Would DJ Durkin Follow Stud Freshman LB Taurean York Through the Portal?
Reactions from both sides have been flowing in since it was announced yesterday that DJ Durkin, the former Texas A&M football defensive coordinator, would be joining Hugh Freeze at Auburn. On the Auburn side, reactions have been conflicted, and Aggie supporters haven’t exactly been overjoyed by the announcement.
But in the era of NIL and the transfer site, there is a constantly growing list of things that supporters need to consider in circumstances such as these. One of these aspects is that players who have a close relationship with a departing coach—be it the head coach, a position coach, or even a support staff member—now have the option to accompany that coach to their new location via the portal.
This doesn’t seem to be a problem right away in terms of Durkin and the Texas A&M football team. Although he was generally a plus recruiter, the former Aggies DC wasn’t among the staff members who had a reputation for bringing in rain on the trail.
The position group that Durkin managed during his final season at A&M is the only real cause for concern among the Maroon and White supporters. When comparing the defence from last season to the one in 2022, one of the most frequently brought up topics is the noticeable improvement in linebacker play under Durkin, with particular focus on the emergence of Edgerrin Cooper, who is now headed to the NFL, and Taurean York’s explosive freshman season.
York joined the 2023 class after the deadline. York was a three-star flip from the in-state Baylor Bears, but Aggie fans soon came to love him for his hard ethic, modesty, and smart play. Though he is ranked lower, he has one of the best future prospects on defence.
However, given the rejuvenation the position group underwent under Durkin, is it logical to believe York could represent a flight risk during the spring portal window? Right now, I’m not too worried about it. 21 seems like a guy who will complete what he started at College Station, barring some special off-field circumstances. From what supporters have observed, he has a refreshing mentality in that regard—one of dedication to the squad and the organization rather than to himself as a coach.
York is expected to be a major contributor to the Aggie defence as 2024 draws near. Aggieland will continue to cherish him, and he will remain a pillar of the unit for many years to come.
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