Mike Elko and DJ Hicks discuss depth at D-Line as Texas A&M resumes their spring ball workout.

Texas A&M Continues Spring Ball Practice; Mike Elko & DJ Hicks Talk Depth at D-Line

As the Texas A&M Aggies continue their spring football practices, the buzz around the team is palpable, particularly surrounding the defensive line. The Aggies’ defense is expected to be a strength in 2025, thanks to the solid foundation laid by head coach Mike Elko and his staff. Among the most exciting aspects of this year’s spring practices is the development and depth of the defensive line, a position that could prove pivotal to the Aggies’ success in the upcoming season.

Throughout spring ball, Coach Mike Elko and standout defensive lineman DJ Hicks have provided insights into the depth, growth, and potential of the defensive line, a unit that has seen considerable improvement over the past year. In a season where Texas A&M is looking to make a significant leap, the play of the defensive line could be a game-changer, as it is often the foundation of a team’s defense.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Aggies’ defensive line, focusing on key players like DJ Hicks and the critical role they will play this season. We will also delve into Coach Elko’s thoughts on the group’s progress during spring ball, the positional battles unfolding in practice, and how the team’s overall depth on the defensive line could lead to a dominant defensive performance.

Mike Elko: Building a Defensive Line that Dominates

Mike Elko, who has built a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in college football, has worked tirelessly to improve Texas A&M’s defense since arriving in College Station. Known for his ability to develop players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, Elko’s impact has already been felt in his relatively short time at A&M. His defensive schemes emphasize aggressiveness, physicality, and strategic depth—and the defensive line is no exception.

Elko has been vocal about the importance of the defensive line, often stressing the significance of having a group that can disrupt the quarterback, stop the run, and create consistent pressure. The defensive line, according to Elko, is the engine that powers the entire defense, and it is crucial for success in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most physically demanding conferences in the country.

One of Elko’s main goals during the spring practices is to develop depth along the defensive line, ensuring that Texas A&M has a group of players who can rotate in and out seamlessly without losing effectiveness. This depth is vital for the Aggies to maintain a high level of play throughout the course of the season, especially in an SEC schedule that features high-powered offenses and intense competition.

“We’re trying to build a group that has great depth,” Elko explained. “We want to be able to rotate and keep fresh legs on the field. In the SEC, you can’t be a one-trick pony; you need to be able to rotate, you need to have guys who can come in and not drop off the level of play. That’s what we’re focused on during the spring.”

Elko’s emphasis on depth has been apparent in spring ball practices, where he has worked with his staff to rotate players at various positions on the defensive line. The goal is to build a cohesive unit that can create pressure in passing situations while also holding strong against the run, a hallmark of any successful defensive line.

DJ Hicks: The Next Star of the Defensive Line

One player who has stood out during the spring practices is defensive lineman DJ Hicks. A highly touted recruit out of high school, Hicks has lived up to the hype since arriving at Texas A&M. With his combination of size, speed, and technical skill, he has become one of the most talked-about players on the defensive line this spring.

Hicks, a towering presence at 6’4″ and 300 pounds, is expected to be one of the leaders of the defensive line this season. His explosive first step, powerful hands, and ability to shed blockers make him a dangerous weapon both as a pass rusher and as a run stopper. Over the past year, Hicks has grown tremendously under Elko’s tutelage, refining his technique and adding strength to his game. This spring, he has shown flashes of the potential that made him one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

Speaking to reporters after a recent practice, Hicks shared his thoughts on the team’s development during spring ball and his expectations for the upcoming season.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who are hungry,” Hicks said. “This spring has been about building chemistry and learning how to work together as a unit. We’ve got the talent, but it’s all about putting it together on the field. Coach Elko’s been pushing us to get better every day, and we’ve been taking it to heart. Our goal is to be one of the top defensive lines in the SEC, and we’re putting in the work to make that happen.”

Hicks is a key figure in the defensive line rotation, and his performance in spring ball has only solidified his role as one of the program’s leaders. The defensive line’s success will be heavily dependent on his ability to disrupt plays and generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If Hicks continues his progression and stays healthy, he could become one of the top defensive linemen in the SEC this season.

The Depth of the Defensive Line: Position Battles and Player Development

One of the most encouraging aspects of the Texas A&M defensive line heading into the 2025 season is the depth the program has developed at the position. Elko has been actively rotating players throughout spring ball, allowing multiple guys to get reps and prove themselves in practice. As a result, there is a genuine competition for starting spots and significant playing time, which is exactly what Elko wants.

While Hicks is expected to be a fixture in the starting lineup, the Aggies have several other players who are making a strong push for more playing time. These players include veterans who have contributed in the past, as well as younger players who are ready to take the next step in their development.

1. Shemar Turner: A Rising Star

Shemar Turner is one player who has stood out during the spring practices. Turner, a sophomore defensive lineman, has shown significant improvement since his freshman season. His quickness, strength, and ability to rush the passer have caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. With another year of experience under his belt, Turner is expected to be a key contributor to the defensive line rotation.

“He’s a guy who’s really come on,” Elko said about Turner. “He’s strong, fast, and he’s learning how to play the game at a higher level. He’s going to be a big part of our defensive front.”

Turner’s potential as a disruptor on the defensive line makes him one of the most exciting young players to watch this season. If he can continue to develop and improve, Turner could make a significant impact in 2025.

2. McKinley Jackson: A Force in the Middle

McKinley Jackson is another veteran player who has become a crucial part of Texas A&M’s defensive line. As an experienced nose tackle, Jackson plays a vital role in anchoring the defense and stopping the run. His ability to clog up running lanes and take on multiple blockers makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

“Elko wants guys who can create pressure, but we also need guys who can hold the point of attack,” Jackson said. “I take a lot of pride in being that guy in the middle, and I know how important my role is to the success of the defense.”

Jackson’s leadership and experience will be key in providing stability to the defensive line. His ability to consistently play the run and occupy blockers will free up other players like Hicks and Turner to make plays in the backfield.

3. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy: A Playmaker Off the Edge

Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy is another player who has shown potential to make a major impact this season. A highly regarded recruit, Brownlow-Dindy’s explosiveness and ability to get to the quarterback give him a chance to be a standout edge rusher for the Aggies. His performance in spring ball has indicated that he could be a major factor in the pass rush, providing the defense with a much-needed edge presence.

“Gabriel has really developed,” Elko noted. “He’s got the athleticism to be a great pass rusher, and he’s working hard to refine his technique. He’s one of the guys we’re really excited about.”

If Brownlow-Dindy can continue to develop into a consistent playmaker off the edge, the Aggies will have a formidable defensive line capable of causing havoc for opposing offenses.

The Road Ahead: Expectations for the 2025 Season

As the Aggies continue their spring practices, the excitement surrounding the defensive line is palpable. With players like DJ Hicks, Shemar Turner, McKinley Jackson, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy all playing pivotal roles, Texas A&M appears poised to have one of the deepest and most talented defensive lines in the SEC.

Coach Mike Elko’s emphasis on building depth and creating competition within the position group is paying off, as the team has an abundance of talent ready to step up and contribute. The defensive line’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, stop the run, and rotate fresh bodies in and out will be critical to the team’s success in 2025.

With a defensive line that has the potential to dominate, Texas A&M is positioning itself to make a serious run in the SEC. If Elko’s defensive system continues to evolve and the defensive line stays healthy, the Aggies could be in for a breakout season. The road ahead will be challenging, but with a talented group of players, Texas A&M’s defensive line will be one of the cornerstones of the team’s success.