Tag: Shemar Turner

Defensive end Nic Scourton featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Nic Scourton is No. 1 on our countdown to the 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is just two days away.

Ten days remain before the 7th-ranked Fighting Irish head to College Station for a primetime showdown. New Aggies head coach Mike Elko has completed the long journey to accepting the position, going through his first offseason, and finishing his first fall practice period with the team this month.

Aggies Wire will focus on one player daily for the next ten days, ranking the Top 10 players on the 2024 roster and coming in as our No. 1-ranked player, former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton looks like the best player on the team; outside of starting quarterback Conner Weigman.

After leading the Big Ten in sacks (10) during his final season with the Boilermakers, Scourton’s elite plays in the trenches are a combination of natural talent and hard work, as the junior pass rusher added more muscle to his 290-pound frame after working with new Aggies’ S&C coach Tommy Moffitt.

Scourton joins a defensive line that featured a former litter of 4- and 5-star prospects in their second and third year, including senior defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks at defensive end last season before moving back inside.

Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Nic Scourton (5) tackles Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) during the NCAA football game, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17.

What makes Texas A&M’s defensive line so dangerous on paper is the duo of Scourton and former 5-star defensive end Shemar Stewart, who has equally impressed this fall after adding more muscle, adding to his natural power and strong hands.

For the Aggies to accomplish their goals this season, Scourton will need to consistently wreak havoc in the backfield, starting with taking on a Notre Dame offensive line with just six combined starts between all five starters.

No. 20 Texas A&M will host No. 7 Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31, at 6:30 p.m. CT, and the game will air on ABC.

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Senior DL Shemar Turner featured in our Texas A&M Countdown to Kickoff

Senior DL Shemar Turner comes in at No. 5 in our countdown to the 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame

The countdown to Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener against Notre Dame is nearing single digits.

Ten days remain before the 7th-ranked Fighting Irish head to College Station for a primetime showdown. New Aggies head coach Mike Elko has completed the long journey to accepting the position, going through his first offseason, and finishing his first fall practice period with the team this month.

Aggies Wire will focus on one player daily for the next ten days, ranking the Top 10 players on the 2024 roster. Coming in at No. 6 on our list, senior defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who will permanently move inside after playing defensive end last season, looks to set the tone of the Aggie defense this fall.

Playing like the best defender on the roster for half the year, tied with current Green Bay Packer LB Edgerrin Cooper, Turner ended the year with 33 tackles, six sacks, and ten tackles for loss. He consistently played with a high motor while setting an edge and stopping the run at a high rate, making his offseason move to defensive tackle a no-brainer.

Adding more size while working with new S&C coach Tommy Moffitt, Turner’s summer appearance at SEC Media Days showed a player that didn’t look close to his now 6-4, 300-pound frame, meaning more muscle was gained than fat.

Oct 28, 2023; College Station, Texas; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner (5) rushes South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half at Kyle Field. Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports

A proven leader, the new faces across the Aggie D-line will depend on his leadership to get through the season, especially SEC play, knowing that the rest of the defense can count on Turner to provide interior pressure and allow the likes of defensive end Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart to collapse the pocket.

Texas A&M’s 2024 defensive line looks like an elite unit on paper, and Shemar Turner will undoubtedly be a big part of this group’s success.

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‘The D-line is crazy’ Texas A&M LB Scooby Williams knows Texas A&M’s team strength

Texas A&M’s defensive line has a chance to be special

Accurately grading Texas A&M’s fall practice period is nearly impossible for those of us in the media who only witnessed short portions of each practice. Still, from that bird’s eye view, it’s evident that the team has the potential to excel on offense, defense, and, yes, even special teams, which should fill every Aggie with hope.

Before Sunday’s final fall scrimmage, former Florida linebacker Scooby Williams, who followed new defensive coordinator Jay Bateman to College Station, joined several other players to discuss the progress made on defense this month.

When asked what he believes the Aggies’ strength will be this season, Williams was immediate in his response, and his answer didn’t surprise any of us who have been paying attention:

 “The D-Line is crazy. There is a bunch of NFL potential on it.”

Texas A&M’s defensive line is by far the strongest unit on Texas A&M’s 2024 roster, as Elko’s respected defensive background led to landing former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten in sacks (10) last season.

Scourton and former Bowling Green Edge Cashius Howell join the likes of junior defensive linemen Shemar Stewart and Shemar Turner across a defensive line littered with blue-chip talent with plenty of pass rush potential.

Dialed into the final week of fall practice, TexAgs Co-Owner Billy Liucci recently noted on the latest episode of the Loochaor Podcast that A&M’s defensive line depth should play a big role in rotations based on each opponent throughout the SEC slate, referencing players such as defensive ends Rylan Kennedy and Malick Sylla who should see the field in some capacity.

Scooby Williams is currently battling for the second linebacker spot next to starting MLB Taurean York with former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheilds and sophomore backer Daymion Sanford. Williams finished with 52 tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles during his final season with the Gators.

No. 20-ranked Texas A&M will host No. 7-ranked Notre Dame on Saturday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Notre Dame’s O-line inexperience should greatly benefit Texas A&M’s pass rush

Texas A&M could have a huge advantage vs. Notre Dame’s young offensive line

In the wake of Notre Dame left tackle Charles Jagusah sustaining a season-ending injury earlier this month, plenty of movement is in the works under head coach Marcus Freeman, who is preparing his team for the season opener vs. Texas A&M inside what could be a sold out Kyle Field.

Knowing that the Irish O-line will face one of the top defensive lines in the country, especially after Aggie’s head coach Mike Elko landed former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton from the transfer portal, Notre Dame O-line coach Joe Rudolph’s track record speaks for its self, but this will be a tough starting unit to assemble, and feel confident about ahead of the opener.

With Jagusah officially sidelined, it was revealed by The Athletics’ Pete Sampson that freshman Anthonie Knapp was working with the first-team offensive line this week over grad student tackle Tosh Baker at the left tackle spot. In contrast, redshirt freshman Sam Pendelton started at left guard during the team’s final open practice this week.

While the right side of the line consisted of multiple redshirt sophomores with some depth behind them, this provides Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman to strategically move around Scourton, Turner, Stewart, and former Bowling Green Edge Cashius Howell to readily expose the inexperience of the left side of Notre Dame’s line.

A stat to note: All four Aggie pass rushers mentioned (Scourton, Turner, Stewart, Howell) combined for 27 sacks last season. Advantage Texas A&M for now.

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Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton named to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist

Texas A&M defensive linemen Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist

In the words of DJ Kalid, “another one”. Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton continue to rack up preseason award acknowledgments. On Thursday, the Lombardi committee named both defensive linemen to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist. The last Texas A&M football player to earn the award was Texas A&M Hall of Famer Dat Nguyen.

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.

Turner tallied 33 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 10.5 TFLs, and a blocked pair of kicks. He also finished the season with an All-SEC Second Team selection. Scourton recorded 50 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 15 TFLs, and finished the season with an All-Big Ten Second Team selection after his final season with Purdue.

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Highlights from Texas A&M’s 12th fall football practice

Texas A&M’s defense continues to shine during the final week of fall practice

We’re oh so close to the start of the 2024 college football season, as Texas A&M finished its 12th fall practice on Wednesday.

This comes just days after the devastating news that sophomore running back Rueben Owens couldn’t potentially miss the 2024 season after sustaining a lower-body injury during last weekend’s scrimmage.

While every position group receives equal focus, every practice provides an opportunity to stick out of the crowd, as the Aggie defense, especially the pass rush duo of Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, continues to impress the coaching staff and media alike due to their NFL strength and elite athletic traits.

However, the secondary, especially the cornerback rotation, continues to develop before our eyes. New additions paired with returners such as Bravion Rogers and Jayvon Thomas provide Elko and defensive backs coaches Ishmael Aristide and Jordan Peterson plenty to work with before unveiling the Week 1 depth chart.

Offensively, quarterback Conner Weigman has continued to look sharp, while the wide receivers and running backs continue to adjust to new offensive coordinator Collin Klein’s new scheme.

Here are the various highlights from Texas A&M’s 12th fall practice.

Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton named to the Bednarik Award Preseason Watchlist

The Maxwell Club have named Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton to the Bednarik Award Preseason Watchlist

This might sound like a broken record, but Texas A&M defenders Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton have been named another defensive preseason award watchlist. On Monday, the Maxwell Football Club named both defensive linemen to the Bednarik Award Preseason Watchlist.

The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and is named in honor of Chuck “Concrete Charlie” Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and was the last NFL player to be a full-time player on both offense and defense.

Turner tallied 33 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 10.5 TFLs, and a blocked pair of kicks. He also finished the season with an All-SEC Second Team selection. Scourton recorded 50 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 15 TFLs, and finished the season with an All-Big Ten Second Team selection after his final season with Purdue.

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Texas A&M DE Nic Scourton is focused on controlling the line of scrimmage

While sacks are a plus, stopping the run is the key to Texas A&M’s defense becoming an elite unit

Texas A&M’s defense, by all accounts, looks to the strength of the roster after Elko added former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton from the transfer portal after already inheriting a talented defensive line led by defensive linemen Shemar Turner and Shemar Stewart.

After recording a Big Ten-leading ten sacks during his 2023 sophomore season, it was Scourton’s 50 tackles that likely caught Elko and his defensive staff’s eyes once he officially entered the portal. They showed a player who is willing to get his hands dirty at the line of scrimmage and stop the run.

As the season opener vs. Notre Dame is just three weeks away, Scourton took questions from local Aggie media late last week to discuss the defense’s progress while stating that controlling the LOS is the key to the pass rush consistently getting home.

“That’s the standard, right? We gotta shut down the run, get the pass rush home on third down. That’s just what it is, and the rest of the guys know that.”

In-game mentality is everything, and if fall practice has proven anything thus far, Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman aren’t lacking players to get the job done.

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

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Texas A&M DL’s Turner and Scourton named to the Nagurski Trophy Watch list

The FWAA have named Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton to the Bronko Nagurski Preseason Watch List

If I had to pick the top strength of the 2024-25 Texas A&M football team it most definitely would be the defensive line.

Leading the way are senior Shemar Turner and junior Nic Scourton, both who are projected starters and expected to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

On Tuesday the Football Writers Association of America announced that Turner and Scourton have been named to the Bronko Nagurski Preseason Watch List. The award is given to the top national defensive player of the year annually.

The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy on Nov. 20 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Turner tallied 33 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 10.5 TFLs, and a blocked pair of kicks. He also finished the season with an All-SEC Second Team selection. Scourton recorded 50 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 15 TFLs, and finished the season with an All-Big Ten Second Team selection after his final season with Purdue.

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Three Aggies named to the Preseason Media Days All-SEC Team

One Texas A&M starter was utterly snubbed in the newest preseason All-SEC Team

In its annual summer fashion, SEC Media Days provided more insight into what to expect from the 2024 SEC football season, now just weeks away.

During the four-day event, the national media heard from every head coach of all 16 teams, including 48 player representatives. Speaking on the final day, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko was as calm and confident as ever, returning to the program after two years away.

Accompanying Elko, defensive lineman Shemar Turner, left tackle Trey Zuhn III and middle linebacker Taurean York were the right choices to represent Texas A&M, with offensive line and defense playing a critical part in the team’s potential success.

With another exciting week in the books, the first official conference standings prediction and the preseason All-SEC team have been revealed, as three Aggies, including Trey Zuhn and Shemar Turner, were named to the team.

  • Third Team OL — Trey Zuhn III
  • Second Team DL — Shemar Turner
  • Second Team DL — Nic Scourton

Trey Zuhn was by far A&M’s most consistent offensive lineman last season while the interior struggled. The 6’8″, 315-pound junior will play a big part in protecting starting quarterback Conner Weigman throughout the season.

Defensively, the D-line looks like the Aggies’ predominant strength on paper, and former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton recorded a Big Ten-leading 10 sacks last season. In comparison, Turner’s six sacks were second behind current Green Bay linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in 2023 and will now switch to defensive tackle after adding 30 pounds this offseason.

However, linebacker Taurean York, who was second on the team with 74 tackles and three sacks during his freshman season, was obviously snubbed, as the sophomore is set to make a jump in his play after adding healthy mass to his frame this summer.

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