What more can one say about Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York, who is coming off one of the best freshman seasons in program history? According to the good folks at Pro Football Focus, York finished the year as the best run defender among freshman linebackers in the collegiate ranks.
Among linebackers, including Texas LB Anthony Hill, no freshman backer was better at filling the gaps and finishing their assignments against the run, as York received an elite 79.6 run-stopping grade.
Starting every game during the 2023 season, York finished the year seventh in total tackles (66) and second in tackles for loss (8.5), jumping on the scene after an impressive fall camp.
With new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko now at the helm, no player on the roster is happier than York, who was recruited by Elko during his time leading the Duke Blue Devils the last two seasons. Even more important, new defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Jay Bateman has the coaching chops to aid York in his development for the next two seasons at minimum.
Taurean York: 79.6 Run Defense Grade last season
đź”´ 1st among freshman Linebackers pic.twitter.com/wkDGBqsYm7
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 6, 2024
Through the transfer portal, Elko has helped York, adding former Youngstown State LB Alex Howard and former Florida LB Scooby Williams; York will be free to roam the field and take complete control of a unit that should see an overall improvement in 2024.
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