Tag: texas aggies football

WATCH: Texas A&M 2025 4-star OL commit Jonte Newman holds his own during Rivals camp

Watch Texas A&M offensive line commit Jonte Newman during Rivals camp this weekend

Texas A&M’s growing 2025 recruiting class is currently offensive line-heavy,  with four OL commitments, including Cypress, Texas offensive tackle Jonte Newman, who is competing in the annual Rivals, Dallas camp this weekend.

Newman, the starting left tackle for Bridgeland HS, has the versatility to play both tackle positions. He has shown this throughout Sunday afternoon against some of the top pass rushers in the 2025 and 2026 recruiting cycles, most notably the No. 1-ranked 2026 defensive lineman Jakeem Stewart.

Even without pads, Newman and Stewart fought fiercely during the pass rush set. The 6-4, 250-pound Newman maintained a solid stance, holding his ground against the highly athletic Stewart, showcasing his raw power.

Again, this is without pads, but still, it’s an impressive rep as the high four-star prospect looks to continue impressing Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko and his staff during his 2024 senior season. New offensive line coach Adam Cushing has already placed his stamp on the program in the 2025 class.

According to 247Sports, Newman is currently positioned as the 18th-ranked interior offensive lineman in the 2025 cycle and the 42nd-ranked prospect in Texas.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith selected in fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft

Ainias Smith is headed to Philadelphia!

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith has been selected 152nd overall in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Smith was a 2023 first team SEC selection in two separate categories: all-purpose and as a return specialist. He hauled in at least 1 catch in 39 consecutive games. The graduate student racked up 1,204 all-purpose yards last season with 53 receptions for 795 yards and 2 touchdowns.

He added 285 punt return yards and 103 kick return yards, including a career-high 131 punt return yards against Arkansas on Sept. 30. During the 34-22 win against the Razorbacks at “Jerry’s World,” he returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown.

Smith is very comparable to former Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson, given his ability to be a reliable receiver on offense and a lethal option in the punt and return game on special teams.

Four Aggies have been selected in the draft thus far including: Edgerrin Cooper, McKinnley Jackson and Layden Robinson.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on Twitter: @Shaun_Holkko.

Texas A&M has made 2025 5-star safety out of Galveston (TX) Top 7 program list

2025 5-star safety Jonah Williams has included Texas A&M in his Top 7 program list

Texas A&M is officially running for one of the best athletes in the 2025 recruiting class. Five-star safety Jonah Williams out of Galveston (TX) has released his Top 7 program list, including the Aggies among a host of blue-blood suitors.

Already visiting College Station during the spring practice period, Williams has been in contact with head coach Mike Elko and his new staff as A&M joins Oklahoma, LSU, Oregon, USC, Ohio State, and the Texas Longhorns. Currently, a favorite to land with the Sooners, Elko has a lot to do heading into a busy recruiting summer.

Jonah Williams stands out on the field at an impressive 6-3 and 203 pounds. His rangy defense and position versatility make him a formidable player. His 2023 junior campaign was a testament to his skills, with 54 tackles, four interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), eight pass breakups, four tackles for loss, and two kick returns on special teams.

Knowing Mike Elko’s affinity with height and length in every defensive back he recruits, it’s no wonder Williams is a high-priority prospect for the Maroon & White.

According to 247Sports, Williams is currently positioned as the 12th-ranked prospect in the 2025 class, the 2nd-ranked linebacker prospect, and the fourth-ranked prospect in Texas.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Green Bay Packers receive A+ grade for drafting Edgerrin Cooper

The Packers receive an A+ grade for selecting Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper

Former Texas A&M standout Edgerrin Cooper is set to bring his game to Wisconsin as the Green Bay Packers made a thrilling move, selecting the 21-year-old 45th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday evening. Like myself, Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar believed that Cooper could have easily been a first-round pick, giving the Packers an A+ grade for their exciting choice of the future Pro Bowler:

“Cooper has been one of my favorite players to watch in this draft class, regardless of position. And his athletic profile fits what most teams want in an every-down linebacker these days. He’ll be all over the place at times when he gets to the NFL, but with the right kind of coaching, he could be an ideal guided missile.”

During his 2023 junior season with the Aggies, Cooper’s game began to change as former defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin moved him around the defense to take full advantage of his athleticism. Cooper led the Aggies in his final year with 83 tackles, eight sacks, 27 pressures, and 19 tackles for loss.

With the Packers, Cooper will form a formidable duo with weak-side linebacker Quay Walker. The rookie is set to earn the starting middle linebacker spot, a strategic move as he begins to learn the playbook as soon as possible, showcasing the Packers’ thoughtful planning.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper selected in second round of the 2024 NFL Draft

Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is headed to Green Bay!

Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has been selected 45th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The talented backer is headed to Wisconsin to join the Green Bay Packers and start what should be an exciting and productive NFL career.

Cooper’s trajectory to the league started in 2023 during his junior season, and former Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin deserves credit for developing Cooper into the player he is today. Cooper led the Aggies in his final year with 83 tackles, eight sacks, 27 pressures, and 19 tackles for loss.

Cooper brings a unique blend of elite athleticism and notable speed to the field. His exceptional length in pass coverage and his ability to cover ground from sideline to sideline against the run make him the most promising linebacker prospect in his class. What’s more, he comes with a clean bill of health, free from any significant injury history.

According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper finished in the 90-plus percentile at every defensive metric, making him a perfect fit for a Packers defense needing an upgrade at the position, joining the talented Quay Walker in the middle of the defense.

Congratulations Edgerrin!

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

2025 4-star TE out of Jasper (TX) has placed Texas A&M in his Top 10 program list

Texas A&M has made 2025 4-star tight end Kiotti Armstrong’s Top 10 program list

Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class will continue to grow as the months roll on. The spring season is over, and a busy summer of scheduled visits from a plethora of elite 2025 prospects, including four-star tight end and Jasper, Texas native Kiotti Armstrong, will follow.

New Aggies head coach Mike Elko knows that an offense must load up at the tight end position to avoid succumbing to mismatches in the passing game while holding up in the running game. Focusing on future depth, Elko and his staff received good news: Kiotti Armstrong has included Texas A&M in his Top 10 program list.

Armstrong’s Top 10 program list is a testament to the fierce competition in the recruitment process. Alongside Texas A&M, he has also considered powerhouses such as Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Miami, Texas, Mississippi State, Baylor, and Ole Miss. Armstrong has already made several unofficial visits to College Station, with another official visit scheduled for June 13.

On the field, Armstrong is one of the best athletes in the country, with the potential to play on the defensive line or offensive line at the next level if he chooses to do so. Standing at an imposing 6-6 and 250 pounds, Armstrong recorded just 268 receiving yards during his 2023 junior season but hauled in 9 touchdowns on the year.

According to 247Sports, Armstrong is currently positioned as the 65th-ranked prospect in the 2025 class, the 3rd-ranked tight end, and the 12th-ranked prospect in Texas.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M has reportedly contacted former star Colorado running back

Former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards has been in contact with Texas A&M

Texas A&M is still in the market for adding depth at several positions, especially on offense. New offensive coordinator Collin Klein requires more weapons in the passing game for starting quarterback Conner Weigman to thrive in 2024.

With the strategic aim of adding another dynamic playmaker to the team, former Auburn wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson is set to visit College Station next Friday. This potential addition, along with former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards, who recently entered the transfer portal, demonstrates the team’s thoughtful and proactive approach to recruiting through the portal.

According to On3, six teams have contacted Edwards since his announcement, including Texas A&M. Klein recruited Edwards, a native of Derby, Kansas, during his time as Kansas State’s OC during the 2023 recruiting cycle.

During his lone freshman season with the Buffaloes, Edwards was a lightning rod in the backfield, racking up 768 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, including 321 rushing yards on 76 carries. Ole Miss, UCLA, Georgia, Kansas State and Nebraska.

While the Aggies are set at running back, adding more explosiveness to the new offensive scheme is never a bad idea.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Report: Former Auburn WR Ja’Varrius Johnson will visit Texas A&M next month

Texas A&M will reportedly host former Auburn WR Ja’Varrius Johnson on Friday, May 3

Credit to Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, as the program is clearly headed in the right direction under his leadership this offseason. Most notably, Elko’s utilization of the spring transfer portal has led to several commitments this month, including former Pitt linebacker Solomon DeShields.

Needing to add another wide receiver after the Maroon & White spring game showed that depth issues persist in the rotation; former Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who was a finalist to land with the Aggies, is now headed to Auburn.

Exciting news is on the horizon: Elko has reportedly arranged a visit next week with former Auburn WR Ja’Varrius Johnson. Johnson recorded 64 receptions, 1,114 receiving yards, and three touchdowns during his Tigers career. Johnson could be a game-changer for the Aggies.

With former Houston wide receiver Sam Brown already visiting College Station on Tuesday, Elko will need to land one of the two remaining options to feel safe going into fall camp. WR Jabre Barber continues to recover from his recent surgery to repair an injury sustained this spring.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Former Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith is reportedly down to two teams

Texas A&M is a finalist for former Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Great news regarding Texas A&M’s hopes of landing former Penn State wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith from the spring transfer portal, as On3’s Pete Nakos has now confirmed that it will come down to the Aggies or the Auburn Tigers before a final decision is made.

Needing another veteran presence at the position heading into the 2024 campaign, the spring games’ results proved said need, as junior wide receiver Noah Thomas was the only real presence in the passing game, recording seven receptions for 82 and two touchdowns for the Maroon team on the day.

After visiting College Station last weekend, Lambert-Smith likely understands where his place on the roster would be going into fall camp, as Thomas, alongside senior wide receivers Moose Muhammad III and Jahdae Walker are still competing for the No. 1-receiving spot, with Thomas in the clear lead as of now.

However, Lambert-Smith possesses the size, speed, and experience that would elevate the Aggies’ wide receiver rotation and make starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s job that much easier. At the same time, the new offensive coordinator, Collin Klein, continues to implement his new offensive system.

Standing at 6-1 and nearly 190 pounds, Lambert-Smith was extremely productive for the Nittany Lions over the past four seasons. He recorded 1,721 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns through the air, including a career-high 673 yards and four scores in 2023.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper’s NFL comp ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft

Edgerrin Cooper’s current NFL Comparison according to Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar is interesting say the least!

The 2024 NFL Draft is just two days away. Thirty-two players will hear their names called on Thursday night, and 257 players will embark on a new journey by the end of the weekend. For former Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, becoming a first-round selection is still in the cards, but the start of the second round is much more realistic.

Either way, the 21-year-old backer possesses elite traits that have made him a Top 50 player according to several NFL Draft analysts, including Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar, who just released his final player comparisons ahead of this weekend’s festivities.

Standing at 6-2 and 230 pounds, Cooper’s length and notable speed after running a 4.51 40-yard dash during the NFL combine has spawned a popular comparison to current Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, but according to Farrar, Cooper’s future is much more comparable to current Philadelphia Eagles LB Shaquille (Shaq) Leonard:

“Among all linebackers in this draft class, nobody has Edgerrin Cooper’s speed to the ballcarrier, and his “see guy/hit guy” playing personality is singularily impressive. Cooper reminds me alot of Shaquille (formerly Darius) Leonard, who was selected by the Inidanapolis Colts in the second round of the 2018 draft out of South Carolina State. The two players are similar size-wise, and at his peak, Leonard had an equivialent ability to rocket accross the field to limit all kind of potential opponent exursions.”

During Leonard’s five-year starting career with the Colts, he was a 3X First-team All-Pro selection while leading the league in tackles during his prolific rookie season. Could Cooper emulate Leonard’s historic first three years in the league? It’s possible, especially after his final season in College Station, which included eight sacks and 19 tackles for loss.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.