Return of the Wrecking Crew: Aggie Defense Spring Practice Notes
Texas A&M freshman defensive lineman Landon Rink (99) prepares for the next group to go through a drill at the Aggies’ spring practice on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Kelii Horvath/East Coast Gridiron
When Mike Elko was signed as the head coach of Texas A&M, he was brought in to reinstall his defense that helped Duke total 17 wins in Elko’s two seasons in Durham. After coaching the Aggie defense under Jimbo Fisher, Elko will look to reestablish the “Wrecking Crew” identity as he heads into his second year in charge in College Station.
However, that will be no easy task, as Elko must replace multiple top-50 picks along the defensive line, where multiple depth pieces decided to hit the transfer portal as well. The strength of the defense appears to be the secondary, with key starters returning and the only significant loss being corner back BJ Mayes. Meanwhile the linebacking corps stays intact, rounding out an experienced back end of the defense.
Let’s dive into what I saw from the defense on the second day of open practice in College Station.
Newcomers
EDGE Marco Jones (10) & T.J. Searcy (18): These two are the largest players on the defense. They make other big guys look average, and Jones is just a freshman. Jones arrives from the state of California and Searcy is a transfer from the University of Florida, and both are listed at 6-foot-5 and weigh 250 and 255 pounds respectively. Searcy appears to be someone who will be expected to contribute right away, potentially flexing inside in passing situations. Don’t count out Jones, however, as he already looks the part of a contributor on an SEC defense.
Texas A&M defensive lineman T.J. Searcy (18) goes through a bag drill at the Aggies’ spring practice on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Kelii Horvath/East Coast Gridiron
LB Kelvion Riggins (31): This is a common theme throughout this article, but Riggins looks absolutely yoked. He is listed at 6-foot-1, 215 lbs., and looks extremely well built. Considering he is a true freshman, it appears he arrived in Aggieland as a weight room warrior. Then Tommy Moffitt got his hands on him. Riggins will likely take a redshirt or special teamer role, but seeing freshman come in with imposing builds is a good sign for the program.
DL Tyler Onyedim (11): This may ruffle some feathers, but when I saw Onyedim today I thought I was looking at former Aggie Walter Nolen. With similar builds, the two appear similar on the field, possessing imposing yet functional size along the interior of the defensive line. Onyedim will be asked to fill in at defensive tackle, a position that lost a lot of talent and depth this offseason. Onyedim will be relied on early on, and so far the early returns are positive on the Iowa State transfer.
Familiar Faces
LB Taurean York (21), S Bryce Anderson (1) and CB Will Lee (4): The three defensive stars were the vocal leaders of the defense, and led their position groups through drills. It will be a pivotal year for the trio, as all three will be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, but York will be the only one to have the option to stay for one more year.
Texas A&M safety Bryce Anderson (1) leads the defense through a drill at the Aggies’ spring practice on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Photo by Kelii Horvath/East Coast Gridiron
LB Tristan Jernigan (32): The second-year linebacker out of Tupelo, MS looks like he hit the weight room hard, and has added a lot of muscle mass. His impact is to be determined, with experienced players above him on the depth chart in York, Daymion Sanford, and Scooby Williams. A key player on special teams in 2024, if Jernigan puts together standout performances in spring and summer camp, he could see playing time at linebacker in 2025.
EDGE Rylan Kennedy (15): Kennedy is poised for a breakout year rushing the passer, after patiently waiting his turn to crack the starting lineup. Kennedy has great length and size for an edge rusher, and showed tremendous power during drills today. I’m not saying he is a Shemar Stewart-level of freak athlete, but Kennedy possesses high upside with ideal physical traits for a pass rusher.
EDGE Cashius Howell (9): After leading the Aggies in pass rush win rate in 2024, the former Bowling Green transfer is the top pass rusher on this team. Howell logged double digit sacks in his final year with Bowling Green, and its easy to see why. Howell is large yet compact, and has extremely violent hands. Opposing tackles are going to have a difficult time containing Howell as he seeks to outdo the production of last year’s unit.
The next event I will attend is Texas A&M’s Pro Day on Thursday, March 27, 2025. I will have some notes on top-50 picks Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart and Shemar Turner.
