logo
2 Texas A&M defenders named to the Bednarik Award watch list

2 Texas A&M defenders named to the Bednarik Award watch list

USA Today20 hours ago
In less than three weeks, Texas A&M will open the 2025 season against UTSA in Kyle Field, as head coach Mike Elko will embark on his second season at the helm, this time fielding a roster built in his image, starting with a veteran offensive line, one of the deeper linebacker units, and a secondary with plenty of speed and experience, and most importantly, plenty of leadership.
On Monday, two of the Aggies' defensive leaders, junior linebacker Taurean York and senior cornerback Will Lee III, were named to the Bednarik Award watch list, annually awarded to the top defensive player in College Football. So far this offseason, both players have landed on multiple awards lists, as Lee was named a Bronko Nagurski finalist and also placed on the All-SEC Second Team.
During his first season with the program, Lee racked up 42 tackles, ten pass deflections, and two interceptions, including his first career touchdown on a 93-yard pick in the season finale loss to Texas.
York, who is nationally viewed as the best or second-best linebacker, led the Aggies with 82 tackles and finished second on the team with 9.5 tackles for loss while grabbing his first career interception.
Named to the Walter Camp, Lott Impact Trophy, and Butkus award watch lists, earlier this summer, one more solid season could vault York into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'He's done it all': 2027 4-star QB commit explains why he committed to Texas A&M
'He's done it all': 2027 4-star QB commit explains why he committed to Texas A&M

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

'He's done it all': 2027 4-star QB commit explains why he committed to Texas A&M

Texas A&M's 2027 recruiting class started things off with a bang after landing the first commitment in the class, four-star quarterback Jayce Johnson, whose elite arm talent makes him a likely five-star prospect by this time next year. Under second-year OC Collin Klein, Texas A&M has become a destination for top quarterback prospects after landing 2026 4-star Helaman Casuga. This season, redshirt sophomore Marcel Reed enters the year as the starter after trading starts with Conner Weigman last season, and after the former five-star prospect transferred to Houston this offseason, Reed's future as the starter is set in stone. While he's expected to return in 2026, current backup Miles O'Neill and Casuga look like the immediate options if he were to leave the program. Looking ahead, Jayce Johnson is not your run of the mill quarterback prospect who lacks at least one or more traits, as the Georgia native possesses a live arm, and is already one of the more accurate passers in the class. After one or two seasons with the Aggies, he is destined to compete for the starting job. After his commitment on Sunday, Johnson spoke to 247Sports' Tom Loy, discussing his decision, choosing the Aggies over Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi State, and Florida State. "I'm headed to Texas A&M. It's the place for me because the coaching staff is very loyal. They have been there since early in my recruitment. They have shown so much love. Also, the environment around the campus is exactly what I'm looking for. It's like what I'm living in now." Culture has been the winning factor on the recruiting trail for Mike Elko and his staff, developing strong and lasting bonds with every one of the 27 commits in the 2026 cycle, which has continued to win over elite prospects like Johnson. While he reportedly made up his mind during his last unofficial visit to College Station, his relationship with Collin Klein likely sealed the deal this early in the process. "I have known him since I was young. He's been through everything I want to do. He's done it all. He's been there and done that. The way he coaches, I went out there for a spring practice, and he takes so much pride in what he does. He's a family guy. I love that about him as well." Johnson's firm commitment to Texas A&M could result in more momentum this fall, as the standout signal caller further stated that several of his 2027 recruiting peers want to play with him at the next level, including a rising four-star wide receiver out of Florida. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 2027 4-star QB Jayce Johnson explains why he committed to Texas AM

2027 4-star OT out of Tyler, Texas has committed to Texas A&M
2027 4-star OT out of Tyler, Texas has committed to Texas A&M

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

2027 4-star OT out of Tyler, Texas has committed to Texas A&M

Texas A&M's 2027 recruiting class already includes four-star quarterback Jayce Johnson, who became the first commit in the cycle, and possesses all the traits to be the Aggies' next starting quarterback in the near future. Coach Mike Elko and his staff are on quite a heater, landing 27 commits in the 2026 class, and have now secured a commitment from one of the top offensive tackles in the 2027 class. On Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that four-star OT DeMarrion Johnson out of Tyler, Texas, has committed to Texas A&M over several blue-blood programs, including Alabama and Florida. Johnson has been the starting left tackle since his 2023 freshman season, which is a clear sign that he is destined for great things at the next level. Already a refined run blocker, utilizing his athleticism and 6'7", 300-pound frame, O-line coach Adam Cushing has continued to develop strong relationships with some of the top offensive line prospects in every cycle, resulting in six offensive line signees in the 2025 class. Right now, the future at left tackle could be 2025 five-star freshman tackle Lamont Rogers, but that is still up for debate given his position versatility. Still, knowing that senior left tackle Trey Zuhn III will be departing after the 2025 season, landing Johnson this early in the process prepares the staff for the future. Johnson's commitment continues to prove that Texas A&M remains one of the top landing spots for offensive line development. According to 247Sports, Johnson is currently positioned as the 135th-ranked prospect in the class, the 12th-ranked tackle, and the 24th-ranked prospect in Texas. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 2027 4-star OT DeMarrion Johnson has committed to Texas AM

2027 4-star OT out of Tyler, Texas has committed to Texas A&M
2027 4-star OT out of Tyler, Texas has committed to Texas A&M

USA Today

time3 hours ago

  • USA Today

2027 4-star OT out of Tyler, Texas has committed to Texas A&M

Texas A&M's 2027 recruiting class already includes four-star quarterback Jayce Johnson, who became the first commit in the cycle, and possesses all the traits to be the Aggies' next starting quarterback in the near future. Coach Mike Elko and his staff are on quite a heater, landing 27 commits in the 2026 class, and have now secured a commitment from one of the top offensive tackles in the 2027 class. On Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that four-star OT DeMarrion Johnson out of Tyler, Texas, has committed to Texas A&M over several blue-blood programs, including Alabama and Florida. Johnson has been the starting left tackle since his 2023 freshman season, which is a clear sign that he is destined for great things at the next level. Already a refined run blocker, utilizing his athleticism and 6'7", 300-pound frame, O-line coach Adam Cushing has continued to develop strong relationships with some of the top offensive line prospects in every cycle, resulting in six offensive line signees in the 2025 class. Right now, the future at left tackle could be 2025 five-star freshman tackle Lamont Rogers, but that is still up for debate given his position versatility. Still, knowing that senior left tackle Trey Zuhn III will be departing after the 2025 season, landing Johnson this early in the process prepares the staff for the future. Johnson's commitment continues to prove that Texas A&M remains one of the top landing spots for offensive line development. According to 247Sports, Johnson is currently positioned as the 135th-ranked prospect in the class, the 12th-ranked tackle, and the 24th-ranked prospect in Texas. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store