Texas A&M is in the spotlight for the start of the final day of SEC Media Days, as head coach Mike Elko, alongside LB Taurean York, OL Taurean York, and DL Shemar Turner, joined him to provide a substantial preview of what’s to come this season.
While Elko’s return to College Station after serving as the program’s defensive coordinator from 2018-2021 took center stage, it was the news that junior defensive lineman Shemar Turner has reportedly gained 30 pounds this offseason after making the full-time switch to defensive tackle for the 2024 season.
Turner, who led the Aggies for the first half of the 2023 season in sacks and pressures, ended the year with 33 tackles and six sacks after playing at 3-tech and defensive end, but after receiving sound advice from his coaching staff regarding his NFL future, especially Mike Elko:
“I think a big piece of that was the intention when we recruited him. We felt that was probably his best position moving forward to the next level,” Elko stated. “That was a big piece of his decision to come back was being able to slide inside. … I think he’s going to have a phenomenal year this year in there.”
Already possessing the strength, hand placement, and high motor to get to the backfield consistently, Turner also stated in an interview that working on double teams has been the biggest change. Still, he expects the switch to work in his favor.
Even with the 30 extra pounds, Turner is looking slimmer than we expected. All thanks go to new strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit, whom Turner continued to praise on the afternoon.
Texas A&M defensive lineman, Shemar Turner: get 1% better, everyday. pic.twitter.com/hsUi6xf29w
— David Nuño (@DavidNuno) July 18, 2024
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