After training with projected first overall pick Fernando Mendoza this offseason, Texas A&M Aggies star quarterback Marcel Reed shared the secret to Mendoza’s meteoric rise: his perfectionism.
In an episode of the Glory Daze podcast hosted by Johnny Manziel, Reed was asked about his experience with Mendoza.
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Reed humorously compared his training to a classroom scenario, leading with, “Fernando, if you see this, no disrespect.” He explained, “I’ve had people in my classes, and they’ll get like a 99. But the whole time they’re taking the test, they’re like bawling their eyes out like they’re failing it.” He ended his analogy with “You’re over here crying because you got one point off. I’m like, bro, come on now.”
Reed then shifted to a serious tone, “He’s always looking for something to improve on, when he’s throwing, he’s trying to find like, ‘is this right,’ even if it was a perfect spiral. You could just tell how intentional he was.” He concluded with, “In football I respect it though, in football, I respect it. Because it’s like, you know, I want to be the number one overall pick, too. So just seeing him work like that and doing things like that, it’s a testament to his work ethic.”
Reed had a successful second season but left areas to improve upon heading into his junior season, which could be his last in an Aggies uniform if he can impress NFL scouts. He had a remarkable run through the Aggies’ first nine games, peaking at third in Heisman odds. In the last quarter of the season, however, Reed struggled both passing and running the ball.
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A statistical decline was expected after losing lead running back Le’Veon Moss to injury and facing tougher competition, but Reed looked out of his element against South Carolina, Texas, and Miami.
Mendoza had a similar developmental arc to Reed’s through his first two seasons, building upon a successful redshirt freshman season with a standout, although imperfect, sophomore year. He would transfer to Indiana for his junior season, winning the Heisman and National Championship.
Reed has the tools to be a Heisman candidate himself with his rapidly improving passing skills and his unparalleled elusiveness in the open field. Armed with a strong transfer class and the wisdom of a proven winner, Reed could unlock his potential this season.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: QB Marcel Reed shares the key ingredient to Fernando Mendoza’s success
