'We had a great time': Texas A&M is a finalist to land 2027 4-star LB

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Texas A&M's 2026 coaching staff now features new linebackers coach Travis Williams, who is making an impact on the recruiting trail after landing standout Tulsa transfer linebacker Ray Coney earlier this month. Williams, who served as Arkansas's defensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025, is close to potentially landing his first LB commit in the 2027 recruiting class.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that 2027 four-star linebacker Kenneth Simon is close to making his commitment decision and will choose between Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M after playing in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl. Simon's father, Kevin Simon, was a 2-time All-SEC selection at linebacker during his college career at Tennessee, and while the Volunteers are clearly in the mix, all four programs have a shot at landing his commitment.

After transferring to the prestigious Brentwood Academy, helping lead the 2025 roster to a perfect 12-0 record, leading to a TSSAA Division II-AA championship, Simon is one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects due to 6'2" frame. Already a reliable player in coverage, able to drop back in hook zones and utilize his length, and is a perfect fit in a 3-4 base defense.

After visiting Texas A&M back in November during the Aggies' epic 27-point comeback win over South Carolina, GigEm247 recruiting insider Joseph Hastings spoke to Simon during the Navy All-American Bowl media portion of the event, as the Tennessee native sees College Station as a great fit among the four finalists.

"I would say the relationships I have with the coaches are really good," Simon stated. "Then, schematically in the defense, I fit very well in the defense. Also, they really like to emphasize hitting in their defense. I was talking with coach Troop…Hitting is something big, and I love to hit. So, it sounds like a good spot.

Running backs coach Trooper Taylor is by far the most valuable recruiter on the coaching staff after Jordan Peterson departed for Kansas State, and while Simon has yet to schedule an official visit with the Aggies, his relationship with Taylor and the rest of the staff, especially head coach Mike Elko, was strengthened during his November visit.

I talked to coach Elko when I was there," Simon stated. "He had a bunch of good things to say. Being able to sit there and listen to him, I got to learn a couple of things from him. He seems like a great guy, and he cares for his players. Especially for the parents, that's what they want to see. My mom loved coach Elko. It was fun down there. We had a great time."

According to 247Sports, Simon is the 196th-ranked prospect in the 2027 class and the 11th-ranked linebacker in the cycle.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M is a finalist to land 2027 4-star LB Kenneth Simon

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