close
close

Association-anemone

Bite-sized brilliance in every update

Two Aggies spoke Monday ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina
asane

Two Aggies spoke Monday ahead of Texas A&M vs. South Carolina

Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0 SEC) is still at the top of the SEC standings after earning the postseason victory over LSU Tigers saturday evening Backup defender Marcel Reed came on in the second half, providing a huge jolt to the attack.

Due to Reed Lamar Jackson-like speed and perfect fit in the OC of Collin Klein run scheme, the redshirt freshman produced three touchdowns on the ground while leading the Aggie offense on five straight scoring drives during A&M’s incredible 31-6 second-half run.

Defensively, senior cornerback BJ Mayes had one of the best games of his career, recording two interceptions while earning one of the highest coverage grades of the weekend for Pro Football Focus. Linebacker Taurean York earned PFF’s highest grade at his position while notching his first interception of the year.

Monday, head coach Mike Elko spoke to the media alongside defensive lineman Albert Regis and left tackle Trey Zuhn III. Here’s what both players had to say.

Albert Regis reflects on Saturday’s win

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“We enjoyed Saturday, we enjoyed Sunday, and on Monday, it’s time to focus on South Carolina. It’s a great feeling to come out on top and be the only undefeated team in the SEC, but it’s the SEC … I’ve seen undefeated teams lose time and time again.”

Regis on his impressive play this season

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“At the end of the day, I play my best brand of football and that’s all that matters to me. i know My teammates know that. Scouts watching know it. I don’t care about fame.”

Regis has a defensive mindset to match

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“We treat every quarterback the same. Every defender can now blend in and extend plays. … Personally, I respect (LaNorris Sellers’) game, what he’s doing and what he’s going to do.”

Trust Mike Elko

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“As a team, we stay true to (Mike Elko’s) plan and what he tells us to do.”

Register for a team-oriented mindset when facing opponents

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“We all work together. To win games, everyone has to be on the same page. Offense, defense, special teams. We all know about momentum in football games. A choice and a score, everything compliments each other.”

Regis for being part of the “best” defensive line

Matt Pendleton-Images Images

“I said before the season that this was the best D-line I’ve ever been a part of. … We have consistently made strides to improve. I love being a part of it and seeing my teammates grow.”

The margin of error is getting thinner every week

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“The margin for error is very small in football. Everyone thinks in big games you have to make Superman plays to win games, but in reality you just have to do your part.”

“Everybody plays their part and executes it to the best of their ability.”

Regis in the scrimmage before Saturday’s game

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“I don’t know why that was. Every home game, I have my own routine. I go into our inner building and meditate. I didn’t know it happened until Sunday. … It’s football. It happens.”

Regis has the “NFL” mentality of the D-line

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“We pride ourselves on the standard of being an NFL D-line group. … To hold a team like that under 30 (rushing yards) is a great feeling, but the job’s not done yet.”

Regis faces South Carolina’s offense

South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori (7) stands up after intercepting a pass intended for Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver JJ Hester (13) during a football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

“They bring a lot of energy to the game. It’s a cool place. … I’m not going to disrespect the stadium. I have no hate for South Carolina in my heart.”

“They bring energy. They have passion. You like to see him.”

Texas A&M is a “player-driven” program.

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

“It’s a player-driven program. The older guys that helped me weren’t necessarily on the D-line. It was Layden Robinson.”

“Layden helped me get my confidence back and showed me what college ball is all about. … Layden has helped me improve dramatically in this game of football and all my respect goes to Layden.”

Trey Zuhn on staying healthy through eight games

Dustin Safranek-Images Images

“I thank God every day that I can stay healthy this season. It’s much more enjoyable to play without getting hurt.”

Zuhn on the lack of drop-offs on the O line due to the team’s depth

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“I thank God every day that I can stay healthy this season. It’s much more enjoyable to play without getting hurt.”

Zuhn on consistent competition in the trenches

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“I like the competition. I like to go against the best of the best, but I will prepare the same way.” “I love a good competition.”

I move on to the next game

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

“Once the sun came up on Sunday, that win is history. It’s in the past. Our focus is on South Carolina.”

Zuhn heads to Columbia to face South Carolina

Maria Lysaker-Images Images.

Any road game in the SEC is a tough game. We have to prepare in the same way every week. … We celebrated the LSU game, but that’s over now.”

“It is tough. It’s a tough environment. … It’s going to be a tough game on the road. We just have to play our brand of football and go to work.”