Main Recruiting Focus (2027 Class)

• Zyron Forstall (5-star EDGE, IMG Academy, FL)
  • Ranked #2 EDGE nationally (247Sports composite) behind DJ Jacobs.
  • Texas A&M received a Crystal Ball/official prediction to land him (reported Monday).
  • Hosts have strong belief A&M is the leader; staff has been heavily involved since early in recruitment.
  • Compared to former A&M star Cassius Marsh (unanimous All-American, likely first-round NFL pick).
  • Physical profile: 6'3.5", ~240 lbs; explosive/twitchy edge rusher, excels at redirecting tackles, raw but rapidly improving (13 sacks as junior).
  • Moved from Louisiana to IMG → now on national stage, attracting heavy attention.
  • Hosts feel A&M’s effort + Mike Elko’s track record developing pass rushers make this a realistic early commitment.
• Jace Johnson (4-star QB)
  • Official visit scheduled for last week of May (post-spring ball, better weather).
  • Junior Day canceled due to Texas weather → forced logistics planning.
• Jalen Brewster (5-star DL, Cedar Hill, TX → committed to Texas Tech)
  • A&M was heavily involved until late; now door possibly reopening.
  • Texas Tech let go of DL coach Arnold Fitch (whose unit was elite in 2025).
  • Local product (near College Station); Elijah Robinson (back on staff) likely pushing hard.
  • Hosts believe A&M has as good a shot as anyone if Brewster sours on Tech.
  • Other suitors: Indiana (hot program post-title), others.
  • Emphasis on development fit over pure NIL (though money will factor).

• A&M appears “in the thick of it” for nearly every top EDGE in 2027.
• Mike Elko staff prioritizes elite traits + positional versatility early.
• Discussion of 5-star vs. under-the-radar development (examples: Anias Smith, Tunmise Adeleye, incoming 5-star CB Brian Arrington).
• Forstall & Brewster could be early difference-makers if landed.

• Defensive hires
  • Paul Williams (from Stanford) → Nickel/DBs coach; veteran with strong coverage & NFL development resume (Artie Burns, Deion Bush, etc.).
  • Brian Gross-Armiento elevated to CBs coach after success at Nickel last year.
• Offensive hire
  • Drew Hollingshead (analyst role, from Coastal Carolina) → QB/Offense developer.
  • Texas native; worked under Mike Leach (developed Will Rogers, Gardner Minshew at Washington State).
  • Helped Caden Veltkamp post strong year at Coastal.
  • Adds experienced voice for first-year play-caller Holman Wiggins & QB Marcel Reed.

• Offense → B to B+ (continuity + new voices, but first-time play-caller in SEC = risk).
• Defense → A (Lyle Hemphill elevation + trusted vets; Elko grooming him for years).
• Overall theme: Elko trusts internal growth + targeted vets; less “name” flash but believed to be best for long-term fit.

• Recent skid: lost thriller at Alabama (97-100), blown out by Florida at home.
• Next: Missouri (–6.5 favorites at Reed Arena); hosts optimistic for bounce-back.
• Charles Bediako (Alabama C) ruled ineligible → discussion of potential NCAA Tournament seeding impact on A&M’s resume (close loss to Bama).
• Team remains resilient; still projected 8/9 seed range with path to 6/7 possible.

• Recruiting momentum building in 2027 class (especially DL/EDGE).
• Basketball in good position despite tough week; key stretch ahead.
• Spring football ~1 month away → more position battles & depth chart movement expected.

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