Coach Mike Elko of the Texas A&M Aggies Responds to Shemar Stewart’s NFL Draft Detractors

Texas A&M Aggies Coach Mike Elko Claps Back at Shemar Stewart’s NFL Draft Critics

In the competitive world of college football, where players are constantly under scrutiny, one name that has garnered significant attention is Shemar Stewart, the defensive lineman from Texas A&M University. A highly touted prospect out of high school, Stewart arrived at A&M with sky-high expectations. However, after two seasons with the Aggies, some of his performances have led to mixed reviews, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft. As the draft approaches, critics have started questioning his potential and whether he is truly ready for the next level.

Despite the scrutiny, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has stood firmly behind his player, defending Stewart’s abilities and asserting that he is one of the most promising defensive prospects in the country. The back-and-forth between the critics and Elko has become one of the most talked-about storylines as the draft nears. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Shemar Stewart’s journey to this point, the criticism he’s faced, and Coach Elko’s passionate defense of his player.

Shemar Stewart: A Highly Touted Prospect

Before we dive into the controversy surrounding Shemar Stewart’s potential in the NFL, it’s important to first understand his background. A highly recruited player out of Miami, Florida, Stewart was ranked as one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation in the 2023 recruiting class. Known for his size, athleticism, and quickness, he had all the physical tools needed to succeed at the next level.

Coming out of high school, Stewart was a standout player at Monsignor Pace High School, where he was consistently ranked among the top recruits in the country. His combination of strength and agility made him a nightmare for offensive lines, and many analysts considered him a “can’t-miss” prospect.

Stewart’s decision to commit to Texas A&M was a major coup for the Aggies. The program, led by head coach Jimbo Fisher at the time, had secured one of the top talents in the nation, and many believed Stewart could make an immediate impact in College Station.

The Aggie Career: A Mixed Bag

Shemar Stewart arrived at Texas A&M in 2023 with enormous expectations. His size—standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing around 310 pounds—along with his impressive physical tools, had many predicting that he would dominate the SEC. However, his time with the Aggies has been somewhat of a mixed bag.

In his first season at A&M, Stewart showed flashes of brilliance but was inconsistent at times. He registered 30 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, but his performance in certain games left more to be desired. He struggled to put together a complete game in some contests, and his pass-rushing ability was not as effective as some had hoped.

In his sophomore year, Stewart continued to deal with inconsistency. While he displayed his potential in certain games, his performance did not meet the high expectations set for him coming out of high school. Critics pointed to his occasional lack of motor and failure to consistently engage with blockers. Some said he had not yet developed the level of finesse needed to thrive at the NFL level, despite his impressive raw talent.

Despite this, Stewart did not let the criticism get to him. He remained focused on improving his game, working closely with Texas A&M’s coaching staff and teammates to refine his skills. Mike Elko, who took over as head coach of the Aggies in 2024, played an integral role in Stewart’s development. Elko, known for his defensive prowess, worked with Stewart to hone his technique and help him become more consistent on the field.

Criticism of Stewart Ahead of the NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the criticism of Shemar Stewart has intensified. Some analysts believe that Stewart’s inconsistencies during his time at Texas A&M raise significant red flags, particularly when it comes to his ability to transition to the NFL. Many have questioned whether he has the necessary mentality and work ethic to succeed at the professional level.

The primary concern from scouts and critics revolves around his motor and consistency. While Stewart has flashed moments of dominance, he has also been criticized for disappearing at times during games. His ability to maintain intensity throughout an entire contest has been called into question, leading some to wonder whether he will be able to handle the rigors of the NFL.

Moreover, some have pointed out that Stewart’s overall technique needs further refinement, particularly in his ability to rush the passer. While his size and athleticism are undeniable, some feel that he has not fully developed the finesse and technique that would allow him to become a top-tier edge rusher in the league.

Despite these concerns, there are still plenty of scouts who see Stewart’s upside. His size, athleticism, and physical tools remain elite, and many are willing to take a chance on him, believing that with the right coaching, he could develop into a dominant force in the NFL.

Mike Elko’s Defense of Stewart

With the critics raising concerns about Shemar Stewart, it was only a matter of time before Mike Elko weighed in. As a coach who has seen Stewart’s work ethic firsthand, Elko is fiercely loyal to his players and refuses to let anyone question their potential without understanding the full context.

In response to the mounting criticism, Elko delivered a passionate defense of Stewart, calling out those who were quick to judge the young defensive lineman based on a few inconsistencies in his college career.

Elko’s Argument: Talent and Development Are Key

In his defense, Elko pointed to Stewart’s physical tools as undeniable evidence of his potential. “Shemar is one of the most physically gifted players I’ve ever coached,” Elko said in a press conference leading up to the NFL Draft. “He has everything you want in a defensive lineman—size, speed, explosiveness, and the ability to play in any defensive scheme. The guy is a rare talent.”

Elko also emphasized that the NFL Draft process is often skewed by a player’s ability to develop and maximize his potential in the right environment. “It’s easy to forget that these players are still developing,” Elko continued. “The NFL isn’t just about what a player does in college. It’s about what they can become when they get the right coaching, the right system, and the right environment. I have no doubt that Shemar will take the next step and become a force at the next level.”

Development Under Elko’s System

Another key point Elko made was the system under which Stewart played during his time at Texas A&M. The Aggies’ defense was undergoing a transition during Stewart’s tenure, with Elko taking over as head coach in 2024. Elko pointed out that it takes time for players to adapt to new coaching styles and systems, and Stewart’s development was no different.

“Elko’s defensive philosophy is designed to maximize the talents of each player,” said Aggies defensive coordinator. “Shemar is still learning and adjusting to the changes in our scheme, but I believe he’s made great strides. We’ve seen improvement in his game each year, and I’m confident that with more time, he’ll reach his full potential.”

The Importance of Mentality and Work Ethic

While technique and physical talent are essential for any NFL player, Mike Elko also emphasized the importance of mentality and work ethic in achieving success at the next level. “Shemar has the right mentality to succeed,” Elko said. “He’s hungry. He wants to be great. We’ve seen that drive in him every single day in practice. He’s the type of player who will put in the work to refine his craft, and that’s what will make him successful.”

Elko’s belief in Stewart’s mentality and commitment to improving cannot be overstated. As a coach, he understands that developing consistency and mental fortitude is often more important than raw talent alone.

What’s Next for Shemar Stewart?

With Mike Elko’s backing and the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, Shemar Stewart is now in a position to prove his worth on the national stage. His visit to NFL teams and private workouts will give him the opportunity to show off his physical skills and prove that he is ready to make an impact at the next level.

As teams look to evaluate Stewart’s potential, the questions surrounding his motor and consistency will remain. However, with Elko’s defense of Stewart’s character, mentality, and development, it’s clear that Stewart still has a lot to offer. Whether he is drafted in the first round or later, Shemar Stewart’s journey is far from over.

Ultimately, the NFL will be a proving ground for Stewart, and his career will be shaped by how well he develops once he enters a professional system. But for now, with Mike Elko’s unwavering support and defense, Stewart has a coach who believes in his potential and is eager to see him take the next step.