To create a winning culture, it takes athletes who have instinctive leadership qualities, spirit and the determination to leave the program better than it was found.
Texas A&M defensive end Nana Boadi-Owusu embodies the spirit of the 12th Man. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been exemplary during his four years in Bryan-College Station. In the age of the transfer portal and NIL, it has become a norm to abandon ship and seek more playing time or money elsewhere. Not for Boadi-Owusu, however.
He has stuck with the program since his redshirt freshman season in 2022 and has earned everything. Boadi-Owusu’s leadership, hard work and dedication to the Aggies’ football program led his teammates to vote him as the 12th Man, meaning he will don the No. 12 jersey for Texas A&M in 2026.
That honor is one that he will never forget, but Monday’s announcement from head coach Mike Elko will likely be at the top of that list as well. Boadi-Owusu is now on a full scholarship.
The legacy of the No. 12 jersey dates back to 1922, when E. King Gill came down from the press box to suit up for the injury-plagued Aggies. While the hundreds of thousands of Aggie fans who fill the stands are referred to as the 12th Man, it also provides the program with an opportunity to honor the impact of leaders in the locker room and on the gridiron, regardless of playing time.
Boadi-Owusu has earned multiple honors since arriving in College Station, including Aggie Defensive Scout Team Honors, 12th Man Kickoff Team and the Brotherhood Impact Award. He was voted the 12th Man by his teammates in 2024, in which he recorded three tackles in 13 appearances. Last season, he notched three tackles while securing his first-career sack and pass deflection.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Earned, not given: Texas A&M defensive end earns scholarship
Reporting by Dylan Flippo, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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