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Mike Elko said Texas A&M's run game needs better blocking and better reads by the backs. Halftime leverage adjustments and K.J. Edwards provided a spark. Mark Nabou Jr. improved his blocking and communication at center, reducing line miscommunications. Elko described Marcel Reed as inconsistent but better than his stat line, with a response after poor plays.
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Elko is rotating nine or ten defensive linemen, sometimes eleven, rather than the usual six or seven. He credited fresh bodies with helping the defense finish in the heat and sustain pressure, a relevant depth factor entering the nine-game SEC schedule. T.J. Searcy's physical point-of-attack and pressure contributions have exceeded his box-score production.
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Elko highlighted linebacker depth including Ray Coney, Noah Mikhail, Tamarian Watkins and Jordan Lockhart. Watkins improved through summer film work and drills after a disappointing spring. Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks have helped replace departed linebacker Taurean York's communication; Ratcliffe also plays linebacker in some third-down and blitz packages.
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Bravion Rodgers earned defensive and special-teams recognition for third-down nickel work, shedding perimeter blocks and punt coverage. The early scoring surge has also been turnover-assisted: A&M has six takeaways and 31 points off turnovers through two games, including 24 against Arizona State. Those points should not all be treated as sustained offensive-drive production.
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Elko said tight ends Richie Anderson III, Houston Thomas and Micah Riley are contributing to the run game even though receiver talent has limited their passing-game involvement. He expects more receiving opportunities as defenses adjust, not an already-established role increase. Facing former coordinator Jay Bateman, Elko also said A&M has changed terminology repeatedly.