Texas A&M football team takes quiet offseason in search of change and success

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko has made it a priority to create a quiet offseason for his team, shifting the focus from off-field distractions to on-field success. The Aggies have made headlines for a variety of reasons in recent years, but not for their football victories. Elko aims to change that by emphasizing hard work and results rather than verbalizing their potential.

Elko’s first eight months at Texas A&M were spent rebuilding the team and establishing a culture of discipline and accountability. He closed out the 2024 recruiting class and used the transfer portal to add depth to the roster. Players responded positively to Elko’s approach, embracing the idea of ​​working in silence and letting their on-field performance speak for itself.

Tackle Trey Zuhn expressed appreciation for the level of accountability Elko has brought to the program. Players are now penalized for being late to meetings or missing team meals, with consequences like pushing iron plates at 7 a.m. if they don’t meet expectations. That level of discipline was lacking in the final years of the Fisher era, when tardiness or lack of discipline received little punishment.

While it took some time for the players to adjust to Elko’s strict standards, they now see the value in his approach. Sophomore linebacker Taurean York admitted it took the team about two months to fully acclimate to Elko’s way of doing things. York described Elko as a man who ran the ship tightly and left nothing to chance. It was a tough adjustment for some players who were used to doing things their way, but they now understand the importance of following the rules and being accountable.

Senior defensive end Shemar Turner believes Elko’s emphasis on discipline and team unity will make a difference on the field. Turner noted how Elko has worked to bring the team closer together, encouraging players from different position groups to sit together during team meals. Building relationships with teammates and creating a strong bond helps players push themselves and hold each other accountable. Turner believes those small moments of camaraderie will make an impact when the team faces crucial situations on game days.

After a successful 2020 season that failed to qualify for the College Football Playoff, expectations for Texas A&M were high. However, this year, they will not enter the season with a top-10 ranking. Despite this, Elko remains focused on the positive energy within the team and believes their hard work will yield the desired results in the fall. Elko emphasizes that the offseason is a time of hard work, which will ultimately translate into success on the field.

In conclusion, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko has prioritized a quiet offseason focused on hard work and results. He has established a culture of discipline and accountability, which has been well-received by the players. The team’s unity and camaraderie have improved under Elko’s leadership, and the players believe these factors will contribute to their success on game days. While expectations may not be as high as in previous years, Elko remains confident in the positive energy within the team and the results of their offseason efforts.