On Wednesday, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said during the media availability period that the Aggies' consistency this spring was due to the 32-day practice period providing ample opportunity to compete at every position played during the new transfer window. He spoke excitedly about his efforts. The addition of portals started to take hold after the first few days of practice.
Recent news that starting QB Connor Weigman is not 100% healthy after undergoing surgery for a lower-body injury he suffered during a game against the Auburn Tigers in Week 4 of last season comes after he was forced to remove oxygen from his room. I almost took it away, but not this. For those who have been paying attention, this is not breaking news. Weigman should be fine in the fall barring any setbacks. Still, Elko said in an interview with SEC Network's Paul Finebaum that reserve quarterbacks Jalen Henderson and Marcell Reed are capable of taking over if something happens.
Elko remains candid and provides a lot of background on the Aggies' spring practice efforts, which is highly regarded by those covering the team.
Notes: Mike Elko revealed that redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindi did not practice this week, but has not been ruled out for the remainder of the spring practice period.
Mike Elko praises reporters for his effort during the first full week of spring practice
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“We are happy and love the way our employees work. There is definitely a need and desire to get better every day.”
“You have great confidence that there will be really rapid growth.”
So far it's been working great with just one padding exercise
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“I can't draw any big conclusions on this yet because I've only had one inflated practice, but I'm satisfied with the current situation.''
Full nature of Elko's reunion with Star Aggies linebacker Taurean York
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“When we were at Duke University, we were looking at Taurean (York). … We fell in love with him really quickly. He's committed to Baylor and we're a hot pursuit.” We had gotten to the point where we thought he was going to come to Duke, but like 24 hours later they recommended him here and he came here. ”
Torian Yoke Details
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“He had a really good offseason. What you saw last year was a true freshman in the SEC. This season, he had some natural development and growth in his body, so he's ready for this fall. We'll see an even better version of him.”
Elko talks about the huge learning process when learning a new system
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“As the spring progresses, you start to see where the gaps are. You have to really be aware that new systems, new practices, new plans, everything is new. You never know when it's going to click for your child.” yeah.”
Elko talks about Taurean York's leadership
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“In Taurean (York), we have a kid who is an up-and-coming leader, a kid who respects everyone in the locker room and does everything the right way.” I don't want to put myself in a box where I'm like, 'I'm doing this.' I'm excited to have Taurean York.”
Elko talks about the importance of making the most of this spring's 32-day practice period
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“There’s a very strange dynamic in college athletics with the way football transitions, because you feel like you’ve accomplished so much, but it’s like, ‘Okay, go out there. You can practice with our players.’” Go out there these 32 days and take advantage of every opportunity. ”
Elko talks about his expectations for the Maroon & White's first spring game.
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“We're going to have a draft, and it's going to be a true maroon and white game, a true football game. We're going to run with it.” It's for…These kids have put in so much effort since the beginning of January, so we want to give them an opportunity to go out and play the games they want in the format they want. “It's comfortable.” ”
A breath of fresh air: Mike Elko on the importance of special teams
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“If you look at our winning plan, the second element of it is 'win on special teams.' We have a formula that we give our players on how to win on special teams and how it impacts the team.”Special It's a team game. “As a head coach, the only meeting I attend every day is the special teams meeting.''
Mike Elko talks about Aggies' special teams that haven't been seen by the media yet at the start of practice.
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“We have started all our practices this spring and the first period of every practice has been on special teams. I haven't seen it.”
Elko talks about quarterback's use of helmet communication this season
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“Let me just say this for the sake of a public statement, I don't think it's going to impact things as much as anyone might think,” Elko said. He said he doesn't believe helmet communications will eliminate the need for signal plays or sign-stealing because of the restriction that only one player can wear one.
Elko talks about how he educated his team about the dangers of gambling
Duke University head coach Mike Elko gives a thumbs up near The Huddle Show studio analyst Eric McClain during the ACC Kickoff Media Days event on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. ACC network personality Mark Packer (left).
“We've always tried to educate young men about decisions and choices, and gambling has always been a part of that. “Let's educate them about its pitfalls and how it can lead down a dark path in life. I am.”
“Recently, it has stepped up a little bit.”
