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.
I had to pick just one player on this Aggie football team that is set to absolutely explode onto the national scene in 2024… it's Shemar Stewart.
6'6 285lbs, former 5-star prospect and a physical freak who just started to scratch the surface at the end of last season.
The… pic.twitter.com/GyQXy6dgl5
— Will Stone (@WillStoneCFB) July 3, 2024
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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