Texas A&M's young DL duo speaks on growth after spring practice

Marco Jones and Landon Rink share early impressions and updates on their development.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:07am

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Texas A&M is deep into spring practice, and while the systems under Mike Elko and his coordinators are familiar, the personnel stepping into key roles on the defensive line are anything but. Two young standouts, sophomore Marco Jones and true freshman Landon Rink, spoke with reporters after the Aggies' eighth spring practice, sharing their early impressions and updates on their development.

Why it matters

With nearly the entire starting defensive line from last season headed to the NFL, the Aggies are looking for new faces to step up and anchor the unit. Jones and Rink are two young players generating buzz and positioning themselves to potentially earn significant playing time in the 2026 campaign.

The details

Marco Jones, a two-sport standout who is now fully committed to football, flashed high-end upside in a limited role last season, finishing with 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a rotational piece. With his focus narrowed and his frame continuing to develop, he's positioned to push for a starting job. Landon Rink, a true freshman who saw limited snaps in the interior of the SEC defensive line, held his own and showed the kind of raw power and motor that typically translates once experience catches up.

  • Texas A&M is deep into its 2026 spring practice schedule.
  • Marco Jones and Landon Rink spoke with reporters after the Aggies' eighth spring practice.

The players

Marco Jones

A sophomore defensive lineman for Texas A&M who is a two-sport standout now fully committed to football. He flashed high-end upside in a limited role last season, finishing with 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a rotational piece.

Landon Rink

A true freshman defensive tackle for Texas A&M who saw limited snaps in the interior of the SEC defensive line last season, but held his own and showed the kind of raw power and motor that typically translates once experience catches up.

Mike Elko

The head coach of the Texas A&M football team, known for his defensive expertise and emphasis on players earning playing time through production.

Elijah Robinson

The defensive line coach at Texas A&M, whose return has energized the defensive front.

Daymion Sanford

A linebacker for Texas A&M.

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What they’re saying

“Even in a limited role last season, Jones flashed high‑end upside, finishing with 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a rotational piece. With his focus narrowed and his frame continuing to develop, he's positioned to push for a starting job at some point during the 2026 campaign.”

— Marco Jones, Texas A&M Defensive Lineman

“As a true freshman thrown into the interior of an SEC defensive line, Rink held his own and showed the kind of raw power and motor that typically translates once experience catches up.”

— Landon Rink, Texas A&M Defensive Tackle

“Produce, and you play.”

— Mike Elko, Texas A&M Head Coach

What’s next

The Aggies will continue their spring practice schedule, with Marco Jones and Landon Rink looking to solidify their roles on the defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Texas A&M's defensive line is in a state of transition, but the emergence of young talents like Marco Jones and Landon Rink provides hope that the unit can maintain its high level of play despite the departure of several starters. Under the guidance of coach Elijah Robinson and the demanding standards of head coach Mike Elko, these players will have every opportunity to prove they belong in the rotation and earn significant playing time.