Tag: Marcel Reed

According to one analyst, If QB Marcel Reed improves, Texas A&M’s offense could be ‘lethal’

If Marcel Reed improves in the pocket next season, Texas A&M offense should be one of the top units in the SEC

We’re still in the early part of the college football offseason, but that doesn’t mean predicting future success is off the table, especially concerning Texas A&M’s 2025 offense under incoming redshirt sophomore QB Marcel Reed.

After Conner Weigman transferred to Houston this offseason, Marcel Reed is the full-time starter. With nine starts under his belt during the 2024 season, the former four-start dual-threat signal caller still needs to improve as a pocket passer, especially from an accuracy standpoint.

Still, Reed had one of the better years despite not starting every game, finishing with 1,864 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, seven rushing touchdowns, and 547 rushing yards, placing 22nd overall (75.6) and fifth among SEC quarterbacks in total QBR.

Coach Mike Elko and Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein have concentrated on assisting Reed via the transfer portal this offseason, bringing in wide receivers KC Concepcion, Micah Hudson, Mario Craver, and Jonah Wilson. However, Hudson is presently taking a leave of absence from the program.

Furthermore, Texas A&M’s offense line will return nearly every starter, including six incoming freshmen from the 2025 class, while Le’Veon Moss will return for a final season alongside Reuben Owens and Amari Daniels in a loaded backfield.

PFF College’s Max Chadwick is one of the rare analysts this offseason who is bullish on Texas A&M’s revamped offense but knows that if the Aggies are going to reach their potential, only if Marcel Reed becomes a trusted pocket passer.

“If Marcel Reed develops more as a passer, Texas A&M’s offense is going to be lethal.”

For those unaware, Reed has been working hard over the last month with the quarterback Country Nashville. His mindset, maturity, and confidence in his ability could help him lead the Aggies in 2025.

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Watch Texas A&M’s 2025 football team train this offseason

The Aggies are back in the weight room and running drills in the early part of the offseason

Texas A&M’s 2025 football season is in its very early stages.

Don’t tell the young men in the locker room, who are determined to right the wrongs that led to the program’s disappointing 1-4 finish amid coach Mike Elko’s inaugural season.

This week, the news surrounding former Texas Tech wide receiver Micah Hudson’s leave of absence after transferring to Texas A&M last month was met with positive reactions from most of the Aggie fan base. The sophomore pass-catcher has a spot on the roster when he chooses to return.

Elko and his staff deserve credit for building the 2025 roster through the transfer portal, adding 13 players while virtually rebuilding the wide receiver corps and gaining more depth along the defensive line. Still, Elko must add more depth along the interior D-line over the next three months to shore up the run defense.

On Friday, Texas A&M’s media team released a well-produced video update of most of the 2025 Aggie football roster working out this month in preparation for the spring football season.

While several starters have been spotted, senior running back Le’Veon Moss, who put off his NFL future for one more season in Aggieland, is looking healthy despite his late-season knee injury.

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Watch Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed work on his throwing mechanics this offseason

In a recent workout video, Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed is look much improved as a thrower

Texas A&M’s 2024 season ended on a low note, as coach Mike Elko’s inaugural campaign was quite promising after the Aggies’ 7-1 start to the year before finishing 1-4, including consecutive losses to rival Texas and USC in the Las Vegas Bowl.

However, there were various bright spots, especially from starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who started nearly every game this season after replacing Conner Weigman due to injury and poor play. With Weigman’s transfer to Houston, Reed enters the 2025 season as the starter with plenty of pressure on his shoulders to improve in the pocket.

A true dual-threat, Reed finished the 2024 season with 1,864 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, seven rushing touchdowns, and 547 rushing downs while finishing 22nd (75.6) and fifth among SEC signal callers in total QBR, including six spots higher than veteran Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (73.0), ranked 28th.

While Reed’s arm talent is obvious, his accuracy issues and pocket footwork need improvement, but credit to the incoming redshirt sophomore for putting in the work this offseason in Nashville, Tennessee.

In the offseason with QB Country Nashville, Reed demonstrates a noticeable boost in confidence, featuring enhanced arm strength and a more precise, smoother throwing motion. If you still doubt his throwing abilities, I highly recommend tracking Reed’s training progress this season offseason.

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Where did Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed finish in total QBR after the 2024 season?

Despite several poor outing, Texas A&M is in good hands with quarterback Marcel Reed under center in 2025

Texas A&M’s 2024 season didn’t end as coach Mike Elko and Aggie fans would have liked, especially after losing to USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, falling 35-31 in the final seconds after leading 24-7 before allowing four consecutive touchdowns.

However, Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed was not the issue. His performance and edge Cashius Howell’s defensive outing were the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing ending. The Aggies finished the year 0-3 in SEC play.

Regarding gauging Marcel Reed’s development as a passer, the redshirt sophomore looked more poise in the pocket outside of two interceptions, finishing the game 26-42 for 292 yards and three touchdowns and a 75.7 QBR.

On the year, despite starting just eight of 11 games, here’s where Reed finished among all freshmen players in Texas A&M history: Second in passing yards (1,864) and third in completions (147), third in pass TDs (15), and tied for 10th in rushing touchdowns (7), and 14th in rushing yards (547).

In total QBR, Reed finished 22nd (75.6) and fifth among SEC signal callers, including six spots higher than veteran Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (73.0), ranked 28th.

With OC Collin Klein returning for a second season and Reed as the starting quarterback, alongside the new wide receiver additions this offseason, improvement is anticipated.

Nevertheless, it is essential for Marcel Reed to utilize the talent surrounding him effectively, demonstrating improved footwork and making sound decisions within the pocket.

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Final Texas A&M Pro Football Focus grades after 35-31 loss to USC

Here is how Pro Football Focus graded out Texas A&M’s offense and defense during Friday’s bowl game loss to USC

Texas A&M’s 2024 season officially ended in the early hours of Saturday morning, as the Aggies fell to USC in the game’s final minutes after holding a dominant 24-7 lead in the third quarter. Losing 35-31, the Aggie fan base was up in arms, and coach Mike Elko was equally upset at the poor defensive effort down the stretch.

However, as I noted in a recent article, some bright spots were seen throughout the night, especially the play of starting quarterback Marcel Reed and junior edge Cashius Howell, who provided solid tape ahead of taking the next step next season.

Even though the situation is at its lowest, Elko is keeping the program headed in the right direction. However, this doesn’t guarantee that every coach, including defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, is secure in their position.

After the game, Pro Football Focus released its player grades from the Las Vegas Bowl, starting with how the offense fared after scoring 31 points, led by Reed’s 292 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one rushing score.

Offense:

Texas A&M’s offensive line graded out well, as left tackle Trey Zuhn (78.2), left guard Chase Bisontis (70.2), and right tackles Dametreous Crownover (69.4) and Reuben Fatheree (65.5) all earned 80-plus pass blocking grades.

Marcel Reed (64.3) earned a 60 passing grade and 70 running grade, average to above average, in one of his most productive days through the air.

Defense:

Defensively, Cashius Howell unsurprisingly earned the highest overall grade (83.8) and a prolific pass-rush grade (90.6). Twelve Aggie defenders earned 60 or better defensive grades, while starting linebacker Taurean York was all over the field, earning 84 tackling and 83.4 run defense grades.

However, the low point came at the feet of freshman cornerback Dezz Ricks, who surrendered six receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Trojans.

\This season, Ricks has been one of the lowest-rated corners in the country, allowing 655 yards, which is the most for Texas A&M since cornerback Charles Oliver allowed 664 yards.

Tackling-wise, The Aggies missed 149 tackles, according to PFF, which is the most since the 2016 season (174). Missed tackles directly reflect on the coaching staff, so this needs to be fixed as soon as the spring football season.

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USC coach Lincoln Riley describes Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed as a ‘dangerous player’

“He has been impressive to watch. He has made the most of his opportunities… Definitely one of the top young players in college football.”

Ahead of the Las Vegas Bowl on Friday night between the Texas A&M football team and USC, Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley offered high praise about Aggies redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed on Thursday afternoon.

“He has been impressive to watch. He has made the most of his opportunities. A very talented guy,” Riley said of Reed. “Dangerous player.

“Definitely one of the top young players in college football.”

This season, Reed has completed 121 of 198 pass attempts for 1,572 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has rushed 107 times for 501 yards and six touchdowns as well, displaying his versatility.

This weekend will be Reed’s second bowl game appearance. Last year, with starter Conner Weigman already out with a season-ending injury, Reed took over for Jaylen Henderson after he suffered an injury against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Texas A&M (8-4) will play USC (6-6) at Allegiant Stadium on Friday evening at 9:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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‘I have to be the pillar they can lean on,’ Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed is ready to lead

“It’s a new room. I am the leader of it now. That’s a new role and I have to take accountability. I have to be the pillar they can lean on.”

Texas A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed spoke to the media this week and was asked about what he’s focusing on in the upcoming Las Vegas Bowl game.

“Just taking what they give me. Don’t try to force anything, taking what they give me. Try to stay ahead of the sticks and move the sticks when we need to, convert on third downs,” Reed said Tuesday afternoon. “Really, just stay calm in the pocket and don’t get too ancy. I feel like sometimes I leave too early and cause a little bit of a disruption for myself and really the whole scheme of the play. But this game, I’m going to be relaxed, calm, and go out and play my game.

“It’s a new (QB) room. I am the leader of it now. That is a new role, and I have to take accountability. I have to be the pillar they can lean on.”

The Aggies (8-4) will play USC (6-6) at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 27 at 9:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed revealed his recruiting pitch for transfer portal visitors

Texas A&M has landed five commitments from the transfer portal, and QB Marcel Reed has been a big part of it

Texas A&M’s transfer portal success now includes five additions, including former Mississippi State wide receiver Mario Craver, who committed to the Aggies on Tuesday morning.

Beating out Alabama for Craver, a native of the state, a big part of Coach Mike Elko’s strategy has been getting current players involved. This isn’t new, as every player is tasked with showing transfer players around campus, “selling” the program and University, and how each transfer can better their playing and educational future, which is the primary goal.

On Tuesday, Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed joined Mike Elko during A&M’s pre-Las Vegas Bowl press conference. The Aggies will face USC on Friday, December 27.

Reed, who will enter the 2025 offseason as the presumed starter, was asked about his involvement in guiding past and current visitors from the portal, revealing his official pitch:

“I would start with Kyle Field. Who wouldn’t you want to play here? You dream about playing in a great atmosphere, and we have the best in the country. Then the relationships that are here at A&M… Finally, Coach Elko. He never tells a lie to you. He is straightforward.”

While Kyle Field is undoubtedly the main draw on Saturdays, Elko and his staff are slowly building a culture that has begun to reap the benefits heading into the core of the offseason, and starting with only three players opting out of the Las Vegas Bowl outside of the 19 players who have departed through the portal.

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Is Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed a potential Heisman candidate in 2025?

Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed has a chance to take complete control of the offense in 2025

Texas A&M’s 2024 season didn’t live up to the mid-season expectations after the Aggies stood at 7-1 and 5-0 in SEC play, but after the loss of star running back Le’Veon Moss, the offense sputtered and never looked the same.

Despite the late-season quarterback transition to redshirt freshman Marcel Reed, progress was evident. Reed led the Aggies to a perfect 3-0 record, concluding his inaugural season with a 4-3 overall record.

Statistically, Reed completed 61% of his passes for 1,572 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for 501 yards and six touchdowns, living up to his dual-threat billing in several games. While OC Collin Klein endured scrutiny for poor playcalling toward the end of the year, it’s assumed that he will fit the offense to Reed’s skillset even more so in 2025.

However, Reed’s struggles in the passing game were evident in the season finale loss to Texas, throwing for just 146 yards and an interception against the Longhorn’s elite secondary. Still, Reed’s first entire season was just the start of what’s to come for a player with all the traits to turn into a star signal caller.

Gaining healthy mass is crucial for Reed to maximize his potential this offseason. However, Coach Mike Elko needs to bring in playmakers at wide receiver and tight end from the transfer portal to complement the returning and incoming players, especially five-star WR Jerome Myles.

Suppose we’re discussing Reed as a Heisman Trophy candidate. In that case, he’ll need borderline elite blocking and a true No. 1 wide receiver, which could be Myles as soon as the youngster steps on campus. However, the realistic option looks like former Texas Tech wideout Micah Hudson, who committed to the Aggies on Sunday night.

Reed’s confidence and work ethic match on-field talent, which should garner preseason praise. However, expect the media to recognize Reed as something other than the 2025 starter after the Aggies landed veteran QB Jacob Zeno from the portal.

Zeno’s commitment only benefits Reed and the young Aggie quarterback room, providing insurance and barring future injuries. However, if Marcel Reed is going to reach new heights, having a worthy opponent to push him toward his goals and challenge him throughout fall camp is the best path to success.

The bottom line is that Marcel Reed’s speed, elusiveness, and ability to make plays out of structure are why he should at least be considered a Heisman candidate.

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Johnny Manziel thinks Texas A&M freshman QB Marcel Reed ‘needs to give the fans some hope’

“He needs to continue to take the next step and give the fans some hope going into next season. This is gonna be the guy and his team.”

Ahead of the Texas A&M football team’s game against USC in the Las Vegas Bowl, Johnny Manziel shared his thoughts on the upcoming matchup.

Johnny Football provided his analysis and opinion regarding the play of redshirt freshman QB Marcel Reed during the Aggies’ 2024 season and Conner Weigman’s departure on the Action Network’s Big Bets On Campus podcast.

“I think this is another chance for Marcel Reed to be able to go out and showcase his ability,” Manziel said. “He needs to continue to take the next step and give the fans some hope of going into next season – this is gonna be the guy, and this is gonna be his team. With Conner Weigman going into the portal, it very much is that.

“I think we need to see a little bit more offensive fireworks, and I think this is another chance for Collin Klein to go out and showcase his ability of being the play caller for this team moving forward.”

Texas A&M (8-4) battles the Trojans (6-6) on Dec. 27 at 9:30 p.m. CT at Allegiant Stadium on ESPN.

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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