Mike Elko and the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies have landed a talented pass rusher for the 2027 class, securing the commitment of Kaden McCarty. McCarty announced his decision to join the Aggies on Monday, according to On3 insider Hayes Fawcett.
Hailing from Houston, Texas, McCarty chose Texas A&M over several notable programs, including the Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Houston Cougars, and Baylor Bears. “It’s been a long journey but I’m home, Gig ‘Em!” McCarty told Fawcett.
McCarty stands out as a four-star defender with an impressive 90 rating on 247Sports. He ranks 10th in the state of Texas, 11th among players at his position, and 84th nationally in the entire class. His composite score of 0.9515 places him 14th in Texas, 16th at his position, and 109th overall.
Gabe Brooks, a scouting analyst for 247Sports, offers insight into McCarty’s unique skill set:
“Athletic edge rusher with physical specs and movement ability to potentially play off-ball linebacker. Size on paper is more akin to a linebacker, but he possesses an exceptionally long frame that fuels his edge projection. He’s almost a full-time three-point player but also snaps occasionally in a two-point edge role. The latter likely makes for his best long-term fit. McCarty makes a lot of impact plays, and his production reflects that across two full seasons against Texas 6A competition in the Houston metro area.”
Brooks adds, “He wins with athleticism and first-step quickness but is also capable of motor-oriented victories. A loose, flexible arc runner with sudden athleticism in myriad scenarios. He shows consistent dip-and-bend flexibility and impressive chase-down pursuit. While he needs to add mass and strength, he flashes excellent disengagement playmaking ability when single-blocked in the run game.”
### What’s Next for Texas A&M After Landing Kaden McCarty?
This commitment is a significant pickup for Mike Elko and the Aggies’ 2027 recruiting class. McCarty has been a standout defender throughout his last two seasons at Cy Falls High School.
As a sophomore, he recorded 59 tackles, 24 tackles for loss (TFL), 11 sacks, and two blocked punts over 12 games. In his junior year, he played in 13 games, compiling 51 tackles, 26 TFL, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M is focusing on continuing its exceptional season. The Aggies finished with an impressive 11-1 record, including a 7-1 mark in SEC play. Their historic campaign will progress as they earned a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The No. 7 Aggies will host the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the CFP on December 20 at 12 p.m. ET. Texas A&M fans will be eagerly anticipating this matchup as the team looks to keep its championship hopes alive.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/4-star-edge-picks-texas-am-aggies-over-texas-texas-tech-baylor
