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Mike Elko calls out 'absolutely ridiculous' motto from Texas A&M defensive line

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/09/25•

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Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

While speaking with reporters Wednesday, Texas A&M defensive lineman DJ Hicks said the defensive line’s mindset is an acronym. He said it was “CBO,” which he said was in, “simple terms, ‘Choke women out.’ Let’s just say it like that,” according to The Eagle.

When asked about it during his press conference afterward, Aggies coach Mike Elko condemned the phrase. He said it will be addressed quickly.

Hicks was apparently attempting to censor what the “B” was in “CBO,” according to CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah. A reporter then asked Elko about that version of the motto, using “women” instead of the actual word, and the coach made it clear it wouldn’t be tolerated.

“It’s conveying something that shouldn’t be conveyed, so we’ll get that handled and addressed,” Elko said. “That’s absolutely ridiculous that that was stated.”

Hicks’ mention of Texas A&M’s mentality on the defensive line came after he spoke highly of what he’s seeing out of the unit through spring practice. He said the group was looking to follow in the footsteps of the stars that came before them, and he also pointed out the need to listen to coaches Sean Spencer and Tony Jerod-Eddie.

“I see a lot of progress from us,” Hicks said. “We’ve had three really good guys, four really good guys, to look after and model after. Those guys really showed us, like, how to be the best d-line we can be with their work ethic and the way they went about their daily business.

“So I think we still are trying to go through that motto, still trying to stay our motto with CBO. That’s what we stand for. Just trying to follow Coach Spence’s coaching and Coach Tony’s coaching, and I think we’re going to make a big step this year.”

DJ Hicks is getting ready for his junior season at Texas A&M after taking a step forward last season. In 13 games, he totaled 17 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He’ll now be one of the leaders on the defensive line as names such as Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart head to the NFL Draft as potential first-round draft choices.

Texas A&M went 8-5 last season in Mike Elko’s first year as head coach, falling to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Aggies also went 8-5 in SEC play amid a jam-packed year for the league.