Tag: Nic Scourton

Texas A&M star defensive end has earned an invite to the Senior Bowl

Junior defensive end Nic Scourton has earned an invite to the Senior Bowl

Texas A&M’s 7-2 record and 5-1 standing in SEC play wouldn’t have been possible without the play of junior star defensive end Nic Scourton, who is playing what is likely his final collegiate season before entering the NFL Draft.

Scourton’s story is inspiring for every young football player currently being overlooked by big-time college programs, as the Bryan, Texas native was overlooked by his hometown Texas A&M Aggies under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, instead accepting an offer to play for the Purdue Boilermakers.

After two seasons in Indiana, Scourton quickly became a household name, racking up 72 tackles, 12 sacks, and nearly 20 tackles for loss before transferring back home to Texas A&M. In nine games, Scourton’s 12,5 tackles for loss ranks tenth in the SEC, recording five sacks and 27 tackles.

This week, after being named a Bednarik Award finalist, Scourton has also received an invitation to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl and will be one of the more heavily scouted prospects during the week.

Scourton is a power rush with elite defensive instincts against the run, and his one spin move is more than enough to wreak havoc in the backfield at the next level based on his strength alone.

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Texas A&M’s defensive line is the key to defeating South Carolina

Texas A&M’s defensive line needs to create constant pressure against South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers

Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0 SEC) is riding high after defeating LSU 38-23 in one the more memorable comebacks in program history after trailing 17-7 at halftime, as head coach Mike Elko’s second-half change to quarterback Marcel Reed resulted in five consecutive scoring drives.

Defensively, the Aggie secondary was less than stellar in the first half, allowing LSU to connect on several explosive plays downfield.

Still, as we’ve seen all season long, Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s adjustments led to three LSU turnovers, including senior corner BJ Mayes’ two interceptions in the third quarter, while Texas A&M’s pass rush recorded two sacks against the Tigers’ stout offensive line.

This week, the focus shifts to the toughest remaining game on the schedule outside of facing the Texas Longhorns: the Aggies’ Week 10 road trip to Columbia (SC) to face the South Carolina Gamecocks for another Saturday night showdown.

On Monday, head coach Mike Elko quickly noted how tough South Carolina’s borderline elite defensive line has been despite the Gamecock’s 4-3 record, as close losses to Alabama and LSU still haunt the program this season.

“They’re extremely talented. Their front is phenomenal. … They’re athletic at the second level. They have a first-round safety.”

“Watching them, they allow their defensive line to impact the game, and what they’ve done is successfully turn people over and create opportunities for their offense. … It’s, by far, the best group we’ve played to date.”

While the Aggies’ offensive line will need to be much, much better in pass protection compared to their performance against the Tigers, Texas A&M’s defensive line, led by junior defensive end Nic Scourton, is the key to controlling the game and limiting Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers and forcing the dual-threat into errant throws.

Statistically, Texas A&M averages 3.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss, while South Carolina is currently ranked 132nd in sacks allowed with 4.5 per game and 133rd in tackles for loss allowed with over 9 per contest.

While Scourton’s weekly impact is certainly needed, another collective effort from, especially inside with defensive tackles Shemar Turner, Albert Regis, and DJ Hicks, need to eliminate the run early and slowly but surely make their way into the backfield as the game wears on.

Texas A&M will travel to Columbia to face South Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on either ABC or ESPN+.

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Texas A&M vs. LSU injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 9 matchup

All the latest updates and news on Texas A&M’s injury report ahead of facing LSU on Saturday night

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) is still atop the SEC standings after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 in Starkville (MS) in Week 8, as the Aggie’s six-game win streak is highly impressive on its face.

However, many issues, especially on offense, remain ahead of facing 8th-ranked LSU for a primetime showdown on Saturday night. After throwing two interceptions against the Bulldogs, starting quarterback Conner Weigman didn’t look sharp despite receiving clean pockets from the offensive line, but did make several impressive throws when the offense needed a play.

Defensively, the Aggie secondary struggled in the first half against Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren but adjusted in the second half, paired with Texas A&M’s pass rush getting home for three sacks.

Weigman and the secondary need to vastly improve before facing LSU’s offense behind starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and freshman running back Caden Durham. On Monday, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko provided a brief update regarding the team’s injury report ahead of the game.

Texas A&M injury report

  • Rueben Owens – RB (Out for the season)
  • Mark Nabou – OL (Out for the season)
  • Tyreek Chappell – DB
  • Chase Bisontis – OL
  • Terry Bussey – DB/WR

LSU injury report

  • John Emery Jr – RB (Out for the season)
  • Kobe Roberts – OL
  • Harold Perkins Jr. – LB (Out for the season)
  • Tyree Adams – OL
  • Chris Hilton – WR
  • Kyle Parker – WR
  • Princeton Malbrue – DE

OL Chase Bisontis injury update

After sustaining a lower-body injury against Mississippi State, Mike Elko stated on Monday that an update regarding Bisontis’s status against LSU is still up in the air until further notice.

DE Nic Scourton injury update

After leaving the game several times due to cramping, Elko revealed that Nic Scourton was dealing with an undisclosed illness but will be ready to go against LSU.

CB Jayvon Thomas injury update

Sophomore cornerback Jayvon Thomas is reportedly set to return after dealing with football-related “wear and tear,” according to Mike Elko.

WR Terry Bussey injury update

After suiting up but not logging any snaps against Mississippi State, Elko reported that freshman wide receiver Terry Bussey is “fine” and should be available to return against LSU.

Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M’s DL coaches have been elite recruiters in the trenches

Texas A&M’s defensive line is in good hands under DL coaches Sean Spencer and Tony Jerod-Eddie

Texas A&M’s defensive line is coming into its own this season, as junior defensive end Nic Scourton is looking like the All-American-level player that led the Big Ten in sacks in 2023 during his final season at Purdue, while junior DL Albert Regis has become one of the better run stoppers in the SEC.

On Friday, 2026 4-star defensive lineman Trashawn Ruffin announced his commitment to Texas A&M, as first-year Aggies defensive line coaches Sean Spencer and Tony Jerod-Eddie once again landed a top-tier DL with an NFL future in less than a year of employment with the University.

Since both coaches arrived in Aggieland, Nic Scourton, along with current defensive linemen Cashius Howell, Rodas Johnson, and Josh Celiscar, make up the 2024 contributors from the transfer portal this offseason, while the recruiting performance has been equally impressive in the 2024, and 2025, and now 2026 recruiting classes. Here are the defensive linemen the Aggies have landed:

2024 recruiting class:

  • 4-star DL Solomon Williams
  • 4-star DL Kendall Jackson

2025 recruiting class:

  • 4-star DL DJ Sanders
  • 4-star DL Landon Rink
  • 4-star DL Chace Sims
  • 4-star EDGE Marco Jones

2026 recruiting class:

  • 4-star DL Trashawn Ruffin.

Knowing both coaches’ playing backgrounds, including Tony Jerod-Eddie’s impressive career at Texas A&M, young defensive line prospects are trusting the process that head coach Mike Elko continues to preach, which is also relayed by his coaching staff.

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Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton make the Lombardi Award Mid-season Watchlist

Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton make the Lombardi Award Mid-season Watchlist

The Texas A&M defensive line has improved as the season has progressed. A few weeks back, it was a little concerning due to the lack of sacks and trouble stopping the run. Since then, the pass rush and run defense have been two of the best-performing aspects on the team.

Fast-forward to Texas A&M’s Week 8 road trip against Mississippi State, the Aggie defense looks like an All-SEC squad that is very good two deep on the roster. They are led by the trio of Nic Scourton, Shemar Turner, and Shemar Stewart, with Scourton and Turner being named to the Lombardi Award Watchlist.

This prestigious accolade continues to honor the Outstanding College Football Lineman, whether on offense or defense, who displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.

We wish both players a healthy and productive remainder of the season.

Texas A&M will face Mississippi State on the road on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 3:15 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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Texas A&M DE Nic Scourton is named to CBS Sports’ mid-season All-American Team

Future first round pick named to CBS Sports mid-season All-American team

Besides returning closer to home, Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton wanted to prove that he can compete in the SEC. After somewhat of a slow start, he’s picked up steam and is living up to the expectations he decided to transfer to Aggieland.

Scourton has 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, and 13 QB hurries through six games. He is on his way to an All-American season and double-digit sacks during his junior year. His 4.5 sacks put him in the top 10, and his 10 TFLs are good enough to be second in the SEC.

His accomplishments to his point in the season have earned him recognition from the national media. CBS Sports named him to their mid-season All-American team, adding to his resume leading up to the NFL Draft after college football season.

Scourton’s size, strength, and run-stopping prowess make him one of the most important players on A&M’s roster.

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Derek Miller attributes ‘teamwork and sacrifice’ as reason why Aggies landed Nic Scourton

“When I look back on it, I am proud of the way people work together, positive attitude and willingness just to keep being gritty every day.”

In a recent interview with Carter Karels of GigEm247, football general manager Derek Miller recalled the process of how Texas A&M landed standout pass rusher Nic Scourton from Purdue in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

“I think what best encapsulates the whole thing that I joke about is Scourton’s announcement to get into the portal on December 26th at 9 a.m. So any Christmas holiday enjoyment — the next morning, the Scourton news was out there, and then we were trying to figure that one out,” Miller explained. “What encapsulates the time period is teamwork and sacrifice. It is the holidays. You are moving. I am not the only one who picked up, packed a bag and moved down here and said, ‘We will figure the rest out later.’

Texas A&M can’t afford to start slow vs. Mississippi State in Week 8

Mississippi State might be 1-5, but this team will be ready when the Aggies come to Starkville

Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0 SEC) is enjoying the first of two bye weeks this season, as head coach Mike Elko has spent the last week checking up on recruiting commits while slowly but surely prepping for next Saturday’s road test vs. Mississippi State.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs traveled to Athens to take on 5th-ranked Georgia in a game that looked like a blowout in the home team’s favor. Still, after leading 34-10 in the 3rd quarter, Mississippi State’s offense outscored Georgia 21-17 behind freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren’s 306 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Yes, the Bulldogs are the worst team in the SEC due to their record and overall play, but despite the loss, this team looks much more explosive with Van Buren at the helm.

Coming off a bye week can be good and bad for Texas A&M, as the roster’s health should be nearly 100% outside of several players. Still, the break in rhythm, especially with starting quarterback Conner Weigman back in the lineup, could result in slow starts and getting behind the chains early.

However, Texas A&M is a superior team on both sides of the ball, and after recording nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss in their last two games, the Aggie pass rush led by junior defensive end Nic Scourton should be disruptive against the freshman signal caller.

If Mississippi State’s passing attack finds life, it’s up to A&M’s secondary to not allow explosive 15-plus yard plays and only limit Van Buren to throws between the hash marks.

On offense, completing early passing in tight windows while running the ball effectively should open up the passing game for deep shots, as OC Collin Klein’s gameplan for Conner Weigman led to the redshirt sophomore completing 18/22 for 276 yards A&M’s 41-10 win over Missouri, his first game in nearly a month.

This is a “trap game” like any SEC road matchup. Still, Texas A&M’s physical identity under Mike Elko has already shown to travel after tough wins over Florida and Arkansas this season.

Texas A&M will travel to Starkville to face Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 3:15 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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Just how much has Texas A&M improved each week? PFF tells the story

Will the Aggies continue to improve after the bye week?

Texas A&M’s 2024 season is off to a blistering start, as the Aggies have reeled off five consecutive wins, including a 41-10 blowout over a top 10-ranked Missouri Team in Week 7.

This week, head coach Mike Elko and his staff have been focused on recruiting. The team will relax this weekend before returning to practice on Monday to prepare for a tough road game against Mississippi State next Saturday afternoon.

Heading into the final stretch with three SEC road games remaining and, of course, the regular season finale vs. the Texas Longhorns in the renewed Lone Star Showdown, improvement needs to continue on both sides of the ball. Credit to Elko and his staff for sticking to the game plan, as both units are coming together nicely.

The return of a healthy starting quarterback, Conner Weigman, certainly changes the offense’s trajectory, as the redshirt sophomore completed 18/22 for 276 yards against the Tigers, springing the rushing attack to 238 yards and five touchdowns, including three scores from junior running back Le’Veon Moss.

Defensively, A&M’s pass rush produced six sacks and eight tackles for loss, while the secondary notched five pass deflections, as junior cornerback Will Lee III currently leads the nation in deflections with eight on the year.

While the stats speak for themselves, Pro Football Focus, which has tracked the Aggies’ overall progress in every metric imaginable, shows A&M’s weekly progress from the tool’s “Overall Performance” grade. Here’s how Texas A&M has graded out in all six games:

Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame (24-13 loss): 55.6 Overall Grade

Texas A&M vs. McNeese (52-10 win): 92.9 Overall Grade

Texas A&M vs. Florida (33-20 win): 69.9 Overall Grade

Texas A&M vs. Bowling Green (26-20 win): 72.2 Overall Grade

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (21-17 win): 80.3 Overall Grade

Texas A&M vs. Missouri (41-10 win): 82.6 Overall Grade

These numbers reflect the impressive play of the offensive line in both pass protection and run blocking, while the run game has consistently graded out in the high to mid-70s through six games. All in all, these grades show that Elko and his staff’s game plans are working.

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Texas A&M run defense has drastically improved since the start of the season

Texas A&M’s run defense has steadily improved throughout the year

Texas A&M (5-1, 3-0 SEC) has steadily become one of the best defensive teams in the country over a two-game span. The Aggies showed utter dominance during Saturday’s 41-10 win over Missouri in Week 7 and are now ranked 36th in the country in total defense.

Unsurprisingly, this unit has improved since the Week 1 loss to Notre Dame, as the stars have begun to shine, led by junior defensive end Nic Scourton. At the same time, cornerback Will Lee III has looked like a shutdown defender in the secondary, leading the country in pass deflections (8).

However, one weakness that hindered A&M’s late chances against the Fighting Irish was the run defense, allowing 198 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the season opener. The next week, while the score says otherwise, Texas A&M allowed 180 rushing yards in the 52-10 win over McNeese, but after that result, things changed quickly.

Vowing to improve against the run, sophomore LB Taurean York knew that everyone, including the linebackers, needed to be better up front; whether it was coaching adjustments or simply a better understanding of run fits, the run defense has continued to climb in the rankings as one of the better-performing aspects of the Aggie defense.

After the win against McNeese, Texas A&M’s run defense was ranked 108th. After wins against Florida (52 rushing yards), Bowling Green (89 rushing yards), Arkansas (100 rushing yards), and Missouri (68 rushing yards), the ranking has skyrocketed to 40th, allowing an average of 114 rushing yards per game.

Impressive, to say the least, is the mix of coaching and overall effort from the defensive line to plug holes and set the edge, which has made the Aggie defense a complete unit heading into the second half of the regular season.

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