Texas A&M was counting on sophomore linebacker Otaro Alaka this season after the former four-star prospect showed flashes of what he was capable of the second half of his freshman season.

If Otaro Alaka can stay healthy and the Aggies' defense becomes an upper echelon unit, he could be a surprise all conference selection

However, the 6-foot-3, 231-pound defender had a setback in fall camp that kept him out of the first game of the year.

"He dislocated an elbow in fall camp," head coach Kevin Sumlin said on Tuesday. :Then he had a severe illness in his family right after that, with his dad out of the country. He got back and we missed him."

Alaka returned to play against Ball State, Nevada and Arkansas, tallying 12 tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup, but then had another setback with his health.

"He suffered a torn labrum," Sumlin said. "We made the decision for him to have surgery and he's out for the year. It's a tough blow for the defense for sure."

There could be a silver lining, though, as the Aggies think he could be granted a medical redshirt for this season and return still classified as a sophomore a year from now.

"He'll fall under the timeframe for a medical redshirt" Sumlin said. "He should get his rehab in and hopefully be recovered by spring ball. We're going to need him out there."