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 the coaches spoke, starting quarterback Conner Weigman joined cornerback Tyreek Chappell, and linebacker Scooby Williams took the mic to discuss their own progress this fall while complimenting fellow players on the roster who have stood out ahead of the season opener.

Here's what all three players had to say on Saturday afternoon.

Conner Weigman on the running back room's depth after Rueben Owen's injury

"Coach Troop calls it the stable for a reason. Le'Veon (Moss), Amari (Daniels) and EJ (Smith) can all go. I am ready to go to work with them."

Weigman on understanding the mental strain Rueben Owen's is dealing with

"I know exactly what it feels like. That's my guy… To see him go down like that, I wish him a speedy recovery and can't wait for him to come back."

Weigman on his excitement to start the 2024 season

"It's been a long time coming, and I can't wait to get out there on August 31."

Weigman on the general \u0022vibe\u0022 surrounding the program this fall

"It's been awesome. The brotherhood we have built in a short period of time… We have done a really good job of that."

Senior CB Tyreek Chappell on if he's comfortable playing at the nickel spot

"Of course. I played nickel my sophomore and junior years. I feel very comfortable. I like nickel."

Chappell on his confidence regarding just how good the Aggie defense can be this season

"A shutdown, lockdown secondary… I believe we can be the best defense in the league this year."

Chappell on what makes the roster so special

"The players and the depth we have. We have players that can play."

Chappell on why he came back to Texas A\u0026amp;M after breifly entering the transfer portal

"I wanted to see if I needed a fresh start. Once Elko got the job, I knew I was coming back. He was the DC my freshman year."

Chappell on defensive coordinator Jay Bateman's coaching

He is so energetic. He will coach you hard. That's what I need this year."

Chappell on former Kansas State CB Will Lee III

"He's impressed me and the coaches, too."

"The nickname (The Blanket) is tough. I like it."

LB Scooby Williams on why he transferred to Texas A\u0026amp;M

"I had never been to Texas… I left it up to God and my parents."

"Transferring is always scary… There are great guys and great coaches here, and I'm happy to be a part of it."

Williams on Texas A\u0026amp;M's profesional landscape

"Being a part of this program, it's a lot of attention to detail. I learned a lot about myself, my teammates and my coaches."

"The program is professional."

Williams on how he got his nickname \u0022Scooby\u0022

"When I was younger, I used to eat a bunch of Scooby snacks. The gummy ones."

Williams on Texas A\u0026amp;M's loaded defensive line

"The D-Line is crazy. There is a bunch of NFL potential on it."

Williams on competing for the second linebacker spot aside Taurean York

"It's great to go out and compete. Surrounding yourself with great people can only elevate yourself and the team."

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 3 players speak after Texas A&M's 14th fall football practice