The 2024 college football season starts next week, while Texas A&M’s season opener vs. Notre Dame will be the prime-time matchup for the first full week of games on Saturday, August 31. The Fighting Irish will travel to what could be a sold-out Kyle Field as a new era of Aggie Football under head coach Mike Elko officially begins.
This week, Texas A&M’s fall practice period continued on Saturday as the team finished their 14th practice. This led to the first press conference in over a week, as Elko, along with offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, spoke to the local media to provide several key updates, including the injury status of sophomore running back Rueben Owens and how freshman athlete Terry Bussey will be used this season.
While the offense and defense have made significant progress this fall, it’s always nice to hear from the coaches who witness said progress more than the 20 minutes allotted to media members during every practice. Here is what Mike Elko had to say on Saturday afternoon.
Mike Elko on the progress made ahead of the Aggies’ final scrimmage on Sunday
We are about two weeks now into fall camp. You are in the grind of it. I think we have made a lot of progress in a lot of areas.”
“We have our last scrimmage tomorrow.”
Elko notes that Rueben Owens will likely miss the entire 2024 season
Unfortunately, he suffered a foot injury. He will be out for an extended period of time, most likely the season.”
“That was an unfortunate thing that happened last weekend.”
Mike Elko on Terry Bussey’s use going forward
“He is a kid that has a lot of value. We have talked about his flexibility. We have moved him around a little bit… Where he ultimately ends up still a little bit up in the air.”
Elko on Texas Au0026amp;M’s special team’s unit
“Tyler White is doing a really good job. Randy Bond has had a phenomenal camp. Still a battle to see who will be the kickoff guy.”
Elko says Terry Bussey, Moose Muhammad and Cyrus Allen are “in the mix to be back there as return men.”
Elko on Texas Au0026amp;M’s linebacker rotation this season
“Scooby Williams has had a really good summer and learned… He has been very consistent this camp.”
“He is a tight competition for two, three and four. That is him, Daymion Sanford and Solomon DeShields. We will see where they land.”
Elko on starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s progress this fall, and backup Marcel Reed’s skill set
“Conner (Weigman) is healthy. He is really comfortable with the system now. He gets better and better each time he gets out there… He is a winner.”
“Behind him, Marcel Reed is a great athlete… He has the ability to make plays and has a big arm.”
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko speaks after the 14th fall football practice