Tag: Jaylen Henderson

ESPN identifies Texas A&M’s quarterback room as its biggest strength entering 2024 season

“The upside of all those quarterbacks getting thrown into the fire due to injuries is that there’s now a solid QB room full of confidence.”

ESPN college football reporters identified the biggest strengths of college football’s top 25 teams on Wednesday.

Coming in at No. 25, Texas A&M‘s biggest strength entering the 2024 season is its quarterbacks, according to Dave Wilson.

“The Aggies have been trying to find the right man for the job since the departure of Kellen Mond in 2020, and Jimbo Fisher‘s complex offense — combined with a struggling offensive line — did them no favors,” Wilson wrote. “But the upside of all those quarterbacks getting thrown into the fire due to injuries is that there’s now a solid QB room full of confidence.

“Starter Conner Weigman threw for 979 yards, 8 TDs and 2 INTs in four starts with a 68.9 completion percentage. Unheralded Fresno State transfer Jaylen Henderson got the job after an injury to backup Max Johnson, and Henderson completed 67.9 percent for 715 yards and 6 TDs to 2 INTs. When Henderson was hurt on the first play of the Texas Bowl against Oklahoma State, true freshman Marcel Reed completed 20-of-33 passes for 361 yards and added a 20-yard TD run.

“New offensive coordinator Collin Klein molded Will Howard and Avery Johnson before departing for College Station and Weigman could be the best Aggies quarterback since Johnny Manziel if he lives up to his potential.”

Johnny Football didn’t quite live up to the hype in the NFL, but will Weigman do so at the college level, led by new head coach Mike Elko? We’ll all find out together beginning on Aug. 31.

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Texas A&M sophomore left guard Kam Dewberry has ‘successful surgery’

The towering 6-foot-4, 330-pound Aggies offensive lineman announced via X on Tuesday afternoon that he recently had a successful procedure.

Texas A&M sophomore left guard Kam Dewberry announced via X on Tuesday afternoon that he recently had a successful procedure, though the specifics behind said surgery remains unknown.

The towering 6-foot-4, 330-pound Aggies offensive lineman was a 4-star recruit in 2021 coming out of Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas. As an underclassman in 2019, he was named a Sophomore All-American by MaxPreps after receiving a first-team all-district selection.

Dewberry appeared in seven games and made five starts in 2022 during his true freshman campaign. He earned the Aggie Offensive Top Newcomer award and was named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic. This past season, Dewberry played in all 12 games for Texas A&M.

With two of three potential starting quarterbacks, sophomores Jaylen Henderson & Conner Weigman, also returning from respective successful surgeries, having Dewberry healthy for the 2024 season will be key for head coach Mike Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing. Whether everyone is ready to go by August is to be seen.

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Texas A&M sophomore QB Jaylen Henderson officially set to return for 2024 season

Back in November, sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson said he was “ready to work” under new head coach Mike Elko and his staff in 2024.

Back in November, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson said he was “ready to work” under new head coach Mike Elko and his staff for the 2024 season.

Despite getting injured on the first play of the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27, Henderson confirmed his proclamation on Wednesday morning. Per a report from On3 Sports college sports business & transfer portal reporter Pete Nakos, the superb sophomore will not be entering the NCAA Transfer Portal and intends to play again for the Aggies later this year, according to the A&P Agency.

Henderson suffered a humerus fracture to his right, non-throwing arm during a 31-23 loss against No. 20 Oklahoma State. He had a “very successful surgery” on Dec. 29. True freshman Marcel Reed took over for Henderson and accomplished history along the way.

If everyone is healthy by training camp, there will be a three-horse race to become the Texas A&M starting signal caller between Henderson, Reed and sophomore Conner Weigman.

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Texas A&M sophomore QB Jaylen Henderson has ‘very successful surgery’ on right arm

After suffering a right arm injury on the first play of the Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson is on the road to recovery.

After suffering a right arm injury on the first play of the Texas Bowl against No. 20 Oklahoma State on Wednesday night in Houston, Texas A&M sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson is on the road to recovery.

Henderson’s journey back to Kyle Field got off to a positive start on Thursday, he shared via X.

“Very successful surgery,” Henderson posted. “I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!”

The sophomore signal caller was hit and landed awkwardly after completing an 11-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jahdae Walker to begin the matchup. As a lefty, he injured his non-throwing arm.

After the 31-23 loss to the Cowboys at NRG Stadium, Aggies interim head coach Elijah Robinson shared his thoughts on the injury.

“Everybody wants to protect the quarterback and it’s not that anybody did anything wrong,” Robinson said Wednesday. “It was just a good hit on the guy and the guy got hurt. For the most part, those guys rallied around (Marcel Reed) and he responded.”

The specifics of Henderson’s injury have not been released. Sports & family medicine physician Jesse Morse, MD was among those on X speculating about what just occurred in the national broadcast on ESPN.

“Likely a fracture and/or dislocation,” Morse posted. “Hard to tell if he fractured humerus (upper arm), elbow or both. He was fitted for an air-cast which is almost always used for a fracture.”

Henderson wasn’t the only Texas A&M player to get banged up in the bowl game. Walker suffered a left shoulder injury attempting to make a touchdown catch in the first period but he later returned. However, the wideout kept it G sporting a sling in an X post on Thursday.

“Alldae” endeared himself to the 12th Man by not only participating in the contest but also gutting through an injury to record eight receptions for 137 yards. With a nod to Hall of Fame pass-catcher Shannon Sharpe, Walker let an appreciative Aggies fan know that he left it all out on the gridiron.

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Best Photos: Texas A&M vs Oklahoma State TaxAct Bowl game

Texas A&M fought hard all game long but fell just short in the TaxAct Bowl

Undermanned and inexperienced, the Aggie football team gave the Big 12 runner-up all they could handle at NRG Stadium but fell short in the 31-23 loss to No. 20 Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Bowl.

When the clock hit triple zeros, it officially ended the Jimbo era, and Interim head coach Elijah Robinson fulfilled his promise to the players on the team to stick with them through the bowl game. Even though things did get a little weird near the end, Coach Robinson always let it be known how much respect he has for the university and the time spent at A&M.

“I have nothing bad to say about this program. This program is first class, and they’re going to take it to the top.”

Below, you can check out the best photos from the game on Wednesday.

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‘Lock in with the brother next to you. That’s what it has been this season.’ Wright and Mathews speak after TaxAct bowl game

Seniors Max Wright and Sam Mathews have big games during the TaxAct Bowl and speak post game presser

The 2023 football season has officially come to an end for the Aggie Football team and new head coach Mike Elko has a lot to look forward to in the future.

I don’t think anyone knew what to expect when the Aggies took the field at NRG Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, when third-string QB Jaylon Henderson was knocked out of the game on the very first play from scrimmage, it appeared that skipping the game altogether might have been the wiser choice.

However, true freshman Marcel Reed, 180 pounds soaking wet, showed that Aggie spirit and fought all game long, giving A&M a fighting chance to the very end. Two seniors, Max Wright and Sam Mathews, played huge roles in keeping the game in reach, capping off their final game in the Maroon & White. Wright finished the game with four receptions for 62 yards and Mathews finished with a career night that he will never forget.

His stat line consisted of a team-leading 14 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and an interception. Max and Sam both talked about their time at A&M and what this season meant to them.

 “Texas A&M, to me, is the perfect representation of what it means to be people of honor and people of character. It’s the best university in the world, and there is no other university like it. I will be an Aggie for the rest of my life.” – Max Wright

“This season has been one I’ll never forget. Those last weeks might have been my favorite on this team with how everybody bought in and committed to each other. It was special to be a part of.”

Below, you can hear everything Max Wright and Sam Mathews had to say following the game.

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Texas A&M true freshman QB Marcel Reed has historic Texas Bowl performance in defeat

Texas A&M true freshman quarterback Marcel Reed likely didn’t expect to get any significant playing time during the 2023 season but life comes at you fast and he was more than ready when the opportunity presented itself.

Texas A&M true freshman quarterback Marcel Reed likely didn’t expect to get any significant playing time during the 2023 season.

However, life comes at you fast and he was more than ready when the opportunity presented itself. Sophomore starter Jaylen Henderson injured his right arm on the first play of the Texas Bowl on Wednesday night in Houston, which thrust Reed into the spotlight on a national stage.

The undermanned Aggies may have lost to No. 20 Oklahoma State but the 2023 Mr. Football in Tennesee seized the moment. Reed had made two previous appearances in limited-action this year, on Nov. 11 against Mississippi State and the following week versus Abilene Christian.

On Wednesday at NRG Stadium, the true freshman completed 20 of 33 pass attempts for 361 yards and one interception, which was a Hail Mary heave on the game’s final play.

Reed’s yards passing was the most against a Power Five opponent since Kellen Mond tossed for 430 yards against Clemson in 2018. Since then, only one other performance topped Reed’s extended debut, when Haynes King passed for 364 yards against Sam Houston State last year.

The backup signal-caller added 10 rushes for 29 yards and a touchdown to his overall stat line as well. Reed’s main highlight from the Texas Bowl came on a 20-yard scamper down the right sideline for a score.

Whether it’s Henderson or Reed starting under center for Texas A&M next season, new head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies will be in good hands.

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‘..I am proud of that team and that locker room. I’m proud of those guys for stepping through.’ Elijah Robinson speaks after close loss to Oklahoma State.

Hear what Interim Head Coach Elijah Robinson had to say after the TaxAct Bowl game

The 2023 football season has officially ended for the Aggie Football team and new head coach Mike Elko has a lot to look forward to in the future.

I don’t think anyone knew what to expect when the Aggies took the field at NRG Stadium on Wednesday night. Then, when third-string QB Jaylon Henderson was knocked out of the game on the very first play from scrimmage, it appeared that skipping the game altogether might have been the wiser choice.

However, true freshman Marcel Reed, 180 pounds soaking wet, showed that Aggie spirit and fought all game long, giving A&M a fighting chance to the very end. As awkward as the Elijah Robinson situation got over the past few weeks, he kept his word to the team, took a very depleted team in the TaxAct Bowl, and gave the Big 12 runner-up a run for their money.

“We talked brotherhood from the very beginning, and no matter what anybody said outside of that locker room, the locker room was about brotherhood.” “I give a lot of credit to the coaches and those guys sticking around… The kids gave us everything we asked of them.”

Below, you can hear everything Interim Head Coach Elijah Robinson had to say following the game.

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Shorthanded Texas A&M football team bested by No. 20 Oklahoma State in Texas Bowl rematch

“This program is capable of being a team that is in the playoff and competing for national championships every year,” Mike Elko told ESPN.

The Jimbo Fisher era at Texas A&M has finally come to an end following the Texas Bowl which concluded the 2023 season on Wednesday night in Houston.

No. 20 Oklahoma State (10-4) defeated the Aggies (7-6) by a final score of 31-23 at NRG Stadium. The Cowboys earned revenge from the 2019 Texas Bowl, which Texas A&M won 24-21.

Wednesday’s SEC versus Big 12 showdown began with a somber start as Aggies sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson injured his right arm on the first snap of the game. He did not return and true freshman Marcel Reed took over as starting quarterback for the remainder of the contest.

Five plays stuck out for Texas A&M as highlights of the game. First, junior wide receiver Moose Muhammad III hauled in an incredible 29-yard one-handed reception in the second quarter.

Next, freshman defensive back Dalton Brooks reeled in his first collegiate interception to begin the second half. Then in the third period, Reed took off down the right sideline and galloped into the end zone for a 20-yard rushing touchdown. About four minutes into the fourth quarter, graduate student Sam Mathews recorded the first interception of his Texas A&M career.

Finally, junior kicker Randy Bond tallied a hat trick with three field goals. His final boot of the night came with 5:07 remaining and bounced off the crossbar and in from 51 yards out to set a new Texas Bowl record.

While there may have been positive plays along the way, the Aggies were ultimately overmatched against Oklahoma State. Texas A&M had only 48 scholarship players in uniform on Wednesday.

Aggies interim head coach Elijah Robinson now departs the program to become defensive coordinator at Syracuse. He led Texas A&M to a 1-2 overall record during his short tenure at the helm.

As the calendar turns to 2024 in a couple of days, the Mike Elko era in College Station officially begins. Elko was interviewed during the Texas Bowl on ESPN and his outlook for the future of Aggies football should get the 12th Man very excited.

“We’ve gotta become what we’re capable of becoming, that’s the biggest thing,” Elko said on ESPN. “This program is capable of being a team that is in the playoff and competing for national championships every year, but we’re not that right now. We’ve gotta recognize that, roll up our sleeves and go to work to become what we should be.”

Below are the Texas A&M critical contributors from the game:

Reed: 20-33 pass attempts, 361 yards passing, 29 yards rushing and 1 TD

Amari Daniels: 8 carries for 29 yards rushing and 1 TD, 1 catch for 34 yards

Jahdae Walker: 8 catches for 137 yards

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Texas A&M starting QB Jaylen Henderson injures right arm on first play of Texas Bowl

Texas A&M quarterback Jaylen Henderson injured his right arm on the first play of the Texas Bowl versus Oklahoma State on Wednesday in Houston.

With only 48 scholarship players in uniform on Wednesday in Houston, Texas A&M lost its starting quarterback to injury after only one play of the Texas Bowl.

On the first snap from scrimmage Wednesday night at NRG Stadium, Jaylen Henderson injured his right arm and left the game against No. 20 Oklahoma State wearing an air-cast. The sophomore signal-caller suffered the injury while completing an 11-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jahdae Walker.


True freshman Marcel Reed took over for Henderson at QB and the Aggies punted after three plays. On Reed’s second drive, he led Texas A&M on an 11-play, 56-yard drive that lasted over four minutes and resulted in a 37-yard field goal from junior kicker Randy Bond to tie the game at 3-3 with 4:34 remaining in the first quarter.

At 8:51 p.m. CT, ESPN sideline reporter Taylor McGregor stated on the game broadcast that Henderson was out and would not return to the Texas Bowl.

Walker suffered a left shoulder injury attempting to make a touchdown catch in the first period but he later returned to the game. Walker is 1-of-3 wideouts on scholarship that are active on Wednesday along with junior Moose Muhammad III and freshman Micah Tease.

Reed was a 4-star recruit coming out of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. He was named Mr. Football in Tennessee following his senior year of high school.

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