Texas A&M coach Mike Elko has made it a priority to create a quiet offseason for his team, shifting the focus away from off-field distractions and towards on-field success. The Aggies have been in the headlines for various reasons in recent years, but not for their winning football games. Elko aims to change that by emphasizing hard work and results over verbalizing their potential.
Elko’s first eight months at Texas A&M have been about rebuilding the team and establishing a culture of discipline and accountability. He closed out the 2024 recruiting class and utilized the transfer portal to bolster the roster’s depth. The players have responded positively to Elko’s approach, embracing the idea of working in silence and letting their performance on the field speak for itself.
Tackle Trey Zuhn expressed his appreciation for the level of accountability that Elko has brought to the program. Players now face penalties for being late to meetings or missing team meals, with consequences like pushing iron plates at 7 a.m. if they fail to meet expectations. This level of discipline was lacking in the final years of the Fisher era, where there were few consequences for tardiness or lack of discipline.
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 that it took about two months for the team to fully acclimate to Elko’s way of doing things. York described Elko as running a tight ship and not allowing any loose ends. This adjustment was challenging for some players who were used to doing things their own way, but they now understand the importance of following the rules and being accountable.
Senior defensive lineman Shemar Turner believes that Elko’s emphasis on discipline and team unity will make a difference on the field. Turner has noticed 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 harder for each other and hold each other accountable. Turner believes that these small moments of camaraderie will have an impact when the team faces crucial situations on game days.
After a successful 2020 season that fell just short of the College Football Playoff, expectations for Texas A&M have been high. However, this year they won’t enter the season with a top-10 ranking. Despite this, Elko remains focused on the positive energy within the team and believes that their hard work will yield the desired results in the fall. Elko emphasizes that the offseason is a time for relentless work, which will ultimately translate into success on the field.
In conclusion, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko has prioritized creating a quiet offseason focused on hard work and results. He has implemented 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 that 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.