Mike Elko discusses Spring practice at a press conference inside the Kyle Field Media Center, sharing insights on team progress.
As the Texas A&M football team gears up for another season, head coach Mike Elko took to the podium at a recent press conference inside the Kyle Field Media Center to provide updates on the team’s progress during Spring practice. Known for his defensive acumen and methodical approach to building a strong football program, Elko shared insights into how the team has developed, the challenges they’ve faced, and the goals they are striving to achieve as they work toward the 2025 season. This press conference provided a behind-the-scenes look at how Elko is molding his team into championship contenders, focusing on both individual player development and team cohesion.
Setting the Stage for the Future
Before diving into specifics about individual players and positions, Coach Elko opened the press conference with an overview of the spring practices. He spoke about the importance of this time in the offseason for his team to build a strong foundation. Elko emphasized the need for discipline, consistency, and leadership as key elements for success in the upcoming season.
“Our goals this spring have been very clear: we want to focus on building strong fundamentals and creating a culture of accountability,” Elko began. “This is an important time for us, especially after last season, where we didn’t quite finish as we had hoped. We’ve had some turnover on the roster, and we’re using this spring to figure out where everyone fits and how we can maximize the potential of the entire team.”
Elko’s vision for Texas A&M football is built on a foundation of physicality, mental toughness, and disciplined play. His attention to detail and emphasis on the little things set the tone for the entire spring practice session, as he strives to develop players who are not only physically gifted but also capable of making smart, sound decisions under pressure.
The Quarterback Battle
One of the hottest topics at the press conference was the ongoing quarterback competition, which is arguably the most important position battle heading into the 2025 season. Texas A&M has a talented group of quarterbacks on the roster, and Elko expressed his excitement about the depth at this position. However, he was also clear that the battle for the starting role is far from settled.
“We’ve got some really good competition at quarterback right now, which is a great problem to have,” Elko remarked. “We’ve got guys with different skill sets and strengths, and it’s up to us as a coaching staff to help them grow and develop so that we can make the right decision moving forward. We want a quarterback who is not only talented but also has the leadership qualities to help lead this team.”
Elko noted that he and his offensive staff have been working closely with the quarterbacks to fine-tune their skills, from reading defenses to improving their decision-making in high-pressure situations. He singled out a few quarterbacks who have stood out during the spring practice sessions, including sophomore prospect Spencer Wells and transfer candidate Jake Thompson.
“Spencer Wells has made great strides in his development, and I’m really impressed with his maturity and leadership in the huddle,” Elko said. “Jake Thompson, on the other hand, brings a lot of experience and a unique skill set that’s really going to help us. It’s going to be a fun battle to watch this fall, and we’re excited to see who emerges as the starter.”
Elko emphasized that the decision would not be rushed, and he wanted to ensure that whoever wins the job will be ready to take on the challenges that come with leading a team in the SEC.
Offensive Line Play
Another area of focus for Elko during the press conference was the offensive line, a unit that he described as a “work in progress.” The offensive line is a key component of any football team’s success, and Elko emphasized the need for consistency and cohesion across the line. He spoke about the physicality required to compete at a high level in the SEC and how the Aggies are working to develop a group that can compete with the best defenses in the country.
“We’ve got a lot of young talent on the offensive line, and it’s a group that’s still learning how to play together as a cohesive unit,” Elko explained. “But the potential is there, and I’ve been really impressed with the attitude and effort they’ve shown. We’re pushing them to get stronger, be more physical, and take pride in their technique.”
Elko pointed out that the offensive line has been one of the key areas of focus during the spring practices, with an emphasis on building the necessary physicality and chemistry to protect the quarterback and open up lanes for the running game. He also mentioned a few players who have stood out in the trenches, including sophomore offensive tackle Derek Sims and junior guard Chris Matthews.
“Derek Sims is a guy who’s really taken a big step forward this spring,” Elko said. “He’s been a force on the field and has shown a lot of promise as a future cornerstone of our offensive line. Chris Matthews has also been playing at a very high level, and we’re looking for him to take on more of a leadership role this season.”
Defensive Line and Pass Rush
Elko, known for his defensive background, also addressed the team’s defensive line and pass rush, both of which will be critical to Texas A&M’s success in the SEC. Elko has always emphasized the importance of creating pressure on the quarterback, and he wants to see his defensive line dominate at the line of scrimmage.
“Creating pressure on the quarterback is something that we always want to do, and that starts with having a strong, relentless defensive line,” Elko said. “We’ve got some guys with a lot of potential up front, and I’m excited to see them continue to develop this spring. We want to be able to rotate multiple players in and keep fresh legs on the field, which will help us maintain that pressure throughout the game.”
Elko pointed to a few standout players on the defensive line, including senior defensive end Malik Johnson and junior defensive tackle Jared Thompson. Both players have been impressive in spring practice and are expected to be key contributors for the Aggies this fall.
“Malik Johnson has been one of the most consistent players on our defensive line, and we’re expecting him to take his game to the next level this season,” Elko stated. “Jared Thompson is another guy who has shown a lot of promise. He’s quick off the ball and has the ability to disrupt the pocket. We’re really excited about what both of them bring to the table.”
Special Teams and Kicking Game
Special teams were another area that Elko touched on, as they can often be the difference in close games. The Aggies are working on building depth at the kicker position, as they look to solidify both their field goal and kickoff coverage units. Elko stressed that the coaching staff is focused on developing a reliable kicker and ensuring that Texas A&M is ready for any special teams situation that arises.
“We’ve got a few kickers competing for the job, and we’re working hard to make sure that we have a reliable guy out there,” Elko said. “The kicking game is so important, especially in tight SEC games. We want to make sure we’re ready for any situation and have confidence in our special teams unit.”
Team Culture and Leadership
In addition to player development, Elko also spoke about the importance of building a strong team culture and fostering leadership within the locker room. He emphasized the need for players to hold each other accountable and to take ownership of the team’s success. Elko pointed to senior linebacker Aaron Owens and senior running back Chris Williams as two players who have emerged as leaders during the spring.
“Aaron Owens and Chris Williams have really stepped up as leaders this spring,” Elko said. “Both of them have been excellent in terms of setting the tone on and off the field. They’ve been vocal in the locker room, and their work ethic has been contagious.”
Looking Ahead
As the press conference came to a close, Coach Elko reiterated his excitement for the upcoming season. The spring practices have been productive, and the team has made significant strides. While there is still much work to be done, Elko’s vision for Texas A&M football is clear: a tough, disciplined team that can compete with the best in the SEC and beyond.
“We’ve made a lot of progress this spring, but we know the work isn’t done yet,” Elko concluded. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, but it’s about putting everything together and being prepared for what’s ahead. We’ve got the potential to be a very good football team, and we’re excited to see where we can go from here.”
With Elko at the helm, Texas A&M football looks poised for success, and the spring practices have set the foundation for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season ahead.
