Tag: Scooby Williams

Texas A&M linebacker Scooby Williams has reportedly confirmed his plans

Texas A&M veteran linebacker Scooby Williams will be back with the Aggies in 2025

Ending the season on a down note was not in the cards for Texas A&M, but with the last game of the year, they were a win away from playing in their first year under Mike Elko. That means something for the first-year head coach when making his case to his players and recruits about what’s being built in Aggieland.

One key is to have leaders on the team who know the systems and can help be coaches on the field. During his Early Signing Day press conference, he confirmed that starting linebacker Scooby Williams will be returning to Texas A&M for the 2025 season.

“It’s nice to be able to focus on roster retention, what the roster looks like and decisions you have to make to build the best roster for next year.”

Williams finished the year with 43 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 1 interception plus earning Texas Star of the Week after his game against Mississippi State. A familiar face that can help guide the newcomers is key and Williams will fit that role perfect.

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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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Texas A&M LB Scooby Williams named Texas Star of the Week

Aggie linebacker Scooby Williams earn the Texas Star of the Week after an outstanding game against Mississippi State.

One of the storylines from the Texas A&M offseason was about who would start next to the team’s first-year defensive captain, sophomore linebacker Taurean York, on Saturdays. There was a lot of competition for that spot, and over the last few weeks, Scooby Williams has emerged as a productive complement to York.

The Florida transfer is currently fourth on the team in tackles (26) and leads the linebacker group with TFLs (4.5) while splitting time with sophomore backer Daymion Sanford. With his familiarity with Jay Bateman’s defense, most of the players feel stable on the field in a new system.

On Saturday against Mississippi State, Williams had one of his better games of the season. He had six tackles, two TFLs, one PBU, and one interception. This earned him the East-West Shrine Bowl’s “Texas Star of the Week.” You can see the acknowledgment below.

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Texas A&M’s acsending linebacker corps is one of the keys to defeating LSU

Texas A&M’s linebacker corps will need to play at a high level against LSU offensive attack

Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) heads back to Kyle Field for a Week 9 primetime showdown against 8th-ranked LSU after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 on Saturday night.

Behind an improved second-half defense, the Aggies held off the Bulldog’s passing attack and improved to 4-0 in SEC play and 2-0 on the road in the conference.

This week, Texas A&M’s defense will now prepare for the LSU Tigers‘ 25th-ranked offense and junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Still, freshman running back Caden Durham could be a bigger problem if the Aggie run defense is up to snuff early in the game.

One of Texas A&M’s position groups that looked like a weakness coming into the season was at linebacker. Against LSU, plugging the running gaps and preventing missed tackles is one of the many keys to victory.

Sophomore LB Taurean York was the only returning backer with any experience until head coach Mike Elko utilized the transfer portal, landing former Florida LB Scooby Williams and former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheilds.

Williams, who is coming off a career game against Mississippi State after recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, and his first career interception, described how the linebacker rotation has improved due to constant competition.

“Each and every day, whether it’s an off day or Coach is drilling us in practice, we’re always in competition with each other and trying to get better.”

“We were overly prepared, and that starts during the week in practice. … All of that adds up over time, and y’all get to see the results on Saturdays.”

After Williams’ career day, all you can do is be proud of your accomplishment and move on to the next game. But, hey, it was pretty cool to see the junior linebacker continue making an impact.

“It meant a lot to me. It was crazy.” “At the crib, I was like, ‘What am I going to do if I get a pick?’ … Coach Elko was yelling about ball security, so I was just making sure I didn’t give it back to the offense.”

Another Texas A&M linebacker to watch against the Tigers is sophomore Daymion Sanford, whose closing speed, tackling, and pass-rush prowess have made him a secret weapon for Elko and DC Jay Bateman.

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 QB Conner Weigman still listed as game-time decison before facing Florida

Conner Weigman and Scooby Williams are still game-time decisions ahead of the game

Texas A&M (1-1) will take on the Florida Gators (1-1) in both teams’ first SEC matchup of the season, while the Aggies bring a 10-game conference road losing streak.

Just an hour before kickoff, Texas A&M’s final injury report revealed that starting quarterback Conner Weigman and former Florida linebacker Scooby Williams are game-time decisions. ESPN insider Pete Thamel first reported this early Saturday morning.

While his specific injury is still unknown, it has been vaguely described as an upper-body injury, likely affecting his throwing motion. Head coach Mike Elko told SEC Nation this morning that Weigman would test things out pregame to find his comfort level, and they would go in another direction if he doesn’t feel healthy enough to play.

https://twitter.com/travis_l_brown/status/1835020526580084767?s=61&t=NUOt-nnN4Mw9twStgUK7kg

So, who’s the next man up? That would be redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed, who played the entire second half of last weekend’s 52-10 win over McNeese State. If Reed makes his first career regular season start, expect Texas A&M OC to implent more RPO (run, pass option) calls to utilize Reed’s athleticism.

For Florida,  wide receivers Eugene Wilson and Andy Jean are alos game-time decisions.

Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Breaking down Florida’s student-athlete availability report vs. Texas A&M

Florida is dealing with several injuries heading into a Week 3 matchup with Texas A&M. Here’s what the SEC availability report says.

Florida has released its first student-athlete availability report ahead of a Week 3 matchup with Texas A&M Aggies.

The availability report is being introduced this season in an effort to promote the integrity of competition, the well-being of student-athletes and institutional staff and public transparency.

“Beginning with the 2024-25 athletics season, all Southeastern Conference schools will provide public reports on the availability of student-athletes to participate in each Conference game in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball,” the SEC policy reads.

Football programs must report an initial disclosure on Wednesday by 7 p.m., or three nights before a non-Saturday game, and update those reports on both Thursday and Friday. An official designation of available, game-time decision or out must be provided no later than 90 minutes before game time.

Here’s what Florida reported on Wednesday.

https://twitter.com/DavidRosenbergg/status/1834027166561882613?/

Florida players on SEC availability report

The good news is that quarterback [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag] is out of the concussion protocol and healthy again. The bad news is that 10 other players have already been ruled out for Saturday’s contest. Another six Gators are questionable

Offense

Florida’s wide receiver corps will be missing Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Brian Green Jr. and Kahleil Jackson this week. Neither Fraziars nor Green have played a snap this year, and Jackson is out for the season after knee surgery.

Andy Jean has also missed the first two games, but there is some hope for him to play with a “questionable” designation.

The big one here is [autotag]Eugene Wilson III[/autotag], Florida’s leading receiver on the year. Losing Wilson would be a big blow to UF’s offense, so this is one to monitor closely.

Tight ends Caleb Rillos and Keon Zipperer are both expected to sit on Saturday. Zipperer is still returning from a gruesome lower-body injury suffered a year ago. Rillos’ issue is unknown.

Defense

Florida’s defensive backs situation is grim heading into Week 3.

Starting strong safety [autotag]Asa Turner[/autotag] suffered a non-contact injury to his lower body against Miami. He’ll sit for a second straight week.

Cornerback [autotag]Devin Moore[/autotag] is listed as questionable after suffering an AC joint injury in Week 1 and missing a game, and his backup, Ja’Keem Jackson, got hurt the following week and is out against Texas A&M.

At least the team’s top corner, Jason Marshall Jr., is healthy. Getting Moore back this week would be huge with Jackson missing.

[autotag]Sharif Denson[/autotag], Flroida’s starting nickelback in Week 1, is also questionable after missing the Samford game. Safety Bryce Thornton is in the same boat.

Ahman Covington and Brayden Slade are out as well. Although they aren’t regulars in the defensive backs rotation, Florida could use as much depth as possible.

The only member of Florida’s front seven on the availability report is Jamari Lyons, who broke his ankle during fall camp. Lyons will miss the entire season.

Texas A&M players on SEC availability report

Texas A&M’s availability report lists just three players, but one of them is former Florida linebacker [autotag]Scooby Williams[/autotag]. He’s questionable while former five-star running back Reuben Owens and offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr. will miss the game.

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Initial injury report ahead of Texas A&M vs. Florida

Ahaed of facing the Florida Gators on Saturday, here is the updated injury report for both teams

Texas A&M (1-1) will face the Florida Gators (1-1) in the Aggies’ first true road test of the 2024 season. The program has failed to secure an SEC road victory since the 2021 season.

Under head coach Mike Elko, the first two games have left more question marks than answers, though progress has been made from starting quarterback Conner Weigman after his career-low performance in the opening season loss to Notre Dame.

After it was revealed that Elko will now prepare to face a two-quarterback system once they arrive in Gainsville, the latest injury report has revealed that Texas A&M should be at nearly full strength. At the same time, Florida QB Graham Mertz will attempt to return from a concussion.

Senior wide receiver Jabre Barber, who returned to the lineup after missing the entire offseason due to injury, played eight snaps to test his playing health. Without recording a reception, Elko stated on Monday that Barber, despite being listed as a backup behind starting slot WR Cyrus Allen, should return to full strength by the time Texas A&M plays Arkansas on Sept. 28.

“Still a couple of weeks away. We kind of targeted the Arkansas game as the right timing, and it’s probably still that.”

Concerning linebacker Scooby Williams and running back EJ Smith, both players sat out of last Saturday’s win for precautionary reasons and will be available vs. Florida.

Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Updated injury report following Texas A&M’s win against McNeese State on Saturday

Texas A&M’s 52-10 win over McNeese State resulted in a mostly healthy roster heading into next weekend

Texas A&M’s week 2 52-10 victory over McNeese State also served as the first win for new head coach Mike Elko, as last weekend’s disappointing loss to Notre Dame didn’t look any better after the Irish fell to Northern Illinois a week later.

Nevertheless, The Aggies looked like the team we all thought they were entering the season, scoring on eight consecutive drives for the first time since 2011.

Starting quarterback Conner Weigman looked much better after his career-low performance against Notre Dame, but still only threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns in just two-quarters of play due to the large advantage. However, the redshirt sophomore made better decisions, and his accuracy and usually impressive touch returned to their regular form.

Before the game, it was reported that linebacker Scooby Williams and running back EJ Smith would sit out for undisclosed reasons. At the same time, senior wide receiver Jabre Barber returned to the lineup.

https://twitter.com/travis_l_brown/status/1832511424473575553?s=61&t=vlrTnL-7kglPLcoOJTDYhQ

During the game, senior wide receiver Jahdae Walker injured his hand and, for precautionary reasons, was held out of the game but should be good to go for the Florida game. One name to keep an eye on is defensive end Enai White, who will reportedly stay on the sideline until further notice as he continues to rehab.

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Texas A&M WR Jabre Barber will reportedly suit up vs. McNeese State

Jabre Barber could see the field vs. McNeese State

Just minutes before Texas A&M will face McNeese State in week 2 of the 2024 college football season, several players will not suit up for the game, while one of the head coach Mike Elko’s critical transfer portal additions is dressed out for the first time this season.

Ahead of the 11:45 a.m. kickoff, it has been reported that former Troy wide receiver Jabre Barber is suited up while participating in pre-game warmups. The senior is slated to see the field after missing most of the offseason due to injury.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Elko revealed that Barber was quickly progressing in rehab but didn’t provide a specific timeline. Well, this weekend was the return date, after all.

During his final season with Troy, Barber recorded 75 receptions, 999 yards, and five touchdowns. He possesses the quickness and versatility needed to contribute to the receiving game this season and provide starting quarterback Conner Weigman with another receiving weapon.

Concerning the players that won’t dress out, junior linebacker Scooby Williams and senior running back EJ Smith will miss the game for undisclosed reasons.

https://twitter.com/billyliucci/status/1832450394079088640?s=61&t=DBshhonBhwymDMwbcNpMwQ

Texas A&M will host McNeese State 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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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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