New Texas A&M Aggies Edge Josh Celiscar Not Shy Away From Competition

New Texas A&M Edge Josh Celiscar is ready to roll in Aggieland.
Nov 18, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA;  Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) rushes
Nov 18, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) rushes | Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas A&M Aggies landed another potential defensive difference maker this week, with former UCF edge rusher Josh Celiscar committing to the program.

While it is certainly a welcome addition to the depth chart ,on paper, it would seem that Celiscar could have a tough time breaking the depth chart at an already deep position.

That said, in a recent interview with GigEm247, Celiscar revealed that he is not shying away from the competition, and is aiming to make an impact from Day 1.

Nov 18, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA;  Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) rushes
Nov 18, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) rushes | Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

"I do not care who is in front of me," Celiscar told GigEm247. "I do not care who they think is better than me. I am going to prove to them that I am better and I can showcase a lot of things that they need on the defense. So with me, I do not really care about any of that. I have a lot of ability. I have a lot of confidence in myself. I just have to work hard, and whenever I get there, showcase my talent."

Celiscar will add quality depth to the Aggies' front seven but will be fighting for playing time behind Scourton, Malick Sylla, Enai White, and Shemar Stewart.

But the questions remains, as to whether or not he will be able to get enough reps to make a real difference for the Aggies. Despite that, Celiscar, complete with a chip on his shoulder, is ready to earn his role.

"I am not really scared of any competition," Celiscar said. "I did not think that I was going to come to UCF and play my freshman year. So I came in with a chip on my shoulder late in the fall (of 2020) – I did not even come in early in the spring. I was not an early enrollee at all.

In four seasons with the Golden Knights, Celiscar - a two-time captain - was consistently productive, making 156 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and five forced fumbles in 50 career games over that time.

Celiscar's best season came in 2022-23 when he finished the year with 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and a pass deflection in 14 games.


Published
Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI and a long-time member of the Football Writer’s Association of America. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry in 2014 covering the Dallas Mavericks and SMU Mustangs with 247Sports. He then moved to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of the Longhorns and Aggies sites a year later. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan.

Share on XFollow MattGalatzan