Mike Elko explains reasoning behind Shemar Turner's move to defensive tackle

When he took over the Texas A&M program following the 2023 season, Mike Elko not only had to build out his first roster by landing a transfer haul and recruiting class, but he also had to recruit some of the current Aggie players back to school.

Elko is certainly glad he was successful in pitching Shemar Turner on a return to College Station, and part of that strategy was to help him develop at a new position to impress NFL scouts.

When speaking on the SEC Network set on Thursday, Elko spoke at length on Turner, explaining how he and the staff went about pitching him on his role with the team in 2024.

“Yeah, I think a big piece of that was, that was the intention when we recruited him. We felt like that was probably his best position moving forward to the next level,” said Elko of Turner’s move to DT.

“I think, for whatever reason, that kind of didn’t go all the way over the last two years,” he added. “So I think that was a big piece in his decision to come back was to be able to slide inside, to play defensive tackle, to showcase his ability to do that for the NFL and kind of enhance his ability to get into that league and get in there with maybe a higher draft status.”

The mere fact Turner is a potential draft prospect speaks to his high level of talent. Even though he’s changing positions, Mike Elko believes the veteran DL can hit the ground running at a new spot with the tools he already has.

“I think it’s a natural progression for him. He’s a big, physical kid. He’s got tremendous athleticism. He’s a plus pass rusher. He’s a tremendous run-stopper. So I think he’s going to have a phenomenal year for us this year. We’re really excited about the versatility he brings.”

Shemar Turner himself admitted he’s added at least 30 pounds this offseason to beef up for his role at defensive tackle. He said he’s just getting stronger everywhere and trying to add weight in the healthiest possible way.

“I just got out of surgery and I’m already putting up I think 405 (pounds) is the most I did for three (reps). I had surgery on my leg probably a month ago,” he revealed when speaking to the SEC Network’s Peter Burns.

That’s a pretty impressive feat for the big fella.