Texas A&M QB has taken the ‘next step’ this preseason, per Mike Elko

Texas A&M’s chances of making it back to the College Football Playoff for a second straight season hinge on quarterback Marcel Reed taking the proverbial “next step” during his second full starting season after throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last fall.

However, eight of his twelve interceptions came against top-35-ranked defenses, where Reed struggled against against zone coverage, while former OC Collin Klein utilized 12 personnel much too often, forcing Reed to drop back in the pocket, forcing the redshirt junior to make NFL-level throws in tight windows, which simply wastes his dual-threat skill set.

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Entering his first season as Texas A&M‘s offensive coordinator, Holman Wiggins is expected to utilize Reed’s elite running ability while building his scheme around the Aggies’ loaded wide receiver room, led by Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, and, now, featuring Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton and standout freshman Aaron Gregory.

Thanks to the Aggie media team, Marcel Reed‘s accuracy and ball placement have taken another step in the right direction, especially his chemistry with Isaiah Horton, as Reed hit the transfer wideout in stride for a deep ball during Saturday’s practice.

On Tuesday, after the Aggies’ 11th preseason practice, third-year coach Mike Elko said Marcel Reed has taken the next step, showing more comfort in the offense while throwing the ball with confidence, paired with clean footwork and smart decisions through his progressions.