Bryce Anderson is confident in Texas A&M’s defense due to improved communication, experience, and Mike Elko’s strong leadership.

As the 2025 football season approaches, one player who stands out in terms of confidence and expectations for Texas A&M’s defense is Bryce Anderson. The talented defensive back is bullish about the prospects of the Aggies’ defense in the upcoming year, especially with the second year of Mike Elko at the helm as the defensive coordinator. Anderson, a key player in the secondary, believes that the defense will be better than ever this season. His confidence stems from a combination of factors, including improved communication, greater experience within the defensive unit, and the steady leadership of Elko, whose defensive prowess has been evident since his arrival in College Station.

To understand Anderson’s optimism, it’s essential to explore the context surrounding Texas A&M’s defense, Elko’s influence, and the dynamics within the team. In this article, we will break down the reasons behind Bryce Anderson’s strong belief in the defense’s improvement, with a particular focus on how Mike Elko’s leadership and the overall maturation of the team will contribute to a successful 2025 season.

1. Mike Elko’s Influence in Year 2

Mike Elko took over as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator in 2024, inheriting a unit with significant talent but also marked inconsistency. Elko, known for his success as a defensive coordinator at schools like Notre Dame and Duke, quickly began implementing a defensive scheme that focused on discipline, creating turnovers, and playing with aggression. His approach was a departure from previous defensive philosophies, emphasizing a more modern, flexible style of play that adapts to the strengths and weaknesses of the players on the roster.

In his first year, Elko faced the challenge of acclimating to new players, a new environment, and dealing with the inevitable growing pains that come with being a first-year coordinator at a high-profile program like Texas A&M. While the results were mixed in his debut season, there were clear signs of growth and improvement. Elko’s ability to adjust on the fly, his attention to detail, and his ability to develop players were already evident.

Now, heading into year two, Elko is poised to build on the foundation laid in his first year. The players have had time to get comfortable with his system, understand his expectations, and embrace the culture he’s instilled. For Anderson, this sense of familiarity and continuity is one of the primary reasons why he feels the defense will take a significant leap in 2025. The players no longer need to focus on learning the basics of Elko’s scheme; instead, they can now focus on mastering it and executing it at a higher level.

2. Improved Communication and Cohesion

One of the most significant areas of improvement Anderson points to is communication. The ability to communicate effectively on the field, particularly in high-pressure situations, is often the difference between a solid defense and an elite one. Elko’s defensive system requires players to be on the same page at all times, from the defensive line to the secondary. The intricacies of pass coverage, blitzing schemes, and run defense all rely on players reading and reacting to one another’s movements.

In 2024, the defense was still getting accustomed to working as a cohesive unit. New players, unfamiliar with the scheme, sometimes struggled to communicate or execute assignments, which led to lapses and big plays allowed by the opposition. However, as the players gained experience, particularly in the back end of the season, the communication began to improve. Players were talking more, recognizing signals, and adjusting to the flow of the game more fluidly.

By year two, Anderson and his teammates have a much better understanding of how to communicate both before and during plays. The defensive backs are more in sync with the linebackers, and the defensive line is now better at recognizing offensive linemen’s tendencies and responding accordingly. This improved communication has given Anderson and his fellow defenders the confidence to make quick decisions, trust one another, and cover for each other when mistakes happen.

From a defensive back’s perspective, understanding what each player is doing on the field creates a sense of comfort and trust. Anderson has mentioned that, with Elko’s system, he feels more in control of his position, knowing that the defensive line is doing its part to pressure the quarterback, while the linebackers are filling gaps effectively. This cohesion means that Anderson can focus more on his role—staying locked in on his coverage and making plays on the ball—knowing that the entire defense is on the same wavelength.

3. Increased Experience Across the Defense

Another reason for Bryce Anderson’s confidence is the wealth of experience the Aggies’ defense now has. Football is a game that requires continuity, and with many key players returning for their second or third year in Elko’s system, Texas A&M’s defense is becoming more seasoned and capable of handling a variety of challenges.

For instance, Anderson himself is a player who has grown significantly since his freshman year. As one of the top prospects on the team, he now has a wealth of experience in coverage and has developed a better understanding of offensive schemes. With a year of Elko’s coaching under his belt, Anderson knows what to expect from opposing offenses and how to adjust his game accordingly. This type of experience is invaluable, as it allows players to anticipate plays, make quicker decisions, and play with more confidence.

Moreover, the Aggies’ defense has a strong mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen. The defensive line, which is expected to be a key strength in 2025, has several players with considerable experience. Linebackers who were once freshmen or sophomores are now in their second or third years under Elko, and they are expected to take on leadership roles within the unit. This combination of experience and youthful energy creates a defense that is both dynamic and mature.

Players like defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who played pivotal roles in the 2024 defense, now have an additional year of growth under their belts. Their leadership will be crucial in the Aggies’ defensive success, as they will be able to guide younger players and provide stability to the entire unit. As Anderson puts it, the defense is no longer “learning the ropes”—they are now in a position to lead, execute, and dominate.

4. The Evolution of Bryce Anderson’s Role

As one of the key leaders in the secondary, Bryce Anderson is expected to play an even more significant role in the 2025 season. His skills as a playmaker, combined with his leadership abilities, make him a cornerstone of the defense. Anderson’s confidence in the defense is not only based on the system and his teammates but also on his growth as a player. He’s developed into one of the most reliable players on the team, and his ability to make plays—whether in pass coverage, as a tackler, or as a ball hawk—gives the entire defense a boost.

Anderson has also mentioned the importance of creating turnovers, which was a focal point of Elko’s system in year one. In 2024, while the Aggies did show flashes of playmaking ability, they were inconsistent in creating takeaways. However, with a year of experience under their belt and a better understanding of Elko’s philosophy, Anderson and his fellow defenders are better positioned to capitalize on opportunities. Anderson’s increased awareness of offensive strategies, paired with his improved communication and cohesion with teammates, will likely lead to more turnovers in 2025.

His leadership, both on and off the field, cannot be understated. Anderson is a vocal presence in the locker room and plays a significant role in rallying the defense when times get tough. His ability to lead by example and keep his teammates focused and motivated is one of the key reasons why he believes in the Aggies’ defense. As a player who has gone through the growing pains of transitioning into a new system, Anderson understands what it takes to elevate the defense to the next level.

The Road Ahead for Texas A&M’s Defense

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, it is clear that Bryce Anderson’s confidence in Texas A&M’s defense is well-founded. Under the guidance of Mike Elko, the defense has taken significant strides in terms of communication, cohesion, and overall execution. The experience gained from the previous season has allowed the players to fine-tune their skills and understand the nuances of Elko’s system.

With a seasoned defense, improved leadership, and a more cohesive unit, Texas A&M is poised for success. Anderson’s confidence is not just rooted in personal optimism but in the tangible improvements he’s seen within the defense. With year two of Elko’s system, the Aggies’ defense is primed to be one of the most formidable in the SEC.

Bryce Anderson is ready to play a leading role in this defensive resurgence. For him, it’s not just about individual success but about making the entire unit better. As the 2025 season approaches, the Aggies are looking to take that next step—and with the improved defense, there’s every reason to believe they will.