Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko made his sixth and final Coach’s Night stop in San Antonio, less than a week after his appearance at SEC media days. Maintaining his cool and calm demeanor, the second-year leader continued to avoid hyperbole regarding his 2025 roster, instead focusing on discussing the team’s strengths while highlighting the progress of several key players this offseason.
Like every program, starting quarterback play is crucial to overall success, and redshirt sophomore signal-caller Marcel Reed is by far the most underrated player in the SEC based on national coverage, having endured a full offseason to learn from his mistakes, while his improvement as a passer will make or break the Aggies’ passing attack, and likely determine Texas A&M’s postseason hopes.
Elko has continued to back his QB, praising his leadership and dedication to improving this summer. As OC Collin Klein’s scheme is built around Reed’s dual-threat skill set, he has already proven to be an accurate thrower when he has adequate protection. With all five starters on the offensive line returning, paired with new wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, Reed is on the track towards a big jump in production.
“Now he understands what it’s like to be QB1 in the SEC. What he had to go through last year is not how you’d write the script for a first-time starter being in and out. What gets lost is the growth he had last year.”
Reed’s growth as a passer is evident during the Aggies’ 4-OT loss to Auburn, where he completed 22 of 35 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, marking what is widely considered his best performance thus far. Ignoring his poor play in the season finale loss to Texas, Reed rebounded against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, throwing for 292 yards, three touchdowns, and rushing for a score.
However, the national media has oddly focused on the Texas loss, which by no means tells the complete story of Marcel Reed’s ascendance as Texas A&M’s starting quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Mike Elko continues to back his starting QB’s offseason improvement
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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