COLLEGE STATION — The next time anyone will see Texas A&M football on the field will be when the Aggies begin to prepare for their matchup against UTSA on Aug. 30.
With Saturday’s annual Maroon and White game complete, spring No. 2 under head coach Mike Elko is officially in the books capped off by the White squad defeating Maroon 19-7.
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Head coach Mike Elko and Co. have been putting the new-look Aggies to work in Year 2 of his system as A&M tries to elevate past an 8-5 season.
More: Why Texas A&M football players feel Ar’Maj Reed-Adams is ready to be a captain
Understand that everything seen in a spring game may need to be taken with a grain of salt, but there was still a lot to be learned about this year’s team.
Here are five observations from the Aggies’ spring game Saturday:
Marcel Reed looks more comfortable
It was clear that the Aggies’ offense wasn’t a well-oiled machine on Saturday, but that was expected. With starting offensive linemen Trey Zuhn II and Ar’maj Reed-Adams not suited up, having the proper protection necessary to showcase quarterback Marcel Reed and the offense was always going to be a daunting task.
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Despite the limitations, Reed still put a quality effort together, finishing with 213 passing yards on 18-of-28 passing. He did throw an interception he’d like to have back, but it was clear from the body of work that he’s getting comfortable being the leader of the unit.
Reed showed quiet feet in the pocket, got through his progressions effectively, and, at times, flashed the running ability he is known for.
All good signs for A&M’s new QB1 after his first spring camp as the unquestioned leader in the room.
Wide receivers group looks much improved
A&M prioritized adding ready-made talent from the transfer portal, and if the spring game is any indicator, they did just that.
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Former Mississippi State wideout Mario Craver led the way with five receptions for 78 yards, and North Carolina State transfer KC Concepcion finished with seven receptions for 64 yards.
Younger players who are already in the program stepped up and impressed as well. Izaiah Williams finished with four receptions, 41 yards and one touchdown, while Ashton Bethel-Roman finished with two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.
The top targets feel clear with Concepcion, Craver and sophomore Terry Bussey leading the way. Beyond that, there appears to be a handful of guys who could step up and provide quality snaps on the outside for A&M in 2025.
More: Texas A&M football: Transfer portal addition Jordan Shaw turning heads at CB
Freshman DL Marco Jones balls out
Perhaps no one had a better day than defensive lineman Marco Jones. Now, no one is expecting five sacks and six tackles for loss every game from the freshman, but there is no denying the talent he possesses.
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In his first spring game, Jones looked borderline unblockable at times and routinely found himself in the offensive backfield. As play continued, you could see the confidence grow for a kid who figures to be an essential part of the Aggies’ future.
A&M is known for having quality defensive linemen come through the program, and they may have another in Jones.
Transfer portal additions shine
The defense was the star of the show, and beyond Jones’ big day, some portal additions on the defensive line made their presence felt as well. Former Florida defensive end TJ Searcy finished with three total tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. While former Iowa State lineman Tyler Onyedim and former Colorado lineman Dayon Hayes added 1.5 sacks apiece.
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A&M knew it had talent and production that had to be replaced across the defensive front, and early returns suggest the Aggies may have done that.
Cashius Howell is the guy and continues to show it
One man, above all, has been getting the most praise this spring: defensive lineman Cashius Howell.
The Aggies’ edge rusher is being considered the leader of a new-look defensive line group and will be called upon to take another step in his development to do so.
From the looks of it, the message has been received. Howell is noticeably bigger, more vocal around his teammates and continues to be a dominant figure on the defensive line. He finished the spring game with three tackles. 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss.
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From Elko to the players, Howell is one of the first names that continues to be brought up as a key piece to the team’s success this year, and on Saturday he looked like he was ready to accept that challenge.
Reach Texas A&M Beat Reporter Tony Catalina via email at ACatalina@gannett.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get access to all of our best content with this tremendous offer.
Texas A&M offensive and defensive linemen warm up prior to the team’s annual Maroon and White spring game at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas on April 19, 2025.
Players huddle prior to Saturday’s Maroon and White spring game at College Station. The Aggies open their 2025 season on Aug. 30 against UTSA.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Marcel Reed, Aggies defensive line shine in A&M football spring game
