Mike Elko Says Senior Defensive Lineman Is an Anchor for the Aggies
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — When head coach Mike Elko took the podium during SEC Media Days, the spotlight wasn’t on flashy offensive weapons or breakout underclassmen. Instead, Elko praised the backbone of Texas A&M’s defense: senior defensive lineman DeShawn “Tank” Callister, calling him “the anchor of this team—on and off the field.”
Callister, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound behemoth from Shreveport, Louisiana, has been a consistent force on the Aggies’ defensive line since his sophomore year. Known for his tireless motor, locker-room leadership, and unrelenting ability to clog gaps, he’s drawn comparisons to former Aggie greats like Ty Warren and Myles Garrett—not because of his highlight-reel sacks, but because of his reliability and presence.
“Tank is the kind of player you build a defense around,” Elko said. “He doesn’t always fill the stat sheet, but when you turn on the tape, you see No. 92 wrecking double teams, collapsing pockets, and giving offensive coordinators headaches. That’s leadership through execution.”
Elko noted that Callister’s impact extends beyond physicality. After the Aggies’ narrow loss to Ole Miss last season, it was Callister who rallied the team in the locker room, delivering an impromptu speech that left players silent, eyes locked, hearts reignited. “He reminded us who we are,” junior linebacker Jalen Matthews said. “It wasn’t angry—it was powerful. He’s the guy we look to when it gets dark.”
Off the field, Callister is finishing a degree in kinesiology and is active in community outreach, hosting an annual youth football camp in his hometown. Despite his imposing frame, his reputation on campus is more “gentle giant” than gladiator. Professors speak of his discipline and humility, while teammates laud his mentorship of younger players.
This season, the Aggies’ defense is projected to be one of the stingiest in the SEC, and Callister’s return is a big reason why. NFL scouts have taken notice. While he may not top sack charts, his tape tells the story: disruptive hands, precise footwork, and a rare ability to read offensive schemes before the snap. A defensive line coach from an AFC team anonymously noted, “He’s a coach’s dream. He’s already playing like a pro.”
In spring practice, Callister set the tone, routinely winning one-on-one drills and barking corrections at underclassmen. “If you’re not playing to standard, he’ll let you know—but he’ll also show you how to fix it,” defensive tackle Marcus Boyd said.
With his final season approaching, expectations are high. But Callister remains grounded. “I’m just doing my job,” he told reporters. “This team means everything to me. I want to leave it better than I found it.”
Mike Elko doesn’t mince words. “When people talk about the 2025 Aggies, they’ll talk about our defense,” he said. “And when they talk about our defense, they’ll start with DeShawn Callister.”
Anchor. Leader. Aggie.
