Texas A&M OC Collin Klein, DC Jay Bateman speak during Texas A&M's fall practice slate
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.
Klein's comments regarding the running game, wide receiver room, and his thoughts on helmet communication making its way to college football were matched by Bateman's excitement relating to the linebacker, defensive line, and secondary steadily improving over the summer.
Here is what both assistant coaches had to say on Tuesday afternoon.
Jay Bateman on new DB coach Jordan Peterson's effective coaching amid the \u0022heated\u0022 secondary competition
"It's really cool. Jordan (Peterson) is doing a good job with the corners."
"It's a really competitive room. I don't think there is anyone who thinks, 'There are the two starters right now.' I think they will all play."
Bateman on former Bowling Green star pass rusher Cashius Howell's potential impact
"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."
Jay Bateman on DE Shemar Stewart's potential breakout season
"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."
Bateman confirms that he will be in the press box to start the season
"I like it better up there calling a game. I am confident in our staff."
Bateman on sophomore linebacker Taurean York's continud development
"He is a testament to what hard work produces. He is eaten up with becoming the best football player he can be."
"He has changed his body, but the amount of time he puts in and the single-minded focus with football, it's rare, and it's elite."
Bateman on former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheild's progress so far
"He wasn't here in the spring. Every day, he is gaining ground. He is a good addition for sure."
Bateman on several underrated DL names making progress this fall
"Albert Regis is tremendous. He has put in the work in the weight room, and he is a tough-minded kid… Rodas Johnson has pass-rush skills. Josh Celiscar is another big body playing some in and some outside."
Bateman on LB Nan Boadi-Owusu being named as the program's newest 12th Man representative
"I have worked here for eight months, and you get a feel for what the 12th Man is about. All things embodied by the 12th Man is what Nana is… "He is a good player, too.
"We can point to him as a servant-minded leader in this football program."
OC Collin Klein on the running game improvements this offseason
"Each team takes on its own identity as far as what you do schematically. I believe that running the ball is a team effort. Everyone looks at the offensive line, but it's tight ends, receivers and packaging things, too."
Klein on the new use of helmet communication this season
"I think it's a great thing. It's good for the game and a good teaching tool."
Klein on Texas A\u0026amp;M's wide receiver room
"We have some really good weapons. We can be aggressive, mentally."
"It's continuing to work on the mentality of how we play… Coach Elko does as good of a job as anyone of setting the stage and teaching situational football."
Klein on A\u0026amp;M's deep running back room
"It's a very complete group. I think we are going to be able to use all of them very cohesively. All have good ball skills, are physical and run hard at the point of attack." "I love hard they are competing. Coach Trooper calls it the stable for a reason... Really excited about that group."
Klein on the progress made by junior WR Noah Thomas
"Noah (Thomas) has done a tremendous job. He is a fierce competitor. He studies the game, and it allows us a lot of flexibility. We will be able to move him all over the field."
"He will be a big-time player for us, for sure."
Klein on A\u0026amp;M's quarterback room
"I think we are striving for consistently, collectively… At that position, consistency is the key."
"I love the group. Every single one of them is working hard and making progress five days into camp."
Klein on Nana Boadi-Owusu being named the newest 12th Man representative
"Such a cool deal and knowing it from afar. The gravity of that for the team yesterday was off the charts. Honored to see it first-hand."
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M OC Collin Klein, DC Jay Bateman speak during Texas A&M's fall practice slate