Texas A&M (2-1, 1-0 SEC) will return to Kyle Field to face Bowling Green (1-1) for a Saturday night showdown. The lingering question regarding who will start at quarterback for the Aggies will come down to Conner Weigman’s health status at the end of the week.
The Falcons are an interesting team with plenty of veteran leadership to keep any game competitive, led by senior quarterback Conner Bazelak, who has thrown for 422 yards and two touchdowns in the program’s first two games while almost defeating Penn State in Beaver Stadium to open the 2024 season.
However, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has his only secret weapon in the form of defensive lineman Cashius Howell, who currently starts at the Jack position in Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s defense. For the last three seasons, Howell was a member of the Falcon defense, recording 9.5 sacks in 2023.
In his first season with the Aggies, Howell spoke on Monday regarding his comfortability at the Jack position. He has already recorded nine tackles and his first sack against Florida.
“It’s kind of like a hybrid position between a defensive end and a buck linebacker.”
“I feel like they named it jack because it’s like a jack-of-all-trades.”
Due to his size and athleticism, he is extremely versatile, so it’s no surprise that his snaps continue to increase every game. Set to face his former teammates, Howell knows this reunion will be short-lived once both teams hit the field. However, deep-rooted friendships still remain in place.
“Those are my best friends. A lot of those guys will be at my wedding. It’s kind of bad blood, but I keep in contact. I’m still in good graces with the coaches.”
“I still play video games and talk on the phone with some of my roommates. I’m excited to play (Bowling Green).”
While Texas A&M as a program has experienced its fair share of Group of Five losses, including the memorable Appalachian State loss under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, Howell’s warning to his new team should help in preparations this week to prevent another shocking outcome.
“I know how Power 5 schools go into these lower conference-level games. Every year I was at BG, we had an upset over a higher conference school. … They’re going to come in here ready to go to work and get after us.”
“I’ve been telling all my teammates and coaches that for a long time.”
Texas A&M will host Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 21. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.
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