Texas A&M recruitment watch: Looking at the top 3 visitors to Mike Elko's program during weekend clash against LSU 

By Aman Sharma

Modified Oct 25, 2024 19:49 GMT

As Mike Elko’s Texas A&M gears up for the much-anticipated game against LSU on Saturday, the Aggies’ recruiting focus shifts to a crucial lineup of top prospects visiting College Station.

Since Elko took the helm last year, he has made clear that he is committed to making Texas A&M one of the nation’s premier football programs. He made a promise to Aggie fans in November during his introduction as their new coach.

"We are going to build the premier football program in the country," Elko said. "We are not going to talk about it anymore. We are going to be about it."

This week, he’ll have an opportunity to showcase that vision to some of the country’s most promising recruits, whose decisions could shape the program’s future.

Top 3 visitors to Mike Elko’s program during game against LSU

Javion Hilson

One of the key visitors this weekend is edge defender Javion Hilson from Cocoa, Florida. Hilson is part of the 2025 recruiting class and Texas is considered as the team to beat in his recruitment. Texas A&M, UCF and Syracuse are also in the mix for Hilson’s commitment.

While Texas presents tough competition, Texas A&M has a strong reputation for producing elite talent. Hilson’s coach, Ryan Schneider, praised him for his skills and unparalleled drive.

“He’s blessed to have God-given ability," Schneider said, via On3. “The thing that makes him great is his work ethic and drive to be the best player he can be. His work ethic and drive are some of the best I’ve ever seen in a high school football player."

In 2023, he helped lead Cocoa to its second consecutive Florida 2S state title, amassing 97 tackles, including 27 for loss, 44 quarterback hurries, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Elijah Haven

Elijah Haven is a quarterback from Dunham School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with immense talent and potential. LSU, Florida and Auburn are all pursuing him, making his visit to College Station especially timely as Texas A&M will host the Tigers.

As a freshman starter in 2023, he led Dunham School to an 8-3 record and a District 6-2A championship. He completed 122 of 180 passes, for a stellar 67.7% completion rate, for 2,205 yards and set a school record with 35 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Haven also added 641 yards and 12 rushing TDs, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.

Brandon Arrington

Brandon Arrington is an athlete from Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley, California. He is known for his unique speed and agility, which have made him one of the top athletes in the Class of 2025 and caught the attention of Texas A&M, Oklahoma and USC.

Arrington believes his track experience gave him his athletic edge, which has significantly influenced him to receive offers from prestigious programs.

"My speed," he told On3. "I feel like my track times benefit me for getting these big offers because colleges love speed."

Last season, Arrington played as both a receiver and cornerback for Mount Miguel and recorded 14 receptions for 310 yards and four TDs, along with 25 tackles and a punt return TD.