Let’s rewind to the days of your.
That’s not a typo. That’s the days of when your favorite college football team efficiently produced linebackers to be taken NFL Draft.
It’s been a rather rare occurrence since A&M entered the Southeastern Conference in 2012.
In the 14 NFL drafts from 2013 to 2026, only three A&M linebackers — Sean Porter, Buddy Johnson and Edgerrin Cooper — have been selected.
It wasn’t always that way. Not too long ago, A&M efficiently produced linebackers drafted by NFL teams.
There may be indications those days could return in the not too distant future.
But before we fast forward, let’s contain the rewind and recall the days when A&M actually challenged Penn State for the distinction of “Linebacker U.”
In a 13-year period from 1987 to 1999 — aka the Wrecking Crew days — A&M had 16 linebackers drafted by NFL teams.
Of course, it could be pointed out that the NFL Draft included more than seven rounds until 1994.
That’s true, but 13 of the 16 A&M linebackers drafted between ‘87 and ‘99 were taken in the sixth round or lower.
Seven were taken within the top three rounds — Johnny Holland (second round), Todd Howard (third), John Roper (second), Aaron Wallace (second), Quentin Coryatt (first), Marcus Buckley (third), Reggie Brown (first) and Dat Nguyen (third).
That’s how it used to be. And perhaps that’s the way it will be again.
Fast forward now.
The A&M linebacker corps is intriguing. There is tremendous potential.
Ray Coney was a tackle machine at Tulsa. He was ranked among the nation’s top 10 in tackles last season.
Noah Mikhail was the country’s ninth-ranked linebacker prospect in 2025. He has looked good when he’s gotten on the field.
Daymion Sanford, who sustained an alarming injury in the spring game, is expected back, though nobody says when.
Also, last year A&M recruited four linebackers who were rated among the nation’s top 35. That includes Qui Beck, who was ranked 13th.
Then, last week, coach Mike Elko got a commitment from Floridian Kaden Henderson, the nation’s No. 3-rated linebacker in the Class of 2027.
Henderson chose A&M over Notre Dame and LSU.
A look at his highlight reel shows Henderson flashing speed off the edge, delivering jarring tackles, running down receivers in the open field, forcing fumbles and generally wreaking havoc.
Now, TexAgs’ Ryan Brauninger reports A&M is in the lead for New Jersey prospect Mikahi Allen, the No. 17-rated linebacker recruit.
Allen’s highlight reel shows him constantly tormenting quarterbacks.
Of course, by definition, highlight reels show only an individual’s best plays. But we’ve come to trust the evaluations of Elko and his staff.
A&M’s linebacker play has been inconsistent in recent seasons, but the combination of highly talented prospects and good coaching figures to pay dividends.
In the future — hopefully the near future — your A&M linebackers will be dominant on game days.
And then having their names called on draft day.
Just like it used to be.
