Press Conference: Elko, A&M return to Kyle to face New Mexico State

Following an open week, the Fightin' Texas Aggies welcome the New Mexico State to Kyle Field in Week 12. On Monday, Mike Elko, Tyler White, Randy Bond and Jacob Graham spoke to the media ahead of a non-conference matchup in Aggieland.

The following are live, paraphrased notes from the Monday afternoon media availability:

Mike Elko

• Another productive bye week. Got the kids Friday and Saturday off. Turning attention now to New Mexico State. It will be Senior Day. We have 30 guys on that list. The list will not be indicative of next year’s roster. Get ready for a big Saturday night.
   
• As you try to get me to give away the game plan, a lot of things are on the table. Le’Veon Moss is a big loss. There are a lot of options on the table. Amari Daniels is certainly one, and so is EJ Smith. A big part will fall on Amari.
   
• We are very happy with how social teams are played. Tyler White has been a weapon. Randy Bond had two 50-yarders. He has got into a good rhythm. Jacob Graham and I joke about it. The best thing you can be as a long snapper is unknown. 
   
• If you look at the combined winning percentage, we have the third-hardest schedule of teams at the top. We are the only team that has played an out-of-conference playoff team. We have had a lot of opportunities at home. It doesn't feel like an easy schedule. We have managed some big moments.
   
• Tyler White has adapted to putting it the way we want him to. His net punt and the lack of return yards because of hang time is impressive. His ability to function within how we want the punt team to work. He is begging me to throw. There is zero chance he is throwing a football. 
   
• I wish it was enough time to heal. We have a plan. I am confident in our offense, Collin Klein and what we are doing. 
   
• It was business as usual, with an understanding that the urgency had to go up. We have a special chance. We are at this point in the season, and we control everything.
   
• We have to figure out how to replace Le’Veon Moss. We have utilized Marcel Reed and his legs. When Conner Weigman plays, we have done that, too. You say, ‘Here’s what you have now. How do you effectively move the football?’
   
• I have a tremendous appreciation for those who serve that allow us to live the life we live. Our student-athletes are very blessed. It's part of the humility we want in our program. To understand the big picture. 
   
• A lot of how to tackle is body position, approach and footwork. This is the first time in a long time I have seen the point of contact let me down. You find ways to emphasize the target in isolated situations. 
   
• I watched a lot of New Mexico State. I watched a little Auburn and a little UT. I had some games on in the background. I am worried about us beating New Mexico State. 
   
• There is a process that allows for success. There is an understanding that this is different. How do you emphasize how special the opportunity is? If the kids can understand they have elevated within the process, that is what you are looking for.
   
• Jaylen Henderson is still hurt. We are hopeful we can get him back soon. As of now, he is still injured. 
   
• New Mexico State has two talented backs. They are finding their way at QB. They have two talented WRs. Defensively, they are very multiple. 
   
• Patrick Dougherty was a guy who came well-recommended and had success at Ball State. He had a really good feel of snapping, kicking and punting.
   
• It's the beauty of the SEC. If we win, we’ll be in. If we don't, we won't.
   
• Randy Bond has always had the leg strength. We were confident with some tweaks that, it would get to a high level. Outside of Florida, he has been money all year. It helps with analytics. The 52-yarder against South Carolina was against the book, but we have confidence in Bond. 
   
• Senior Day is unique because it's a wide variety of guys. There are walk-ons, from a guy like Blake Bost, who was scout team QB for me when I was DC, to a guy like Shemar Turner.