Tag: Moose Muhammad III

Texas A&M’s 2024 starting WR rotation could include a newcomer from the transfer portal

Could former La Tech WR Cyrus Allen end up starting for Texas A&M this season?

It’s fall camp for Texas A&M and new head coach Mike Elko, who has every chance to succeed during his first year with the program after inheriting a talented and experienced roster led by redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman.

Defensively, Elko and new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman feel that this unit should be the team’s strength, especially due to the program’s loaded defensive line with the return of Shemar Turner and Shemar Stewart.

In contrast, former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton has a chance to become an immediate game wrecker as the Bryan, Texas native has returned home.

However, the offense will continue to take center stage on a national scale, as any success this season will depend on Weigman’s ability to move the ball down the field in the passing game under new OC Collin Klein’s scheme, needing to rely on a wide receiver corps that is relatively inexperienced.

In the video, junior WR Noah Thomas and senior WR Jahdae Walker were joined by a different third receiver in first-team reps, as GigEm 247’s Carter Karels noted that former Louisiana Tech WR Cyrus Allen was listed as the third starter, as the versatile speedster is coming off his career-high 778 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his final season with the Bulldogs.

Texas A&M’s passing offense needs more reliable downfield production with explosive WR Evan Stewart, who transferred to Oregon early in the offseason; Allen could represent that piece to the puzzle and provide Weigman with another dependable option on third down.

If this is the case, the wide receiver unit’s depth suddenly becomes much deeper than previously anticipated, with senior Moose Muhammad potentially rotating in.

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Where does Texas A&M land in CBS Sports’ 2024 134 team rankings?

Texas A&M’s 2024 season is just 30 days away

Texas A&M’s 2024 season is just 30 days away. The Aggies will kick off the season against Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, inside a packed Kyle Field.

Serving as head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural season, the former A&M defensive coordinator (2018-2021) is back in College Station after a short two-year stint at Duke. He proved his head coaching chops with the Blue Devils by winning an impressive 16 games in his two seasons in Durham.

As we’ve covered throughout the offseason, Elko and his coaching staff have inherited a talented and experienced roster, paired with the nearly 30 transfer portal additions, including former Purdue Edge Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten with ten sacks last season.

However, redshirt quarterback Conner Weigman’s return to the lineup after his offseason surgery continues to dominate any Texas A&M-related headlines, but the status of the offensive line will likely make or break the Aggie’s chances of consistently moving the ball down the field.

On paper, Texas A&M’s defense with Scourton and several new additions in the secondary looks like the team’s predominant strength, providing Elko’s elite defensive mind plenty to work with. So, what does the national media think of the Aggies’ chances to compete for a playoff spot this season?

On Thursday, CBS Sports released its 134 team rankings, and what may be surprising to some is that Texas A&M is ranked 20th after finishing the 2023 season as the 41st-ranked team in the rankings, as writer Chip Patterson stated that former head coach Jimbo Fisher’s blatant lack of on-field execution shouldn’t be an issue under Elko.

“The struggles that led to Jimbo Fisher’s exit did tailspin the Aggies’ season a bit, and when it comes to ranking all 134 FBS teams, you can’t give a program like Texas A&M a pass just because it’s going through some tough times” Patterson stated.

“Talent was rarely the issue, but execution was, and by boosting the Aggies up nearly two dozen spots, our voters are clearly in on the idea that Mike Elko’s hire will have a positive impact on closing the gap between talent and results.”

Most college football media members voted on by CBS Sports, and 247Sports writers agree that Elko looks like the right fit to finally get the Aggies back to winning key games in October and November.

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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?” 

  • 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.

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‘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.”

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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.

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‘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.

 “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.

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