Texas A&M’s defensive line depth became an immediate talking point early in the offseason, mainly due to the departures of Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner, who were all selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, after adding five defensive linemen from the transfer portal, including four edge rushers, interior defensive line depth remains an issue, putting pressure on the starting rotation to perform effectively.
On Wednesday night, head coach Mike Elko spoke during the annual Dallas Coach’s Night, previewing the 2025 season for what seems like the tenth time this year. Still, it has not yet become redundant, as the second-year leader had plenty to say regarding several players, including junior defensive tackle DJ Hicks.
This is a critical season for the former five-star prospect, who was the crown jewel of Texas A&M’s 2023 recruiting class, but has yet to live up to his high school production, mainly due to the depth in front of him during his first two seasons. Still, during his first season as a starting defensive tackle, Hicks recorded just 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections.
This offseason, Hicks has reportedly worked hard to build more strength in the weight room and work on his technique as a run defender, which, paired with senior nose tackle Albert Regis, needs to reach a level of consistency, as former Iowa State DL Tyler Onyedum is already a proven run defender who also brings notable pass rusher ability to the depth chart.
Despite his lack of production, Elko is very high on DJ Hicks to take that next step and finally live up to his immense potetnial as “the guy” on the D-line.
“I think DJ Hicks is probably that guy who is going to step into that limelight this year and fulfill his potential.”
This vote of confidence is a good sign knowing the amount of talent from the transfer portal, as Elko could have named any one of the new additions that have stood out, but remains steady that Hicks will become one of the defense’s more reliable defenders. With just one year of eligibility remaining after this season, 2025 needs to be the year that Hicks shines.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: HC Mike Elko believes Texas A&M junior DL will ‘fulfill his potential’ in 2025
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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