Tag: Jay Bateman

Texas A&M LB makes Rivals midseason transfer All-American Defensive Team

Linebacker Scooby Williams has vastly improved compared to his final season in Gainsville

Coming into the 2024 season, Texas A&M’s linebacker rotation looked susceptible due to a lack of depth and overall talent after the Green Bay Packers drafted star Edgerrin Cooper in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 2024 linebacker unit would always be led by sophomore Taurean York, who started nearly every game for the Aggies during his memorable 2023 freshman campaign. However, York needed help, especially in pass coverage, an area he struggled with.

Under new head coach Mike Elko and new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, both coaches utilized the transfer portal at nearly every position, including linebacker. They landed commitments from former Pitt LB Solomon DeShields and former Florida backer Scooby Williams, whom Bateman coached during his final season as Florida’s LB coach.

However, while DeShields looked more polished, Williams struggled during his 2023 sophomore campaign. He looked lost on several plays and failed to fully utilize his size, strength, and athleticism to make tackles in space.

After earning the second starting spot opposite Taurean York, Scooby Williams has ascended, coming off one of the best games of his career after recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, and his first collegiate interception in last Saturday’s win over Mississippi State.

Williams is currently fourth on the team with 26 tackles. According to Rivals, he has been acknowledged as one of the best transfer portal additions this season, and he placed the junior among 11 fellow stand-out transfers in their defensive midseason All-American Team:

  • DL Kyle Kennard — South Carolina
  • DL Walter Nolen — Ole Miss
  • DL Derrick Harmon — Oregon
  • DL Bradyn Swinson — LSU
  • LB Chris Paul Jr. — Ole Miss
  • LB Scooby Williams — Texas A&M
  • LB Teddy Buchanan — Cal
  • DB/WR Travis Hunter — Colorado
  • DB Caleb Downs — Ohio State
  • DB Andrew Mukuba — Texas
  • DB A.J. Harris — Penn State

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2025 4-star LB and Texas A&M commit has reportedly shut down his recruitment

According to a source, 2025 4-star LB Noah Mikhail is “100% committed” to Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting cycle is the first official class for Mike Elko amid his first season with the program as the first-year head coach. He has owned the California region, landing commitments from three of the state’s top 10 ranked 2025 prospects.

2025 4-star linebacker Noah Mikhail is one of those three players who pledged his commitment to Texas A&M earlier this year, joining 4-star cornerback Adonyss Currie and 5-star quarterback Husan Longstreet, while top-ranked cornerback and current Alabama commit Dijon Lee is still in the mix.

Mikhail’s commitment was never in doubt, though the red-hot Oregon Ducks have been attempting to flip the rising backer over the last few months. This led to Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman visiting the senior last week.

On Saturday, it was revealed by Texas A&M recruiting insider Jaxson Callaway that Mikhail will not take any more recruiting visits and remains 100% locked in with the Aggies before putting pen to paper later this year.

During his 2023 junior season, Mikhail racked up 166 tackles, one sack, 15 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and an interception at Bonita HS in La Verne, California.

According to 247Sports Composite, Mikhail is currently positioned as the 92nd-ranked prospect in the 2025 cycle, the 8th-ranked linebacker, and the 7th-ranked prospect in California.

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How the No. 24 Texas A&M football team defense can stop Arkansas in the Southwest Classic

The Aggies are heading 200 miles north to Arlington for their second SEC matchup of the season on Saturday against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium.

The Texas A&M football team is heading 200 miles north to Arlington this weekend for its second SEC matchup of the season on Saturday afternoon against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium.

The No. 24 Aggies (3-1, 1-0 SEC) will need a strong effort from their defense versus the Razorbacks (3-1, 1-0) to remain unbeaten in conference action. Texas A&M beat Arkansas 34-22 in the 2023 Southwest Classic.

A duo of upperclassmen defensive linemen with the same name, senior Shemar Turner and junior Shemar Stewart, each recorded a sack last week during a 26-20 victory against Bowling Green at Kyle Field. Aggies head coach Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman will be looking for similar production from the Shemar pairing on Saturday at Jerry’s World.

Texas A&M will be facing a familiar foe on the opposing sideline, Razorbacks offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, who was the OC and quarterbacks coach in College Station under former head coach Jimbo Fisher.

Experienced Aggies like Stewart and Turner should have an advantage versus junior QB Taylen Green after practicing against Petrino’s playbook in 2023.

Texas A&M battles Arkansas at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

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Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Texas A&M offers 2025 4-star Edge out of Houston (TX)

Texas A&M is now the 11th offer for rising pass rusher Tobi Haastrup, who once lived in London, England

Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class has a chance to add one of the ascending pass rushers in the cycle, as 4-star Edge Tobi Haastrup has received his 11th offer from the Aggies since arriving in Houston after living in London, England, for most of his life.

Knowing that the 2024 season can be used as a benchmark for future recruiting at every position, junior defensive end duo Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart are only scratching the surface after last Saturday’s loss to Notre Dame, and visiting prospects are noticing.

Since head coach Mke Elko took over the program, landing Scourton from the transfer portal shows how the long-time defensive coordinator still holds an elite pedigree regarding productive pass rushers.

So far in the 2025 cycle, Elko has landed commitments from four defensive linemen, including 4-star prospects DJ Sanders and Landon Rink, who already look like game-wreckers in their senior seasons.

In his first season at Mayde Creek HS, Haastrup recorded five sacks in his first game. The raw but gifted athlete looks like a player who can easily develop in Elko’s scheme.

According to 247Sports, Haastrup is currently positioned as the 276th-ranked prospect, the 21st-ranked Edge prospect, and the 39th-ranked prospect in Texas.

https://twitter.com/upnextth/status/1831837645821149453?s=61&t=7Grt_BRNEg2xS6KG8YO0rg

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LB Scooby Williams was one of Texas A&M’s highest rated players vs. Notre Dame

Texas A&M LB Scooby Williams offseason work as begun to pay off

Texas A&M’s season-opening 23-13 loss to Notre Dame was a mixed bag for fans wanting to see improvement under new head coach Mike Elko. Outside of the Aggie offense failing to find its footing, A&M’s defense was mightily impressive outside of stopping the run late.

One of the defenders who stood out in his Aggie debut, former Florida linebacker Scooby Williams, looked like a new man just a season after struggling in his final season with the Gators. He showed off the athleticism, length, and closing speed that made him a 4-star recruiting prospect.

On the field for 51 defensive snaps, just second to fellow starting linebacker Taurean York (59) on Saturday night, Williams recorded five tackles, three solo tackles, and a tackle for loss while being near the ball carrier or receiver on nearly every play.

Since transferring to Texas A&M, questions regarding Williams’ defensive instincts have slowly been put to rest. Aggie defensive coordinator Jay Bateman served as Florida linebacker coach last season, providing Williams continuity during his first season in College Station.

Even more impressive, Williams was reportedly the second highest-rated defensive player (74.1) for the Aggies against Notre Dame, which is a positive sign for the junior backer.

Texas A&M will host McNeese on Saturday, Sept. 7, for an early kickoff at 11:45 a.m. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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Linebacker Taurean York featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Taurean York is entering a new leadership position this season

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is just two days away.

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. 2 on our list, sophomore linebacker Taurean York is coming off his brilliant 2023 season, starting every game during his freshman campaign.

A favorite of new head coach Mike Elko, York was previously committed to Duke during Elko’s first season in Durham before ultimately signing with Texas A&M, so it’s fair to say reuniting felt pretty darn good.

York was second on the team in tackles (74) last season while recording three sacks and a forced fumble. His closing speed and defensive instincts made him one of the most dependable players on the roster, knowing that the defense was always in good hands, no matter the situation.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the first season, where helmet communication will be utilized, York will continue to relay the defensive calls as the starting middle linebacker, playing in front of one of the most talented defensive lines in the country.

In just his second season, York has taken on a leadership position within the program, as his recent appearance during SEC Media Days showed a player with maturity well beyond his years.

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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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Junior DE Shemar Stewart featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Junior DE Shemar Stewart comes in at No. 8 in our countdown to the 2024 season opener

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. 8 on the list, junior defensive end Shemar Stewart is primed to finally break out after two seasons with the program, especially under the guidance of Elko and new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman.

During his final year under former D-coordinator D.J. Durkin, Stewart, who was misused as a pass rusher, only recorded 11 tackles, five solo tackles, and 1.5 sacks. However, Stewart is determined to finish the job once he reaches the backfield, as the junior added more mass this offseason to his now intimidating 6-6, 290-pound frame.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

With the addition of former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten in sacks (10) last season, Stewart’s lofty goal of double-digit sacks isn’t far-fetched when accounting for his supporting cast. During the start of fall practice, Jay Bateman had this to say regarding Stewart’s immense potential:

“I told a scout, ‘If you gave me and you two hours in the lab creating a player, it would look like Shemar Stewart.'”

“I think you will see a problem. If I am an OC, I want to know where that guy is.”

How Elko and Bateman will deploy Stewart along the defensive line will be answered once SEC play begins. The A&M’s D-line will likely rotate throughout the season to keep Stewart and Scourton fresh for third-down pass rush opportunities.

Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Florida out of the 2022 recruiting class, Stewart’s strong hands and impressive athleticism at his size make him a tough matchup for any offensive lineman that crosses his path in 2024.

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Jurior safety Bryce Anderson featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Texas A&M junior safety is primed for a big season in Mike Elko’s defensive scheme

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. Junior defensive back Bryce Anderson is back at free safety under Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s scheme, coming in at No. 9 on our list.

After two successful seasons, Jimbo Fisher’s firing is likely the best thing to happen to Anderson. The junior has clear NFL potential as a safety, and his playing in front of a potentially elite defensive line will allow scouts to assess his skillset.

In his most productive season yet, Anderson finished the 2023 campaign with  55 tackles, 34 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. He has an elite closing speed and impressive coverage instincts, as his 6-0 192-pound frame provides enough cushion to take on running backs and tight ends in the open field.

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Anderson’s on-field leadership will be counted on, as former starting safety Demani Richardson’s departure to the NFL essentially passes the torch to the Beaumont, Texas native. The Beaumont, Texas native will join former Central Michigan safety Trey Jones and sophomore Dalton Brooks in the safety rotation.

While Anderson will be relied on in coverage due to his sideline-to-sideline agility, I’d expect Elko and Bateman to occasionally deploy him as a pass rusher to take advantage of his top-end speed.

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