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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