IT’s time for this week’s Mail Call!

Q: I was watching a podcast on YouTube this morning and some guy was saying that Elko was likely to flip some 4-star from Florida St. Heard anything about that? (Biromeag)

A: Yeah, they’re after 4-star ATH Za’Kari Johnson out of Miami. He reclassified into the 2027 class from the 2028 class, so he’d be a year younger than most guys. But he plays wide receiver right now, but a lot of teams project him to be a corner. That may be one of the reasons the Aggies didn’t really open up the checkbook (not to say they didn’t open it up at all, because they did) for John Meredith or Joshua Dobson. This group always seems to have options beyond what most people see.

Q: What is Bucky’s plan with his last slot now that another court ruling has changed the rules?

A: He hasn’t made a move yet, but they’ve also been in the Bahamas. It’s kind of difficult to know what’s going to happen as legal issues continue with class of 2022 players and Bryson Warren hasn’t been cleared yet. I would still take the gamble and go after a big.

Now that we have an “officially” designated backup QB announced, how would you adjust the offense to better match his skillset should it be needed?

I don’t think you’ll have to do a whole lot to accommodate Brady Hart. He can move better than most people think. But they might alter things like moving the pocket, which they’re going to do more of this year.

What is Elko asking this team to do better this year than last?

Be disciplined. The biggest problems this team had was penalties, and a lot of those were pre-snap. The other was against the run, when they didn’t stay in their lane and overran plays. If they can do those two things, they’ll be significantly better off.

Is there something that we’ll notice after weeks 1, 2, and 3, that demonstrates this team is different from last years?

Offensive line play, formations, where the safeties play (as in, how often are they up near the line of scrimmage) and how they try to attack the quarterback.

When is Arie’s hitch in her git a long fix scheduled for? (Tip despiser)

The first surgery is on the 17th. I’ll be glad to get it out of the way, obviously.

Q: For the Offensive Line, let’s say that the starters, for now, are;

LT Tyree Adams,

LG Coen Echols,

C Mark Nabou,

RG Trovon Baugh,

RT Wilkin Formby.

I believe that Nabou is solid, as is Formby. So, who do you see battling and eventually taking the other three spots, if anyone? Are Lamont Rogers and Robert Bourdon ready for the SEC grind? (Nemojones)

A: At left tackle, Adams will have to ward off Rogers, but I think he’s still the favorite there.

I think Echols is the one who is under the most pressure. Blake Ivy is going to get a shot and Robbie Bourdon got some snaps there in the spring, and there’s just something about that that just makes me wonder if he won’t take that job. Baugh is locked in at right guard. So, I’d say 3/5 of the line is pretty much set barring injury, one guy is in pretty good shape and one (left guard) is going to be an outright battle.

Q: Mark, I have really enjoyed your thoughts on each position group.

Last year our rush YPG was 185 and ranked 30th and our pass YPG was 260 and also ranked 30th. Where do you see us this season? (JonnyRocketAg)

A: I think they could get into the top 20 in passing, but if they keep looking for balance, then if somehow you could get down to 25th or lower, you’re going to be in very good shape.

Q: What away game is your favorite destination in the SEC? We went to Missouri (friendly people) last year, and wife and I are going to the South Carolina game this year. So far ol miss has been at the top of our list. (Dustytx)

A: South Carolina is my favorite, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Columbia, their fans or that stadium. It all has to do with Charleston, which is one of my favorite cities in America. That makes the trip the best that I’ve been on. I like Tennessee, too, but Charleston is on another level.

Q: If you got to pick your dream coaching staff who are coaching in 2026/2027, who you got for:

HC

OC

DC

STC (RetiredAirForce)

A: Head coach: Mike Elko

Offensive coordinator: Mike Shanahan (Indiana)

Defensive coordinator: Mike Elko (it’s a dream, right?)

Special teams coach: Marty Biagi (Notre Dame)

Q: Just rewatched the end of the ND game. There were a ton of penalties in the last possession including Bussey kick off return being called back. Looking at penalties in the SEC, it appears we had the 11th most in penalty yards per game and 2nd most total penalties. Would you comment on what the contributing issues that cause penalties in general and things the coaches and team can do to improve this year? (GasAg90)

A: It’s kind of what I mentioned up top; it’s a discipline issue. The team is largely disciplined off the field and in the locker room, but obviously you’ve got to avoid penalties. That kind of discipline may be as important to the success of the team as the offensive line play and the ability to stop the run.

Q: Does Reuben O make the step to elite, or will he be serviceable?

A: I think he’s your best option as RB1, for sure. He’s fast, can run with power and just needs to take one more step to become top notch. He’d fall into the “very good” category now; if he keeps his feet after first contact, he can be in the upper echelon.

Your opinion of American Airlines? (R23)

Haven’t flown them in at least 20 years.

Q: I know it’s early, but looks like the basketball team is handling their business in the Bahamas, your thoughts? (BVOSUX)

A: Yeah, they wrecked shop in the Bahamas. I’m not surprised by the offensive output, because they can definitely score, but the defense was just as impressive. They’d score and immediately apply pressure and their opponents couldn’t handle it.