Texas A&M’s 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame is now just one day away, as Mike Elko knows that starting his Aggie head coaching career off with a victory could change the trajectory for a program clearly on the rise.
When evaluating A&M’s roster, which boasts experience at every level coupled with 4—and 5-star recruiting talent, the offensive line has continued to garner questions after last season’s underwhelming performance, as former O-line coach Steve Addazio deserves much of the blame for the lack of development.
This offseason, Elko brought in respected veteran assistant coach Adam Cushing. Cushing coached Duke’s O-line during Elko’s final two seasons with the program. He brought a noted development-based pedigree from his time at Duke and Northwestern, producing several first-round NFL draft picks.
During fall camp, A&M’s offensive line made significant progress, including former Kansas standout guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams taking over at right guard. At the same time, sophomore Chase Bisontis has moved over to left guard, where he should thrive compared to his freshman performance at right tackle.
While all of us who cover the program have worried about the O-line’s status ahead of the opener, Elko, who was asked about the group this week during his appearance on the Aggie Football Hour, feels that these young men are ready to prove their worth as soon as the Aggies take the field.
“Alan and everybody on the planet wants to know the answer to that question!”
“That group has come a long way. They’ve heard the criticism, and they’re prideful kids. … They’re playing well together. They’re playing more physical.”
“They’re very excited to get out there and put that question to bed.”
Suppose this O-line hits the ground running and does not look back. In that case, Texas A&M’s running game and upgraded pass protection will provide OC Collin Klein plenty of room to work his magic in the run game and help starting quarterback Conner Weigman reach his enormous potential in the passing game.
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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