August 27, 2024 12: 35 pm CT
Texas A&M will begin the Mike Elko era with a prime-time showdown, as 7th-ranked Notre Dame will travel to Kyle Field for the first time in over 20 seasons. On Monday, Elko, alongside left tackle Trey Zuhn III and linebacker Taurean York, spoke to the media ahead of the opener.
Unlike most first-year head coaches, Elko sounded more confident than most with just four days remaining before the opener, confident in what the first depth chart presented as several starting positions are still up for grabs on offense and defense.
While some may see that as an issue, this shows that what we’ve witnessed throughout fall camp is a team with outstanding depth across the offensive and defensive line, providing the coaching staff plenty of options when position matchups become a weekly focus.
Outside of Elko facing his former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, one of the prominent storylines, Notre Dame’s offensive line issues, could result in a big day for Texas A&M’s defensive line after it was revealed that head coach Marcus Freeman will start three sophomores and two freshmen for the opener.
Representing the players, Trey Zuhn and Taurean York will take on new leadership positions this season as two of the most trusted members of the roster. Here’s what both players had to say on Monday afternoon.
Trey Zuhn is ready to hit the field
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“It feels like just yesterday that I was running out onto Kyle Field for the first time, and it never gets old.”
“The competition that we have in practice every day gets me prepared for everything I’m going to see in the SEC.”
Zuhn on the competition he faces every practice
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“I think they’ve got some great guys on their front, but there’s nothing that we can’t do through film study and going against our own guys. I think we have the best defensive line in the country.”
Zuhn on Ar’maj Reed Adams’ progress this fall
Kansas redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Ar’maj Reed-Adams (55) smiles during Tuesday’s practice inside the Kansas Indoor Practice Facility.
“He has been great to have, and he has had an amazing fall camp. I can’t wait to go to war with him.”
Zuhn on the ongoing center battle
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“They were going back-and-forth every single day. … I think either one of them could start, and either one of them could play in the game. I think it’s great to have depth.”
Zuhn on the significance of facing Notre Dame to enter the season
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“I want to say we would prepare for anybody, but having Notre Dame, a big-name team, has definitely kept people sharp.”
“Knowing you have that great team coming in here is a little extra boost to know we need to get our stuff right.”
Zuhn on College GameDay coming to College Station
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“For our fans and all of Aggieland, that’s a great thing. Coming out of that tunnel is going to be the best thing ever.”
Zuhn on the O-lines depth entering the season
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“I think we’re super close, and we definitely have that cohesiveness.”
“Being eight or ten deep is going to be great because we can all play next to each other.”
Linebacker Taurean York on containing Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard
“We really just have to contain the quarterback at all cost. We know he’s a dual-threat quarterback with his legs, but we’re not going to knock his throwing ability either.”
York on Texas A&M’s second linebacker competition
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“They all have their strengths and can all play next to me. … I’m interested to see who starts, and I know that all three will be ready.”
York on the use of helmet communications starting this season
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“We began with my helmet having the audio in it at the beginning of fall camp, and I like it a lot. I like having Coach Bateman in my ear.”
York on what to expect once the Aggies hit the field vs. Notre Dame
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“Week 1 is always a little wonky because you don’t know what to expect.”
“They have a lot of transfers, so we’re watching a lot of film that’s specific to the players. Week 1 presents a lot of challenges, but that’s life in the SEC. You have to go get it done.”
Taurean York on head coach Mike Elko’s first season with the program
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“He’s a man of his word. He wants to get it done. He’s very time-efficient.”
“He’s very cognizant of his players, their needs and what’s going on with him.”
York on the large student ticket pull turnout
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“That’s a credit and a testament to the fans, and we hope to have the stands packed on Saturday.”
York on Notre Dame’s significance
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“I’ve never watched Rudy. I was thinking about watching it sometime before game time this week because I hear a lot of it.”
“I know Notre Dame is a very tradition-rich school and program, and it’ll be a dogfight on Saturday.”