Texas A&M loses edge rusher to the transfer portal

In an offseason for a turnover for the Texas A&M Aggies, a lot of their star players have been declaring for the NFL draft. However, on Tuesday, they lost a reserve pass rusher to the NCAA transfer portal.

According to Matt Zenitz of On3, RJ Orebo has entered the transfer portal. He spent three seasons in College Station, appearing in 12 games during the 2021 season. Orebo ranks as the No. 47 edge rusher in On3’s transfer portal rankings.

Orebo had two tackles this season, coming against Kent State and Prarie View A&M. Against the Golden Flashes, the stop was a tackle for a loss, a yard behind the line of scrimmage. He was a three-star prospect on the On3 Consensus and was a top 150 prospect within the state of Texas. Outside of the Aggies, Illinois State and Texas State were the only two programs to offer Orebo a scholarship.

Coming out of high school, Orebo was a three-star prospect and according to his On3 database, defensive coordinator Mike Elko was his primary recruiter. Elko left the program after the season, opting to take a head coach job with the Duke Blue Devils.

Texas A&M Aggies HC Jimbo Fisher releases statement on new DC

imbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies have made a notable splash by hiring DJ Durkin as the team’s new defensive coordinator.

On Friday, the Aggies’ front man released an official statement on the new hire.

“We are excited to welcome D.J. [Durkin] as our new defensive coordinator,” Fisher said. “He has done a tremendous job being multiple in his looks that cause problems for opposing offenses. In addition to being an excellent recruiter, D.J. has done a great job of developing his players and has experience in the SEC.”

Durkin joins the Aggies’ staff after directing the defense and coaching the linebackers at Ole Miss for the past two seasons. The Youngstown, Ohio native also helped spearhead successful units at Michigan and Florida, among other stops during his 20-year coaching career. 

Durkin chimed in about the opportunity to work with Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M staff.

“I look forward to working with Coach Fisher, the Aggie football staff and the excellent players Coach has assembled,” Durkin said. “I know the 12th Man supports Aggie football. I was at Kyle Field for Texas A&M’s first SEC home game back in 2012 and the atmosphere was electric. We will play with great effort that the 12th Man will be proud of.”