Texas A&M football has made an exciting addition to their 2024 recruiting class with the commitment of three-star offensive lineman Coen Echols from Katy High School. This comes as a welcome development for the Aggies, who had been without a commitment in the class of 2024 for some time. Echols’ commitment marks the third pledge in just two days for Texas A&M, showcasing the program’s continued success in recruiting top talent.
Echols Joins the Aggies
Coen Echols, a native of Katy, Texas, made his official visit to the Texas A&M campus earlier this summer. The offensive lineman caught the attention of the Maroon and White coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Steve Addazio. Echols’ physicality and skills on the field impressed the staff, leading to an offer from the Aggies. The offer came as a surprise to Echols, who had not expected it so soon after hearing from area recruiter Elijah Robinson.
“I had no clue at all (that it was coming),” Echols admitted. “I had just heard from coach Robinson the day before. He had texted with me and then the next day, that’s when they called me.” Echols told Brian Perrioni of 247 sports.
The offer held special significance for Echols, as his father is a former student of Texas A&M and a devoted fan of the program. Echols grew up watching and rooting for Texas A&M football and basketball, making his commitment to the Aggies an easy decision.
“He’s an Aggie – he went to A&M and loves it,” Echols shared about his father’s reaction to the news. “He always has us watching A&M football and basketball as well.”Echols told Brian Perrioni of 247 sports.
Versatility on the Offensive Line
Echols, who currently plays right tackle at Katy High School, will likely make the transition to the interior offensive line in college. The Aggies envision him playing either guard or center, positions that require a combination of strength, technique, and football IQ. Echols has been honing his snapping skills and could potentially play center in his senior year of high school, depending on the team’s needs.
Rising Recruitment and Power 5 Offers
Despite not receiving his first Power 5 offer until late January, Echols’ recruitment has gained momentum in recent months. His impressive performances on the camp circuit caught the attention of several notable programs, including Auburn, LSU, Maryland, Nebraska, and Texas Tech, among others. Texas A&M emerged as the top choice for Echols, as he committed to the Aggies over other Power 5 offers.
Joining Forces with Ashton Funk
Echols’ commitment adds further strength to Texas A&M’s offensive line in the 2024 class. He joins fellow Katy High School standout Ashton Funk, a four-star tackle, in the Aggies’ recruiting class. Funk’s presence provides a familiar face and potentially a strong partnership on the offensive line for years to come.
The Impact of Echols’ Commitment
Echols’ commitment to Texas A&M marks the 10th overall for the Maroon and White in the class of 2024. His addition contributes to the Aggies’ rising national recruiting ranking, currently sitting at No. 29. While it is still early for the rankings to hold significant weight, Texas A&M’s recent recruiting success suggests promising prospects for the program’s future.
The addition of Coen Echols to Texas A&M’s 2024 recruiting class brings depth and talent to the offensive line. Echols’ physicality and versatility make him a valuable asset for the Aggies, as they continue to build a competitive roster. With his commitment, Texas A&M demonstrates its ability to attract top talent and solidify its position as a force to be reckoned with in college football.
(featured photo credit Coen Echols, Twitter, on an official visit to the Aggies.)
