Tag: Moose Muhammad III

Highlights from Texas A&M Football’s first fall practice

Here are the highlights from Texas A&M’s first fall practice

Texas A&M’s 2024 season is underway. The Aggies hit the field on Wednesday night for their first fall training camp practice of the year, providing plenty of highlights that should have every fan excited for what’s to come this month. We’re just four weeks away from A&M’s season opener against Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31.

On Tuesday, head coach Mike Elko took questions from the local Aggie media, leading to Wednesday’s first practice. Alongside quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Noah Thomas, and safety Bryce Anderson, Elko and his star players addressed a couple of injury updates, new OC Collin Klein’s offense, and the status of the Aggies’ offensive line, which will solidify several position battles, including at center.

While A&M’s defense is expected to be the team’s strength, especially along the defensive line, the offense will continue to take center stage as new OC Collin Klein’s offense is expected to vastly differ from what Aggies fans were accustomed to under former head coach Jimbo Fisher. Quoting Conner Weigman, expect a lot more scoring with the scheme change:

“Points. A lot of points. I’m excited about that. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Here are the highlights from Texas A&M’s first practice on Wednesday night. Credit to TexAgs and GigEm247’s Carter Karels for providing the excellent footage.

The biggest “what if?” scenarios ahead of Texas A&M’s 2024 season

CBS Sports CFB analyst Bud Elliott provides three factors that could complicate the Aggie’s success in 2024

With less than two months before Texas A&M kicks off the 2024 college football season vs. Notre Dame, “talkin’ season” is slowly coming to an end this month, but don’t worry because CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott is here to provide a realistic outlook for a handful of potential playoff contenders that could endure some pain along the way.

Every offseason, a champion is crowned based on looking up and down a roster, and for many, the Texas Longhorns are that program. However, Elliott made sure to focus on teams that are expected to be ranked and consistently hyped up while also being just an injury or lack of perceived talent away from missing a bowl game altogether.

Joining North Carolina, SMU, Iowa State, West Virginia, Auburn, LSU, Michigan, USC, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma, Texas A&M was the last team he mentioned, and for good reason. Here are Elliott’s two “what if” scenarios for the Aggies to potentially slip up in 2024:

“What if Conner Weigman can’t stay healthy?”Ā 

  • He is coming off a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023 season after just four games, so, yes, Weigman’s health will be a question heading into the season. But so far this offseason, the redshirt sophomore has worked with new A&M S&C Tommy Moffit to add strength and muscle to further protect his body in the pocket and on the run.

“What if A&M’s receiving core doesn’t scare anybody?”

  • As I’ve referenced throughout the offseason, Texas A&M’s receiving core, especially the wide receiver unit, is talented but relatively unknown. At the same time, junior WR Noah Thomas was the only receiver to make an impact during the Maroon & White spring game. However, the return of tight end Donovan Green paired with former Fresno State tight end Tre Watson could thrive in OC Collin Klein’s system.

“It’s a pretty difficult schedule if they just a little bit on offense.”

  • Texas A&M’s stout defense should be the team’s strength throughout the season, but in agreeing with Elliott, Collin Klein’s motion-heavy, QB-centric offense is built on timing and efficiency. The run game will need to improve for the offense to consistently move the ball down the field.

Texas A&M will host Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT to open the 2024 season.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.Ā Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

‘I think there’s a massive disruption opportunity for Texas A&M’ On3’s J.D. PicKell likes the Aggies’ chances in 2024

On3’s J.D. PicKell theorizes what Texas A&M football could become is the star align in 2024

Just two weeks away from Texas A&M’s annual Maroon & White spring game on Saturday, April 20, the buzz surrounding new head coach Mike Elko’s coaching style compared to former head man Jimbo Fisher shows a much-needed change after two consecutive disappointing seasons.

With a clear focus on accountability and structure, including a shake-up in the offensive trenches during spring practices after one of the worst offensive line performances in program history in 2023, Elko and his experienced coaching staff are taking the right approach thus far.

Only losing a handful of last season’s primary starters, Elko attacked the transfer portal with vigor, landing 22 players, including former Big Ten sack leader Nic Scouron and former Kansas State cornerback Will Lee Jr., who already look like immediate starters as soon as fall camp.

However, the most important position, quarterback, has continued to hinder the program since the departure of longtime starter Kellen Mond, as injuries have continued to mount every season since.

After missing the final eight games last season due to a foot injury, blue-chip redshirt sophomore Conner Weigman has continued to heal this spring, participating in practices while recently noting,

“I’m feeling good. We’re almost there.”

Well, the preseason No. 25 Texas A&M Aggies are obviously underrated for a reason, and On3′ J.D. PicKell feels that the “underdog” tag could finally work in the Aggies’ favor with four playoff teams on the schedule and a head coach worthy of respect in his inaugural season:

The thing with A&M is that it’s never been an issue of roster talent” PicKell stated “For me, it’s always been a matter of structure, execution, and putting the right pieces of the puzzle where they’re supposed to go.”

Yes, Jimbo Fisher was an ace recruiter in his own right, but his results on the field never matched his offseason success. Elko, who spent the last two seasons as Duke’s head coach, finished with two winning seasons and consecutive bowl game appearances.

“Mike Elko, who, quite frankly has done more with less with his time at Duke, I think think there’s a massive disruptions oppurtunity fro the folks at Texas A&M. They play four college football contenders this season, the guys they bring back, they’re top 20 in returning production.”

Lastly, after noting what Conner Weigman could bring to the table in a full 12-game season as opposed to simply “flashing” in brief moments, PicKell ended with a message that should resonate with Aggie fans who remember just how disregarded Texas A&M’s memorable 2012 season was just months before the season.

“There’s no College Football Playoff buzz around A&M right now, but I don’t think we should ignore the fact that this could definitely be the year with the talent they have and the structure they could have. I’m Just saying that A&M could be a force this year.”

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.Ā Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Here are the Top 5 Texas A&M offensive players that need to show out this spring

Ahead of spring football, here are five Texas A&M offensive players who need to improve, starting next month.

It may be early in the offseason, but Texas A&M’s spring football season is less than a month away, and all eyes will be on how new head coach Mike Elko and his impressive coaching staff will help the offense, especially quarterback Conner Weigman, take the next step in their development.

After adding 22 veteran players from the transfer portal, the Aggies’ roster looks better by the day. Still, until the newcomers prove themselves on the field, the returning players from last season will define the 2024 campaign.

Focusing on the offense, Weigman’s return from the lower body injury that resulted in him missing the Aggies’ final nine games will take center stage as soon as spring practices begin, but due to consistent poor play on the offensive line, how new O-line coach Adam Cushing will fix said issues will be telling, and likely result in the offense’s success, or failure starting in September.

Here are the top 5 Texas A&M players on offense who need to show up and show out this spring, heading into the 2024 season.

Texas A&M is ranked as a Top 18 team in ESPN’s returning production rankings for the 2024 CFB season

Ahead of HC Mike Elko’s first season at the helm, Texas A&M is ranked in the Top 18 in Bill Connelly’s (ESPN) returning production rankings.

Texas A&M Football is entering a new era under head coach Mike Elko, as his inaugural 2024 season is now just seven months away, and Aggie fans couldn’t be more excited to see what he can bring to the job.

While A&M’s 2024 schedule avoids the likes of Alabama and Ole Miss for the first time since entering the SEC more than a decade ago, it’s the wealth of returning production, including gaining 22 players through the transfer portal over the last two months.

On Monday, ESPN’s Bill Connelly released his annual SP+ ratings rankings (subscription required) for the 2024 college football season, as the creator of one of the more accurate returning production models has the Aggies ranked 18th out of 134 FBS teams. According to Connelly, A&M leads the SEC with a returning production rate of 72% and an offensive (77%) and defensive (67%) return rating ranked 22nd and 35th in the country.

As noted in the article, the Aggies’ incoming transfers count in the returning production rating, led by former Purdue Edge Nic Scourton, who led the Big 10 in sacks (10) during the 2023 season.

To clarify things, here is how each position group will potentially look ahead of the spring football season starting next month.

Panthers 2024 mock draft 2.0: The Morgan-Canales edition

How would a Dan Morgan and Dave Canales-led draft look like? Here’s our early shot at it.

The Carolina Panthers were leader-less, at least in two key positions, the last time we checked in with a mock draft. But things have changed.

On Thursday, the organization will officially introduce new president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan and new head coach Dave Canales. Both were hired last week, as the team will once again start fresh in building towards a positive future.

So, how will that future look under the new power duo?

Here’s our early Morgan-Canales mock:

Best Photos: Texas A&M vs Oklahoma State TaxAct Bowl game

Texas A&M fought hard all game long but fell just short in the TaxAct Bowl

Undermanned and inexperienced, the Aggie football team gave the Big 12 runner-up all they could handle at NRG Stadium but fell short in the 31-23 loss to No. 20 Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Bowl.

When the clock hit triple zeros, it officially ended the Jimbo era, and Interim head coach Elijah Robinson fulfilled his promise to the players on the team to stick with them through the bowl game. Even though things did get a little weird near the end, Coach Robinson always let it be known how much respect he has for the university and the time spent at A&M.

“I have nothing bad to say about this program. This program is first class, and they’re going to take it to the top.”

Below, you can check out the best photos from the game on Wednesday.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

‘Lock in with the brother next to you. That’s what it has been this season.’ Wright and Mathews speak after TaxAct bowl game

Seniors Max Wright and Sam Mathews have big games during the TaxAct Bowl and speak post game presser

The 2023 football season has officially come to an end for the Aggie Football team and new head coach Mike Elko has a lot to look forward to in the future.

I don’t think anyone knew what to expect when the Aggies took the field at NRG Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, when third-string QB Jaylon Henderson was knocked out of the game on the very first play from scrimmage, it appeared that skipping the game altogether might have been the wiser choice.

However, true freshman Marcel Reed, 180 pounds soaking wet, showed that Aggie spirit and fought all game long, giving A&M a fighting chance to the very end. Two seniors, Max Wright and Sam Mathews, played huge roles in keeping the game in reach, capping off their final game in the Maroon & White. Wright finished the game with four receptions for 62 yards and Mathews finished with a career night that he will never forget.

His stat line consisted of a team-leading 14 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and an interception. Max and Sam both talked about their time at A&M and what this season meant to them.

Ā “Texas A&M, to me, is the perfect representation of what it means to be people of honor and people of character. It’s the best university in the world, and there is no other university like it. I will be an Aggie for the rest of my life.” – Max Wright

“This season has been one I’ll never forget. Those last weeks might have been my favorite on this team with how everybody bought in and committed to each other. It was special to be a part of.”

Below, you can hear everything Max Wright and Sam Mathews had to say following the game.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.Ā Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

‘..I am proud of that team and that locker room. I’m proud of those guys for stepping through.’ Elijah Robinson speaks after close loss to Oklahoma State.

Hear what Interim Head Coach Elijah Robinson had to say after the TaxAct Bowl game

The 2023 football season has officially ended for the Aggie Football team and new head coach Mike Elko has a lot to look forward to in the future.

I don’t think anyone knew what to expect when the Aggies took the field at NRG Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, when third-string QB Jaylon Henderson was knocked out of the game on the very first play from scrimmage, it appeared that skipping the game altogether might have been the wiser choice.

However, true freshman Marcel Reed, 180 pounds soaking wet, showed that Aggie spirit and fought all game long, giving A&M a fighting chance to the very end. As awkward as the Elijah Robinson situation got over the past few weeks, he kept his word to the team, took a very depleted team in the TaxAct Bowl, and gave the Big 12 runner-up a run for their money.

“We talked brotherhood from the very beginning, and no matter what anybody said outside of that locker room, the locker room was about brotherhood.” “I give a lot of credit to the coaches and those guys sticking around… The kids gave us everything we asked of them.”

Below, you can hear everything Interim Head Coach Elijah Robinson had to say following the game.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWireĀ on Twitter, and like our page onĀ Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.Ā Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

Shorthanded Texas A&M football team bested by No. 20 Oklahoma State in Texas Bowl rematch

“This program is capable of being a team that is in the playoff and competing for national championships every year,” Mike Elko told ESPN.

The Jimbo Fisher era at Texas A&M has finally come to an end following the Texas Bowl which concluded the 2023 season on Wednesday night in Houston.

No. 20 Oklahoma State (10-4) defeated the Aggies (7-6) by a final score of 31-23 at NRG Stadium. The Cowboys earned revenge from the 2019 Texas Bowl, which Texas A&M won 24-21.

Wednesday’s SEC versus Big 12 showdown began with a somber start as Aggies sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson injured his right arm on the first snap of the game. He did not return and true freshman Marcel Reed took over as starting quarterback for the remainder of the contest.

Five plays stuck out for Texas A&M as highlights of the game. First, junior wide receiver Moose Muhammad III hauled in an incredible 29-yard one-handed reception in the second quarter.

Next, freshman defensive back Dalton Brooks reeled in his first collegiate interception to begin the second half. Then in the third period, Reed took off down the right sideline and galloped into the end zone for a 20-yard rushing touchdown. About four minutes into the fourth quarter, graduate student Sam Mathews recorded the first interception of his Texas A&M career.

Finally, junior kicker Randy Bond tallied a hat trick with three field goals. His final boot of the night came with 5:07 remaining and bounced off the crossbar and in from 51 yards out to set a new Texas Bowl record.

While there may have been positive plays along the way, the Aggies were ultimately overmatched against Oklahoma State. Texas A&M had only 48 scholarship players in uniform on Wednesday.

Aggies interim head coach Elijah Robinson now departs the program to become defensive coordinator at Syracuse. He led Texas A&M to a 1-2 overall record during his short tenure at the helm.

As the calendar turns to 2024 in a couple of days, the Mike Elko era in College Station officially begins. Elko was interviewed during the Texas Bowl on ESPN and his outlook for the future of Aggies football should get the 12th Man very excited.

“We’ve gotta become what we’re capable of becoming, that’s the biggest thing,” Elko said on ESPN. “This program is capable of being a team that is in the playoff and competing for national championships every year, but we’re not that right now. We’ve gotta recognize that, roll up our sleeves and go to work to become what we should be.”

Below are the Texas A&M critical contributors from the game:

Reed: 20-33 pass attempts, 361 yards passing, 29 yards rushing and 1 TD

Amari Daniels: 8 carries for 29 yards rushing and 1 TD, 1 catch for 34 yards

Jahdae Walker: 8 catches for 137 yards

Contact/Follow usĀ @AggiesWireĀ on XĀ and like our page onĀ FacebookĀ to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions.Ā Follow Shaun on Twitter:Ā @Shaun_Holkko.