Former A&M coach Jackie Sherrill is 'very impressed' with Elko's Ags

Key notes from Jackie Sherrill interview

• I have been very impressed with the Aggies. When you look at this team, Mike Elko has done a great job of getting the players prepared. But there is one thing the players have to do themselves, and that is learn how to win. That is very evident that they are learning how to win. When Elko threw the chair against Notre Dame, that sent a message. He’s done an excellent job.
   
• The best thing as a coach to do is to tell the players that there are different types of penalties. There are aggressive penalties, which means you are going full speed, and you get a penalty. I don’t think you can say anything to the player. But the dumb and silly penalties, those players need to be on the bench with you. Those are about focus. So, there are two ways to handle them. Don’t say anything, or if it is a dumb penalty, they come to the sideline and stand with you.
   
• You have to understand, it is the players, not the place. A&M is very special. It is a different school. The school goes down to every student. When you see the Corps, the band and all the traditions, that makes A&M very special. But to a coach, it is the players. They are No. 1.
   
• It is how the players practice. How they go to meetings, how they listen and prepare. There are four things I say a coach does. No. 1 is to prepare his team physically and mentally. Practice has to be harder than the games. If not, you will not win many games. You also have to put the players in the right positions. The most important thing is to get out of the way and let them perform. At practice, you know how they are performing. Even though they are teammates and good friends, that doesn’t mean they don’t go after each other during practice.
   
• I have been very impressed with Marcel Reed. There are all parts to an offensive team. Same for defense. When you look at a quarterback, does he have the protection he needs? A&M's offensive line is excellent and has excellent depth. There are receivers, tight ends and a special group of running backs that make Reed’s job a lot easier. Offensively, he has weapons. When he gets in trouble, there are people who can help him out and make plays. That moves the chains on third downs and makes big plays.