Texas A&M HC Mike Elko speaks during the second week of fall practice
Texas A&M's 2024 season is just a mere weeks away. On Monday afternoon, the Aggies entered the second week of fall practice after completing the fifth practice of the preseason, continuing to make strides on both sides of the ball.
Every week, I can speak for all of us who cover the program, saying that every practice is another opportunity to look for any improvement along the offensive line combined with observing the wide receiver rotation, led by several new and intriguing options.
On Tuesday, head coach Mike Elko, alongside offensive coordinator Collin Klein and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, spoke to the local media to provide several progress-based updates.
Focusing on quarterback Conner Weigman's continued development this offseason, the redshirt sophomore has added healthy mass to his frame, while his arm strength and accuracy have also steadily improved. Even more exciting, sophomore tight end Donovan Green looks healthier as he plans to be ready for the season opener vs. Notre Dame.
Here is what Elko had to say on Tuesday afternoon.
Mike Elko on how QB Conner Weigman has improved after his Manning Passing Academy appearance this summer
"You surround yourself with the top QBs in the country."
"You are exposing yourself to be the best of the best… You want to allow them to take advantage of that."
Elko on how two new additions have improved the secondary
"I think we have enough versatility there. We've got to see more of Dezz Ricks and Terry Bussey."
"It's going to be a really intense competition."
Elko on Texas A\u0026amp;M's linebacker rotation
"Solomon DeShields is the wild card. He is starting to get comfortable. He made a lot of plays last night. It started to click system-wise."
Elko on potentially booting the NIL presense at practice
"I don't know that I want to turn it into an NIL session… We are trying to provide access to fit a first-year program."
Elko on sophomore tight end Donovan Green's improvement
"In the ability to set the edge in the run game, it's important... This is big-boy football. His weight gain will help with that." "It's been good to see him get better... He is such a great kid and a hard worker. The growth and development you see in practice is like a young kid getting back into it."
Elko makes an interesting and fair statement to end the press conference
Mike Elko ends his press conference by asking the media to stop asking players/coaches about last year. Says he appreciates the job that we do but wants the focus to be on the 2024 season.
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) August 6, 2024
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko speaks during the second week of fall practice