After doubts from Texas A&M football fans, Elko's stock as recruiter rising rapidly

Texas A&M football's Elko quickly answering questions about acumen on the recruiting trail

Texas A&M football fans had a laundry list of attributes they wanted to see when the search for their next coach began. When you replace a coach under strained circumstances, fans can sometimes look for guys who embody qualities that are the opposite of the outgoing coach, and there was certainly some of that with what fans were saying about Jimbo Fisher.

One thing where they wanted continuity, however, was in recruiting. Fisher is a proven rainmaker when it comes to pulling in top talent from across the country, and even though things hadn't panned out very well with some of the top recruits who came to College Station under Jimbo, Aggie fans were smart enough to recognize that the influx of talent needed to remain at that same level.

When Mike Elko's name was announced, then, certain fans became upset. His reputation on the trail was not one of his foremost qualities, and with his no-nonsense, ball-coach demeanor, he didn't exactly project the image of a polished recruiter.

His introductory presser helped some, it should be said. Fans began to buy into the vision he clearly had for Texas A&M football, and he spoke with passion about the school, his family, and more.

Only days after that, he began a grand tour of the state, visiting high school after high school to establish and reestablish relationships with the coaches and top players. The organization and intentionality with which he approached this, all while attempting to assemble a staff.

And what a staff he put together. Ish Aristide, Holmon Wiggins, Jay Bateman, and Collin Klein, just to name a few, all brought reputations as plus recruiters in addition to their coaching ability. Fans became more and more excited as the names for his staff were dropped one by one.

Not only that, but things with the transfer portal began to heat up. It seemed like hardly a single prospect the Aggies wanted to land left College Station without verbally committing. It was a remarkable run, to say the least.

Of course, portal recruiting is one thing. But could Elko win out in top recruitments at the high school level against Georgia, Alabama, and the rest?

How does winning two head-to-head recruitments within three weeks against Nick Saban sound? How about flipping one of Florida's top receiver commitments? Keeping your five-star and face of the class on board against overtures from LSU and Texas? That's how Elko closed the 2024 group.

Things didn't stop there. The 2025 class has gotten off to a roaring start for Texas A&M football, and the recent commitment of top-50 player Adonyss Currie has people beginning to notice Elko's ability as a recruiter, especially since this was one he personally handled.

As things stand right now, Elko has the Aggies in an enviable position for multiple five-stars, and are right in the thick of it for even more. Next weekend looks to be a huge one, as a litany of top talent will be on campus for the Aggies. There are rumblings of a late July event that should be well-attended by top recruits as well.

Thus far, things have gone great for Elko on the trail. He's answered a lot of questions. On-field results will matter, of course, but for now, he's showing he can hold his own against anyone.