Where is Texas A&M HC Mike Elko in the head coach as players rankings?

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko wasn’t born an elite defensive coordinator who would soon become the school’s 30th head coach. His blue-collar upbringing in New Jersey led to the star high school football player earning a scholarship to play at the University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League, where he was a star defensive back/safety for four seasons.

There, Elko began to learn the art of aggressive defense, which has followed him throughout his coaching career, including his three-year career as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator (2018-2021), during which time he led the Aggies to several program-defining wins, especially the 2021 victory over No. 1 Alabama.

For those unaware of his college playing career, which is likely most of the Aggie fanbase, ESPN’s latest article ranking all 132 Division 1 college football head coaches was not just an interesting read but also an insight into how these current leaders made their way to the coaching ranks, learning the game on the field and translating said knowledge to the coaching ranks.

Here is how author Adam Rittenburgh characterized Mike Elko’s career at UPenn:

“The New Jersey native played both quarterback and defensive back in high school before coming to Penn, where his future was set on defense. He became a smart and productive safety for the Quakers. Elko earned letters in 1995, 1997 and 1998, when he helped Penn to an Ivy League title.”

Mike Elko enters his second season with the Aggies, which is by far the most crucial of his career after finishing 1-4 during his inaugural campaign. With starting quarterback Marcel Reed leading a retooled wide receiver corps, a loaded backfield, and a veteran offensive line, Texas A&M looks to improve its weaknesses in 2024.

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Publish date : 2025-05-27 10:05:00

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