Tag: Sean Spencer

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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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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‘He’s been an energy guy,’ Mike Elko shares which Texas A&M coach makes him laugh the most

“He’s the one that lightens up the mood every time we need it lightened up. He’s always been a guy that brings positive energy to the room.”

Texas A&M football head coach Mike Elko recently rode around in a truck for an interview in the “0 to 60” series presented by the South Texas Ford Dealers.

During the chat, Elko was asked which assistant on his coaching staff makes him laugh the most.

“Ooh, that’s a good question. I’m not a laugher by nature. I would probably have to say Sean Spencer,” Elko said. “I think Sean Spencer has got the personality. He’s the one that kind of lightens up the mood every time we need it lightened up. He’s been an energy guy. I’ve known him for about 20 years now and he’s always been a guy that brings great, positive energy to the room. And so that’s probably where I’ll go with that one.”

Elko and Spencer first coached together at Hofstra in 2006. The duo were reunited at Bowling Green for two seasons in 2009 & 2010. In both stops, Elko served as defensive coordinator with Spencer as his defensive line coach.

Dec 12, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants defensive line coach Sean Spencer (left) and linebackers coach Anthony Blevins react during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart is poised to break out this season

Texas A&M junior DL Shemar Stewart has a chance to explode on the scene with a new scheme in place

Texas A&M’s 2024 season is less than two months away, as the season opener vs. Notre Dame looms large ahead of head coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign.

As the offseason draws to a close, it’s worth noting the significant changes in the team’s roster. Since his official hiring in late November, Elko has bolstered the team’s strength by securing commitments from key 2024 prospects, including five-star athlete Terry Bussey. Additionally, the team has gained nearly 30 veterans from the transfer portal, led by former Purdue Edge Nic Scourton, who topped the Big Ten in sacks (10) last season.

Returning most of the 2023 roster, redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman’s return from injury is, and will continue to be, the storyline that dominates the mainstream coverage concerning the program. However, several returning defenders have a chance to dominate the SEC.

If A&M’s offensive line holds up, the Aggie’s offense should improve, but if not, it will be up to the defense to keep games close. In the trenches, Scourton is joined by senior defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who’s as dependable as they come. Still, his name twin, edge/defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, has a chance to put up double-digit sacks after his continued developments over the past two seasons.

While his recent film is filled with “splash plays,” Good Bull Hunting contributor Will Stone referenced Stewart’s potential with tape from Texas A&M’s season finale loss to LSU last season. The incoming junior’s 6’6″, 285-pound frame, paired with his elite athleticism, jumped off the screen after several pass rush reps.

As Stone pointed out, Stewart was just inches away from finishing with a sack against LSU tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones, who are both slated to end up going in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Without getting too technical, Elko’s use of split fronts in 3rd down situations, which essentially shows a heavier pass rush on one side of the LOS while loading up outside pass rushers against the right or left tackle, was extremely successful during his time as A&M’s defensive coordinator (2018-2021) and will open things up for Stewart to overpower his blocker on a consistent basis easily.

Texas A&M will open the 2024 season vs. Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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New Texas A&M DE Josh Celiscar is ready to make an impact in 2024

Here’s what new Texas A&M transfer DE Josh Celiscar brings to the table

The transfer portal will officially reopen on April 16 of the next week, so prepare for the chaos that will ensue. This week, however, Texas A&M’s 2024 defensive line got stronger with the addition of longtime UCF defensive end Josh Celiscar, who spent his last four seasons in Florida.

Bringing notable confidence to a depth chart where he’ll have to earn his spot in the rotation, Celiscar recently spoke to GigEm247 beat writer Carter Karels, and let’s say that this young man isn’t afraid of a bit of competition come fall.

“I do not care who they think is better than me. I am going to prove to them that I am better and I can showcase a lot of things that they need on the defense.”

At 6-4 and 265 pounds, Celiscar is 20-plus pounds lighter than Shemar Turner (290 pounds) and Shemar Stewart (285 pounds), but he provides added versatility to work around the line and find his best spot to thrive in his final collegiate season.

As Celiscar noted in the interview, he knows what he’s capable of after producing right out the gate during his freshman season at UCF, amassing 156 career tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, eight sacks and three pass deflections with over 50 appearances.

Already creating a close bond with Texas A&M defensive line coach Tony Jerod-Eddie and Sean Spencer, Celiscar reportedly feels right at home.

Set to carry 90 scholarship players into the fall, this is by far the deepest roster the Aggies have had in quite some time, and adding a veteran talent in Josh Celiscar is the right move at the right time.

Note: Celiscar is set to arrive in June, joining former Vanderbilt safety De’Rickey Wright.

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Former UCF DL Joshua Celiscar will transfer to Texas A&M

Texas A&M picks up another experienced defensive lineman in former UCF defensive end Joshua Celiscar

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko is getting run help with a productive defensive lineman out of Florida.

Defensive line coaches Sean Spencer and Tony Jerod-Eddie will add senior defensive end Joshua Celiscar from the University of Central Florida. After having a little bit of a down year in 2023, a change of scenery can be exactly what Celiscar needs to return to his 2022 form.

The 6-4 265 pounds DE was named an Honorable Mention All-ACC pick during his junior year where he had three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

With the spring portal opening soon expect more names to flow in and out of College Station as players start to key in on where they might fall on the roster. No doubt Elko is keeping his ear to the portal streets looking for ways to improve his team.

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Texas A&M underclassmen trio returning for 2024 football season

According to Texas Aggies United, freshmen, WR Micah Tease and DL DJ Hicks, and sophomore OL Dametrious Crownover are returning for next year.

A trio of Texas A&M underclassmen will be back for the 2024 football season to officially kick off the Mike Elko era in College Station.

According to Texas Aggies United, freshmen, wide receiver Micah Tease & defensive lineman DJ Hicks, and sophomore offensive lineman Dametrious Crownover are returning for the next campaign. Crownover is an incoming junior while Tease and Hicks will be sophomores.

It was originally reported on Jan. 3 that Hicks would be forgoing the transfer portal and remain in Aggieland. Hicks will work directly with Sean Spencer, who was hired from Florida to coach the defensive line. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound native of Katy, Texas graduated from Paetow High School last year.

He committed to Texas A&M as a 5-star recruit who was ranked amongst the top 15 players in the country. According to 247Sports, Hicks was the No. 1 player from the Lone Star State in the Class of 2023. He was selected to play in the Under Armour All-America game and Polynesian Bowl.

Hicks played in 11 games for the Aggies this season, tallying 13 tackles (6 solo), 2 tackles for a loss of yards and 1 sack. He racked up 2 tackles during the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27 against No. 20 Oklahoma State.

Tease had a rocky first season in College Station as he was arrested in September. Crownover’s older brother, Earnest, declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Dec. 28 and was a finalist for the Lowman Trophy.

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Report: True freshman phenom DJ Hicks returning to Texas A&M for next season

Per Landyn Rosow of Rivals, the Aggies true freshman defensive lineman is returning to Kyle Field for his sophomore year in College Station.

Texas A&M phenomenal freshman defensive lineman David “DJ” Hicks Jr. is reportedly returning to Kyle Field for his true sophomore season in Bryan-College Station.

According to a report from Landy Rosow, Rivals’ Texas A&M recruiting insider & writer, Hicks will not be entering the NCAA Transfer Portal and intends to play for new head Aggies head coach Mike Elko and his staff in 2024.

Hicks will work directly with Sean Spencer, who was hired from Florida to coach the defensive line. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound native of Katy, Texas graduated from Paetow High School last year.

He committed to Texas A&M as a 5-star recruit who was ranked amongst the top 15 players in the country. According to 247Sports, Hicks was the No. 1 player from the Lone Star State in the Class of 2023. He was selected to play in the Under Armour All-America game and Polynesian Bowl.

Hicks played in 11 games for the Aggies this season, tallying 13 tackles (6 solo), 2 tackles for a loss of yards and 1 sack. He racked up 2 tackles during the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27 against No. 20 Oklahoma State.

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Mike Elko era in College Station officially begins today for Texas A&M football team

Dec. 28, 2023 will be remembered forever as the first official day that Mike Elko began as the head coach of the Texas A&M Football program.

Dec. 28, 2023, will be remembered forever as the first official day that Mike Elko began as the head coach of the Texas A&M Football program.

The Aggies lost the Texas Bowl 31-23 against No. 20 Oklahoma State last night in Houston. While it’s never encouraging to see Texas A&M lose, the Aggies overcame early adversity with the loss of sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson to injury on the game’s first play from scrimmage.

Texas A&M finished the 2023 season with a 7-6 overall record. Now, the Elko Era in College Station officially begins.

In the last month since being hired, Elko has assembled his coaching staff and those moves became official Thursday as well. Kansas State offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Collin Klein was hired for the same position at Kyle Field, replacing Bobby Petrino.

Florida inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman was hired as the Aggies’ new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, replacing D.J. Durkin, who coached his last game for Texas A&M at NRG Stadium on Wednesday.

Other additions to the coaching staff include hiring Sean Spencer from Florida to coach the defensive line, Ishmael Aristide from Duke to coach cornerbacks and Tommy Moffitt as director of football strength & conditioning.

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2024 4-star DL Dealyn Evans signs with Texas A&M over Texas and Florida

Evans verbally committed to the Aggies on July 31, 2022. He was primarily recruited by Elijah Robinson, who is departing soon for Syracuse.

Patience is a virtue and a prominent Texas A&M recruit emphasized that point across Instagram Live on Friday night.

4-star defensive lineman Dealyn Evans told the world that he would be making his decision on where to play college football on Friday at 5 p.m. CT. With over a thousand people tuned in, Evans pulled off the ultimate troll move, all in good fun, of course.

“It’s been a tough decision, but I feel like some things just need to wait,” Evans initially said on Instagram, indicating that he would be waiting until Feb. 7 to officially sign somewhere.

Minutes later, Evans officially revealed his decision to those still tuned in, announcing that he would be signing with the Aggies over The University of Texas and Florida among others.

Evans verbally committed to play at Texas A&M on July 31, 2022. He was primarily recruited by Elijah Robinson, who is departing after the Texas Bowl to become defensive coordinator at Syracuse, which left his signing status up in the air.

The 6-foot-4 1/2, 260-pound prospect had major interest in the Longhorns program and visited three other universities: Alabama, Florida and TCU. During his Gainsville visit with the Gators, he was recruited by Sean Spencer, who recently became the Aggies’ new defensive line coach.

Evans is set to graduate in the spring from Pine Tree High School in Longview, Texas. He had 23 total offers and other notable schools include Auburn, Baylor, Houston, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, SMU, UTSA, USC and Washington.

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