'Tremendous work ethic': Texas A&M CB outright earned starting job

Entering the 2026 offseason, former Georgia transfer cornerback Julio Humphrey became the forgotten man in a deep cornerback rotation after third-year coach Mike Elko landed a commitment from Tennessee transfer CB Rickey Gibson, who, according to Monday’s first 2026 depth chart, is surprisingly in competition for the No. 1 cornerback job with veteran starter Dezz Ricks.

Humphrey’s injury-riddled 2025 season did him zero favors entering the offseason, but for those who ever doubted the former blue-chip prospect’s work ethic, it’s important to remember that he is one of the fastest players on the roster, with the SEC experience to improve his mechanical issues and compete for a starting role.

Outside of junior wide receiver Terry Bussey, the proverbial “drumbeat” was equally loud for Julio Humphrey, who showed vast improvement in man coverage, especially during one of the Aggies’ final scrimmages where he and the rest of the cornerback rotation recorded multiple interceptions and pass breakups.

On Monday, after the first depth chart revealed Humphrey as the starting No. 2 cornerback, Mike Elko praised his senior defender, highlighting his aforementioned work ethic and strong fall camp, which outright earned him the opportunity to start from one of the deepest secondaries in the SEC.

“Tremendous work ethic. He has been really, really consistent all through spring, all through summer, all through fall camp,” Elko said. “He has gotten a lot more comfortable and confident with what we’re asking of him, and that has shone through.”

“Tremendous work ethic. He has been really, really consistent all through spring, all through summer, all through fall camp,” Elko said. “He has gotten a lot more comfortable and confident with what we’re asking of him, and that has shone through.”

Humphrey’s erratic play during his time at Georgia resulted in some fans questioning Elko’s decision on Monday, but based on the pervasive use of “OR” designations in the depth chart, Humphrey will need to play at a high and consistent level to keep his starting role, which goes for nearly every player on the roster.

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