Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman was demoted as the program’s play caller this offseason, but remains in the same position and will continue to be a significant part in gameplanning while already solidifying himself as an elite recruiter. This was the best move, as coach Mike Elko will resume his previous role with Texas A&M during his time as the Aggies’ D-coordinator from 2018-2021.
On Tuesday, after Texas A&M’s 16th preseason practice, Bateman spoke to the media with plenty of praise for several new defensive additions, including Colorado transfer DE Dayon Hayes and cornerback Dezz Ricks, who are both expected to be essential pieces in the pass rush and secondary. Bateman and Elko see eye to eye sheme-wise, as he provided some insight on whether we’ll begin to see Elko’s “exotic” third-down packages this season.
“Yeah, so last year, you know, we got a a point during the season where, you know, the coverage piece of it was a little big scarier for us than it has been where I think now. We feel really good about that, and also had some edge guys and D-lineman who were pretty good one-one-one pass rushers.”
During his final season as A&M’s defensive play caller in 2021, Elko’s third-down packages were a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and the players Bateman is referencing excelled in coverage and one-on-one pass rush opportunities, which wasn’t always the case last season.
With the new additions up front, combined with a cornerback rotation that now features Julian Humphrey and Jordan Shaw, the 2025 pass rush could thrive if the coverage holds up, providing Elko more freedom to send more pass rushers to disrupt offensive rhythm.
“I think (Mike) Elko’s exotic stuff is in bloom,” Bateman stated. “We have a pretty good plan on third down.”
Texas A&M will open the 2025 season against UTSA on Saturday, August 30. The game will air at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M DC discusses Texas A&M’s “exotic” third-down packages under HC Mike Elko
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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