he 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.

After Elko spoke, Bateman and Klein took the mic to discuss the progress made at wide receiver and, most importantly, the defensive secondary. The cornerback room could be a strength for the program after last season's major issues, especially after Elko's success in the transfer portal.

Here is what Collin Klein and Jay Bateman had to say on Saturday afternoon.

Jay Bateman on former Florida linebacker Scooby Williams

"I have been with him for three years. This is the most consistent he has been. Physically, he's in good shape."

Bateman on CB Tyreek Chappell's versatility

"Tyreek (Chappell) is playing nickel some. He has played a lot of football on the outside, so he can do both."

Jay Bateman also mentioned that Jaydon Hill and Bravion Rogers are playing the nickel position.

Bateman on former Bowling Green linebacker Cashius Howell's development

"He is tremendous. He is a unique player and can do a lot of different things… He is a really important part of the defense, and he will play a ton. Glad to have him."

Bateman on the progress made by former Alabama CB Dezz Ricks

"Dezz (Ricks), we have been really impressed with… Every practice he continued to impress, and he is really talented."

"That corner room is really competitive, and I think it will be a real strength."

Bateman on Mike Elko steadfast leadership this offseason

"In today's day and age, with all the transient nature of the roster, I think he has done an unbelievable job."

OC Collin Klein on the running back room after Rueben Owen's injury

"Le'Veon (Moss) and Amari (Daniels) are heading point in (Rueben Owen's) absence. My heart breaks for Rueben."

"I am not worried about the position. We'll be good."

Klein on the offenes's overall progress this fall

"The biggest thing we are working on is consistency. Conner (Weigman) has really stepped up and put some balls in tight windows.

"I have been really pleased."

Klein on Texas A\u0026amp;M's tight end room

"Tre Watson is doing a great job. Run great routes and has great ball skills. Theo (Melin Öhrström) has done great things at the point of attack. (Donovan) Green and Shane Calhoun have done nice things.

"I think we have a good mix of skillsets… It's going to be a big part of what we do."

Collin Klein on Terry Bussey's use at wide recevier, and possibly running back

"We will be able to move him around quite a bit. He has adapted already. His skillsets are very diverse. He has great route running ability, ball skills and is big and physical enough to have him in the backfield."

Klein on installing in offensive scheme this fall

"Everything is in. Everything has been in."

"We have pushed them hard and built as broad a foundation as we can. I'm really proud of how they have attacked it… I am really excited for what this group is capable of."

Klein on the wide receiver room

"We will be able to play a good number of guys. Anywhere from four to six will see time. There will be three to four taking the majority of the load. Sprinkling in based on how things go."

Klein on walk-on RB Anthony DiNota and former Stanford back EJ Smith

"EJ was a little dinged up, so we are getting him back. He is really feeling good again. He has good ball skills."

"DiNota is a tough sucker. He can get you tough yards. Can turn three into five."

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Collin Klein and Jay Bateman speak after Texas A&M's 14th fall football practice