'Extremely Intelligent Kid': Why Texas A&M Aggies Coach Mike Elko Likes LB Taurean York

Texas A&M Aggies coach Mike Elko sees a bright future ahead for his sophomore linebacker after a breakout first season.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

New Texas A&M Aggies coach Mike Elko was high on linebacker Taurean York well before he was named Jimbo Fisher's successor back in early December.

Two years ago, Elko noticed the 6-foot linebacker from Temple while looking to build off a 9-4 record at Duke. The former Aggies defensive coordinator called then-linebackers coach Tyler Santucci for more information before offering.

A&M beat Duke to the punch, sending York an offer 24 hours after Elko thought he'd convinced the Texas native to head out to North Carolina. Elko missed out on adding a player with promise initially but now gets to build him into one of the league's top playmakers over the next two-plus seasons.

"What we've seen is an extremely intelligent kid," Elko said Wednesday during his secondspring football press conference. "He sees the game of football really well. He's got a lot of natural instincts, which when you play the linebacker position is critical."

Considered by teammates a natural leader, York led all freshmen defensive players in tackles last season with 74 stops, 8.5 of which were for losses. He also notched three sacks and finished with a season-high 11 stops in the SEC opener against Auburn.

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Taurean York (21) tackles / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time since 2002, the Aggies will have a defensive-minded coach running the program with Elko. That was the plan from the jump after Dennis Franchione, Mike Sherman, Kevin Sumlin and Jimbo Fisher — all offensive-minded coaches — weren't able to bring A&M back to conference glory like R.C. Slocum.

York, who earned All-SEC freshman honors, always has seen Elko's vision, even after turning down an offer to play for him and the Blue Devils last spring. He's now seeing the difference between an Elko-led roster versus ones in the past in practice.

"A&M usually attracts four- or five-star players, but coach Elko was always telling me, 'I think you're a great player. I think you can definitely help us out,' " said York. "It was just a matter as to when I would get the offer, and thank god it came the last week in high school.

"I've always had respect for coach Elko."

York serves as the backbone of A&M's defense at the second level. Edgerrin Cooper is off to the NFL and could end up being a first-round pick. He also took a majority of the first-team reps opposite York, leaving a hole in both a leadership and production standpoint.

The Aggies added four linebackers — including former Florida starter Scooby Williams via the transfer portal — following Elko's hire. One member of the quartet should fill Cooper's gap or at least compete with sophomore Martrell Harris for first-team reps.

From a leadership role, York has it covered since he's been in command since his freshman season as a starter at Temple High School.

"The freshman year is always going to be an acclimation period just because of the style of play, physicality, going from middle school to high school, high school to college, little things like that," said York. "How I got here is what I'm going to continue to do. Take care of my body and keep studying the playbook."

Elko, who recruited Cooper out of Covington, La., before leaving for Durham, mentioned last week during the Aggies' pro day that he's only seen the linebacker flourish with time. It's a similar feel around York entering Year 2.

"What you saw last year was a true freshman in the SEC," said Elko. "I think he's made the natural development and growth with his body in the offseason that I think you're going to see an even better version of him as we get out there this fall."

The Aggies return to practice in preparation for the annual Maroon and White Game on April 20 at Kyle Field.