith, defensive tackle Albert Regis, and former Bowling Green defensive lineman Cashius Howell, spoke to the media two days after the win. Howell’s experience with the program should give the Aggies an upper hand on Saturday.

“I know how Power 5 schools go into these lower conference-level games. Every year I was at BG, we had an upset over a higher conference school. … They’re going to come in here ready to go to work and get after us.”

“I’ve been telling all my teammates and coaches that for a long time.”

Before the press conference, Texas A&M’s Week 4 depth chart was released to the public just a week after it was announced that starting nickel corner Tyreek Chappell would miss the season due to injury. This vaulted former Flordia corner Jaydon Hill into the starting lineup.

More standard than surprise, quarterback Conner Weigman, who missed the Florida game due to a shoulder injury, is still listed as the starter but is currently day-to-day going into this week’s practice. If Weigman is not 100%, it’s more likely than not that redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed will make his second consecutive start this weekend.

https://twitter.com/texags/status/1835699333968035923?s=61&t=DwC_Ptrg_8G_wpAQClJgDA

Texas A&M will host Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.

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Senior DL Shemar Turner featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Senior DL Shemar Turner comes in at No. 5 in our countdown to the 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is nearing single digits.

Ten days remain before the 7th-ranked Fighting Irish head to College Station for a primetime showdown. New Aggies head coach Mike Elko has completed the long journey to accepting the position, going through his first offseason, and finishing his first fall practice period with the team this month.

Aggies Wire will focus on one player daily for the next ten days, ranking the Top 10 players on the 2024 roster. Coming in at No. 6 on our list, senior defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who will permanently move inside after playing defensive end last season, looks to set the tone of the Aggie defense this fall.

Playing like the best defender on the roster for half the year, tied with current Green Bay Packer LB Edgerrin Cooper, Turner ended the year with 33 tackles, six sacks, and ten tackles for loss. He consistently played with a high motor while setting an edge and stopping the run at a high rate, making his offseason move to defensive tackle a no-brainer.

Adding more size while working with new S&C coach Tommy Moffitt, Turner’s summer appearance at SEC Media Days showed a player that didn’t look close to his now 6-4, 300-pound frame, meaning more muscle was gained than fat.

Oct 28, 2023; College Station, Texas; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half at Kyle Field. Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports

A proven leader, the new faces across the Aggie D-line will depend on his leadership to get through the season, especially SEC play, knowing that the rest of the defense can count on Turner to provide interior pressure and allow the likes of defensive end Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart to collapse the pocket.

Texas A&M’s 2024 defensive line looks like an elite unit on paper, and Shemar Turner will undoubtedly be a big part of this group’s success.

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‘He will play alot’ DL Cashius Howell looks like Texas A&M’s secret weapon

Junior DL Cashius Howell quietly recorded 9.5 sacks during his final season with Bowling Green

Reliable pass rushers are in high demand at every level of football.

As college football offenses become more pass-dominant, being able to deploy athletes off the edge or in twists/stunts provides a huge advantage, especially in the SEC.

As Texas A&M’s 2024 season begins next Saturday, the Aggies will host No. 7 Notre Dame inside what could be a sold-out Kyle Field, which will also serve as Mike Elko’s inaugural season head coach after serving in the same capacity with the Duke Blue Devils are the past two seasons.

Inheriting a talented roster, including a loaded defensive line, Elko utilized the transfer portal this offseason, landing commitments from former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten in sacks (10) last season, and former Bowling Green defensive lineman Cashius Howell, who recorded 9.5 sacks in 2023.

While Scourton certainly brings immediate NFL-level strength and production to the line, first-year defensive coordinator Jay Bateman spoke about Howell’s potential impact this season due to his versatility in the trenches after an impressive fall camp.

“He is tremendous. He is a unique player and can do a lot of different things… He is a really important part of the defense, and he will play a ton. Glad to have him.”

Adding more weight to his frame this offseason, Howell now stands at 6-4 and 245 pounds. During his three seasons at Bowling Green, Howell recorded 56 tackles, 27 solo tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

Right now, Howell will likely rotate in as a backup defensive end behind Nic Scourton, with the ability to move inside if needed.

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‘The D-line is crazy’ Texas A&M LB Scooby Williams knows Texas A&M’s team strength

Texas A&M’s defensive line has a chance to be special

Accurately grading Texas A&M’s fall practice period is nearly impossible for those of us in the media who only witnessed short portions of each practice. Still, from that bird’s eye view, it’s evident that the team has the potential to excel on offense, defense, and, yes, even special teams, which should fill every Aggie with hope.

Before Sunday’s final fall scrimmage, former Florida linebacker Scooby Williams, who followed new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman to College Station, joined several other players to discuss the progress made on defense this month.

When asked what he believes the Aggies’ strength will be this season, Williams was immediate in his response, and his answer didn’t surprise any of us who have been paying attention:

 “The D-Line is crazy. There is a bunch of NFL potential on it.”

Texas A&M’s defensive line is by far the strongest unit on Texas A&M’s 2024 roster, as Elko’s respected defensive background led to landing former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten in sacks (10) last season.

Scourton and former Bowling Green Edge Cashius Howell join the likes of junior defensive linemen Shemar Stewart and Shemar Turner across a defensive line littered with blue-chip talent with plenty of pass rush potential.

Dialed into the final week of fall practice, TexAgs Co-Owner Billy Liucci recently noted on the latest episode of the Loochaor Podcast that A&M’s defensive line depth should play a big role in rotations based on each opponent throughout the SEC slate, referencing players such as defensive ends Rylan Kennedy and Malick Sylla who should see the field in some capacity.

Scooby Williams is currently battling for the second linebacker spot next to starting MLB Taurean York with former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheilds and sophomore backer Daymion Sanford. Williams finished with 52 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles during his final season with the Gators.

No. 20-ranked Texas A&M will host No. 7-ranked Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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3 Aggies listed in CBS Sports’ ‘Top 100 Players’ of 2024 rankings

Three Texas A&M defenders, including two from the transfer portal, have made CBS Sports’ “Top 100 players of 2024” rankings.

Texas A&M’s Maroon & White spring game is just two days away. Head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural season will get a sneak peek on Saturday afternoon, but as of now, prepare for potential inclement weather.

In terms of the roster, a bevy of new faces on both offense and defense will make their Aggie debut after a mostly successful spring period. Throughout the spring practice period, Elko has praised the play of several transfer portal additions on defense, including former Purdue Edge Nic Scourton.

This week, CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer released his Top 100 players list ahead of the 2024 season, as three Aggie defenders, including Scourton, made the rankings. Here are all three players:

  • No. 31: Cashius Howell (Edge)
  • No. 44: Nic Scourton (Edge)
  • No. 60: Shemar Turner (Defensive line)

Cashius Howell has the length and speed to get the backfield consistently, recording 9.5 sacks for Bowling Green last season. In comparison, Nic Scourton’s postion versatility and brute strength produced a Big Ten-leading 10 sacks for Purdue in 2023.

Shemar Turner is in a league of his own, returning for a final season in Aggieland, bringing the strength and size to play inside if needed. Already a noted run-stopper, Turner’s strong hands and athleticism make him one of the more feared pass rushers in the SEC.

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Texas A&M HC Mike Elko has already rebuilt the Aggies’ defensive line through the transfer portal

Through the transfer portal, new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has added a bevy of experience to A&M’s 2024 defensive line.

For those who still question if new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko can recruit in the name, image and likeness era and the ever-growing transfer portal, I think you’ve received a clear answer nine days into the new year.

Since taking the helm on Nov. 27, Elko, who is coming off a brief but successful two-year head coaching stint at Duke, is facing the usual lofty expectations former Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher could never reach. So far this offseason, Elko and his impressive staff have landed 22 players from the transfer portal, including four veterans on the defensive line.

Of course, the Aggies incurred several losses across the line. Former 2022 five-star defensive lineman Walter Nolen’s decision to transfer to Ole Miss surprised us all. However, Elko is clearly looking to avoid a rebuild by replacing younger talent with proven production, led by former Purdue edge and 2023 Big Ten sack leader Nic Sourton.

Sourton certainly sticks out as a “plug and play” option next season. However, defensive end Elijah Alston (Marshall), edge Cashius Howell (Bowling Green) and defensive lineman Rodas Johnson (Wisconsin) bring a wealth of experience. Combined with incoming sophomore defensive linemen DJ Hicks and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, the newcomers pose an immediate threat as a vicious pass rush unit on paper.

Want more proof? According to Pro Football Focus, Nic Scourton (90.9), Cashius Howell (89.8) and Elijah Alston (90.5) were borderline elite rushing the passer in 2023, providing Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman plenty of options on third-down situations. Not to leave out Rodas Johnson, whose size and strength make him a potential shoo-in for the vacant nose tackle spot in 2024.

The arrival of all four veterans will aid in developing younger Aggie pass rushers Malick Sylla and Rylan Kennedy. Both players possess the length and athleticism to contribute in spurts throughout next season, hopefully.

While waiting on an official announcement from junior defensive tackle Shemar Turner regarding his intentions to return or declare for the 2024 NFL draft, Elko has prepared for whatever path he chooses. That should provide a cushion for every Aggie fan worried about his impending decision.

Lastly, Texas A&M has already exceeded the 85-player roster limit, which likely means several of the players committed through the portal may re-enter during the spring period, which might be the toughest job for Mike Elko and his staff in just three short months.

UPDATE: Former Marshall defensive end Elijah Alston will reconsider his options as of Tuesday, Jan. 9.

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Bowling Green OLB Cashius Howell commits to Texas A&M in transfer portal

Other pass rushers added recently by HC Mike Elko and DC & LBs coach Jay Bateman include Purdue’s Nic Scourton and Marshall’s Elijah Alston.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has done it again.

Elko lured another coveted prospect from the NCAA Transfer Portal to College Station on Tuesday night. Former Bowling Green sophomore outside linebacker Cashius Howell announced on Instagram that he has chosen the Aggies as his next team.

“All glory to God,” he stated. “110% committed.”

Howell is 6-foot-4, 235 pounds and a graduate of Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, MO. He redshirted in 2021 after playing in four games for the Falcons. The sophomore linebacker appeared in all 26 of Bowling Green’s games the next two seasons.

In 30 games for the Falcons, he tallied 56 total tackles, 27 solo & 13 for a loss, and 11.5 sacks. Howell added a single pass deflection, forced fumble and fumble recovery, respectively. He broke out in his redshirt sophomore season at Bowling Green, racking up 28 tackles, 16 solo & 10.5 for a loss, and 9.5 sacks.

Other pass rushers added recently by Elko and defensive coordinator & linebackers coach Jay Bateman include Nic Scourton from Purdue and Elijah Alston from Marshall.

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Florida football looks to add EDGE that recently entered transfer portal

Bowling Green EDGE hits the transfer portal, says he’s “always dreamed” of playing for the Florida Gators.

The Florida Gators might be adding a new weapon to its defensive arsenal via the transfer portal.

Bowling Green edge rusher [autotag]Cashius Howell[/autotag] entered the portal on Dec. 23 and is considering making the move to Gainesville. Howell talked to Swamp247 and said donning the Orange and Blue has always been on his mind.

“I’m grateful for getting the opportunity to talk to UF,” Howell said. “Always dreamed of playing here.”

Howell spent two years with the Bowling Green Falcons but entered the portal following the program’s loss to the Minnesota Gophers in the Quick Lane Bowl.

Gators defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong reportedly talked with Howell and the two parties agreed to set up an official visit on Jan. 3 — the first day where players in the portal can begin their visits to other football programs.

Howell made a name for himself at the edge position for Bowling Green, recording 28 total tackles (16 solo), including 10.5 tackles for loss including 9.5 sacks.

The Kansas City, Missouri, native will be a potential fifth commit to make their way to Florida via the transfer portal. Head coach Billy Napier and his staff already landed former the likes of Oregon Ducks defensive back Trikweze Bridges and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike.

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