Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman is very high on two ascending Aggie pass rushers
On Tuesday, just a day after Texas A&M's fifth fall practice ahead of the 2024 season opener vs. Notre Dame, head coach Mike Elko, along with offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, took the podium in front of the local media on Tuesday afternoon.
Providing important updates regarding the progress at every position group, Bateman, who will share the defensive play-calling duties with Elko this season, was excited to discuss two of the program's pass rushers, including a newcomer from the transfer portal.
Throughout the week, junior defensive end Shemar Stewart, who finished the 2023 season on a high note while adding healthy weight to his frame this offseason, is poised to explode on the scene in year three. He brings a very lofty goal to the table after stating on Monday that 15-plus sacks are the goal this fall.
So, what does Jay Bateman think of the former 5-star prospect that he inherited? Stewart, who stands at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, is built like a Semi with Mustang speed in a football body.
"I told a scout, 'If you gave me and you two hours in the lab creating a player, it would look like Shemar Stewart.'"
"I think you will see a problem. If I am an OC, I want to know where that guy is."
However, while former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton brings a lot of deserved hype after leading the Big Ten in sacks last season, it was former Bowling Green Edge Cashius Howell, who Bateman is equally high on due to his position versatility across the defensive line:
"Cashius (Howell) is going to play a ton. On the D-line, you rotate the most. He is a unique and good player."
"The 12th Man is going to be really happy with him."
Howell left Bowling Green after his best collegiate season, recording 27 tackles and 9.5 sacks. If we're being honest, Scourton's arrival overshadowed Howell's commitment by some in the media, but this young man brings speed, strength, and an advanced pass-rush arsenal.
Texas A&M's defensive line is stacked with talent, so it's up to Elko and Bateman to play chess, not checkers, with the roster to yield the best results throughout the season.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman is very high on two ascending Aggie pass rushers
