Just In: Mike Elko Adds Another Elite Recruiter to Complete Texas A&M Football Staff

Elko had to bring on a new recruit to round out his Texas A&M football staff after Wesley McGriff switched strategies and went back to Auburn. To your surprise, it was excellent.

Billy Liucci of Texags was the first to announce that Mike Elko has finalized his hiring for his first Texas A&M football staff. Jordan Peterson (no, not that one), a former Texas A&M football defensive back who was most recently the Kansas Jayhawks’ co-defensive coordinator and DBs coach, is returning to College Station to teach the Aggies’ defensive backfield.

Peterson’s departure has angered Kansas supporters, which is usually a solid indicator of a coach’s quality. Being one of the best recruiters in the Big 12 and well-liked by the supporters is quite an accomplishment, especially considering he coached at a university like Kansas. What was the Jayhawk fan base’s reaction? Look at this:

Many thanks for gathering all those from stringsays on Twitter. If you’d like to witness more of these kinds of amazing reactions, check out his stream.

The Aggies first believed that Wesley McGriff completed their roster, but because of some unrest on Auburn’s Plains, he was presented with an opportunity at a place he was quite familiar with. Rumor has it that McGriff’s willingness to return was greatly influenced by Ron Roberts’ departure from the Tigers’ staff. This information can be found on message boards.

Regardless, this search was prompted by McGriff’s about-face and return to the Tigers. McGriff is a seasoned veteran of the SEC. Although Peterson is not the same kind of coach as McGriff—an up-and-comer rather than a cunning veteran—his recruiting skills are on par with the best, and he guided DB Kenny Logan to the All-Big 12 second team and DB Cobee Bryant to the first team last season.

It’s also good that Tony Jerod-Eddie, the DL coach, and Peterson, two former Aggie players, are now employed by Elko. I think it’s a great asset to bring home a man who knows the in-state recruiting scene, the program, and the culture. Coach Peterson, welcome!