Conference: SEC
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
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”.
Coach's Past Performance
Mike Elko has produced top-50 defenses in each of the last nine years with multiple programs (Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Bowling Green). In 2020, Texas A&M’s defense finished better than No. 9 in all four major defensive statistical categories (total, rush, pass, score) for the first time since the Aggies joined the SEC in 2012.
Team Record and Standings
The Aggies are currently 7-3, ranked fourth in the SEC West.
Team/Unit Stats
Red Zone Defense – 10supth/sup in the country (70.00)
Team Passing Efficiency Defense – 8supth/sup in the country (110.80)
Scoring Defense – 10supth/sup in the country (16.1)
Team Sacks – 22supnd/sup in the country (29)
Total Defense – 29supth/sup in the country
Individual Player Stats
Senior Tyree Johnson ranks third in the SEC with 8.0 sacks, already surpassing his combined career sack total with multiple games to go. Junior DeMarvin Leal leads the Aggies with 10.5 tackles-for-loss along with 6.5 sacks.
Senior Micheal Clemons has registered a team-high 12 quarterback hurries this season. Clemons went one a six game streak of tallying at least 1.0 tackles-for-loss per game.
