Ever since his arrival in Aggieland, Mike Elko has revamped the Texas A&M defense into a nationally recognized group, consistently rising the ranks in every major defensive statistical category. In just his fourth year at A&M, the Aggie defense has been the talk around town, reminiscing shades of the famed early 90’s Wrecking Crew defense. With his guidance, the statistics speak for themselves. The Maroon & White defense ranks second in scoring defense (14.7), seventh in opponent yards per play (4.59) and 14th in sacks (28) in the country. The South Brunswick, N.J., native is shifting the public narrative and perception that has been given upon in the past 20 years of A&M being an offensive-first type team. The Aggies also have the 11th best opponent red zone score percentage (70.83), 6th best red zone touchdown percentage (41.67) and have been spectacular at limiting 20-plus yards plays to just 27, which is tied for fourth in the nation. Mike Elko’s credibility speaks for itself. Even before he arrived at A&M, Elko produced top-50 defenses in each of the last nine years with Norte Dame, Wake Forest, Bowling Green and now Texas A&M. Head Coach Jimbo Fisher doubled down in his press conference last week, “Mike is as good a defensive coordinator as there is in this country” and added “I have said it all along”.
