4-star IOL Marcus Garcia commits to Texas A&M, Mike Elko: ‘He is a guy I want to play for’

Denton (Texas) Ryan four-star interior offensive lineman Marcus Garcia took an unofficial visit to Texas A&M on the weekend of Jan. 27. He realized that College Station “could be the spot” for his college football career on that trip after spending time with players, as well as coaches from both the football and track-and-field programs. 

Garcia decided to wait a few months to give other schools a chance at his pledge, but continued to like the Aggies the most. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound recruit followed up on that feeling by committing to head coach Mike Elko and his staff on Sunday over Arkansas and Michigan. 

“It wasn’t really that hard of a decision because I want to go to school for football and track and Texas A&M offers me a great opportunity in both,” Garcia told On3. “The coaches are great, the facilities are great and I will get to play football and throw the disc at Texas A&M.”

Garcia told Texas A&M’s coaches that he was committing to the Aggies during a practice on March 30. While location did not play a major factor in his decision, he “feels great” about staying in the Lone Star State to play college football. 

Garcia is excited to play for Texas A&M’s coaches

The No. 30 player in Texas is excited to play for Elko, who previously coached at Duke for two seasons and helped the Blue Devils become a top-25 program at one point. He believes that Elko can make “A&M big again.” 

“Coach Elko did a great job at Duke,” said Garcia, the No. 171 overall prospect and No. 10 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 On300. “He won football games at Duke, a basketball school and he just knows how to coach. He is also a very genuine person. Coach Elko works hard, he cares about his athletes and he knows how to win games. 

“It is not just football for him, and I feel it is that way with all of the coaches there. They want the best for their athletes. Coach Elko being at Texas A&M had a big impact on my decision. He is the head coach, he is calling the shots and he is a guy I want to play for.”

Offensive line coach Adam Cushing played a large role in Garcia’s decision as well. The two already have a strong bond with one another and communicate often. 

“He is very analytical and he is already helping me with things,” Garcia said.