Texas A&M RB Says Marcel Reed Has ‘Got to Get More Confident’ at Passing
Texas A&M RB Says Marcel Reed Has ‘Got to Get More Confident’ at Passing
As the Texas A&M Aggies continue their push for dominance in the SEC, one area of focus that remains critical to their success is quarterback play. With their eyes set on a strong finish to the season and long-term success, the Aggies are relying heavily on their offense to find its rhythm and elevate its game. One key figure who has found himself under the spotlight is freshman quarterback Marcel Reed. Although Reed has shown promise, the Texas A&M running backs are outspoken in their belief that Reed’s potential can only be fully realized if he gains more confidence in his passing game. In a candid discussion, Texas A&M’s standout running back, Devon Achane, shared his thoughts on what Reed needs to improve on to take the next step and become a more dynamic force in the Aggies’ offense.
As the Aggies continue to deal with a competitive SEC landscape, getting solid quarterback play is essential to their overall success. Reed’s development is critical, and Achane’s comments reflect not only a desire for Reed to improve but also an acknowledgment of the immense potential Reed possesses. This article takes a closer look at Reed’s current development, Achane’s observations, and the Aggies’ overall path toward offensive improvement.
The Story of Marcel Reed: A Freshman with Promise
Marcel Reed arrived at Texas A&M as one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in his class. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Reed played high school football at St. George’s Independent School, where he earned a reputation as a highly skilled passer with impressive athleticism. His strong arm and mobility in the pocket made him a perfect fit for the kind of offense Texas A&M likes to run. Reed had the physical tools to succeed at the next level, and many had high hopes for him as he entered the program.
However, like many freshman quarterbacks, Reed has faced the typical challenges that come with transitioning to college football. The speed of the game is faster, the competition is more intense, and the pressure to perform is immense. For Reed, the biggest hurdle has been developing the mental toughness and confidence necessary to be effective at the collegiate level. Despite flashes of brilliance, Reed has struggled at times with consistency, particularly with his passing accuracy and decision-making.
The freshman quarterback’s performance has been a mixed bag. On one hand, Reed has shown an ability to extend plays with his legs, utilizing his mobility to evade pressure and pick up crucial yards when necessary. On the other hand, his passing game has not yet reached the level that Texas A&M needs in order to contend for championships in the competitive SEC. Reed’s struggles have been particularly noticeable when it comes to downfield accuracy, decision-making under pressure, and his ability to read opposing defenses.
Devon Achane’s Perspective: A Call for Confidence
Devon Achane, the Texas A&M running back, has been a key contributor to the Aggies’ offense. Known for his explosive speed and agility, Achane has been a consistent playmaker in both the running and passing game. As someone who has spent a lot of time with Reed in practice and on the field, Achane has seen firsthand the challenges that Reed has faced as a young quarterback. But, as a teammate and leader, Achane also sees the immense potential in Reed—potential that can only be unlocked if the freshman signal-caller develops greater confidence in his ability to pass the ball effectively.
“I think Marcel’s got to get more confident in his passing,” Achane said in an interview following a recent practice. “You can see the talent; you can see the arm strength, the ability to make the plays. But when you have that confidence in yourself, the game slows down. Right now, you can tell he’s thinking too much, trying to make the perfect throw every time, instead of just trusting his natural instincts.”
Achane’s words highlight a key element in Reed’s development: mental toughness. In college football, especially in the SEC, quarterbacks are often under immense pressure to perform. The opposing defenses are faster and more physical, and the level of competition forces players to adapt quickly. For Reed, gaining confidence is crucial to his overall development as a quarterback. The mental aspect of the game, especially for young quarterbacks, is often the most difficult part to master. However, it is also the most rewarding once a player is able to build that confidence and trust in their own abilities.
Achane went on to explain how Reed’s talent is undeniable but emphasized the need for Reed to “trust the process” and have faith in his development. “Marcel has everything it takes to be great,” Achane continued. “He’s just got to get comfortable with himself, be patient with his growth, and take it one step at a time.”
Reed’s Strengths: The Tools Are There
Despite his early struggles, Reed has several qualities that show why he was highly regarded as a prospect. His athleticism is evident every time he drops back in the pocket. He’s capable of extending plays with his legs and making defenders miss, which adds a dynamic element to his game. Reed’s mobility allows him to move around in the pocket, and he has shown the ability to make accurate throws on the run, a skill that can be invaluable in today’s college football landscape.
In terms of physicality, Reed has the tools to be successful. He has a strong arm, capable of making deep throws to stretch the defense. His velocity on short to intermediate routes is also something that stands out, giving his receivers a chance to make plays after the catch. He has a solid understanding of the fundamentals, which is why many believe he can eventually develop into a reliable quarterback for Texas A&M.
However, Reed’s potential can only be fully realized if he refines the technical aspects of his game. His decision-making under pressure and his ability to read defenses are areas that need improvement. In particular, Reed has struggled with his consistency on throws outside the pocket, especially on deep balls and across his body. These inconsistencies have led to turnovers at inopportune times and have put extra pressure on the Aggies’ defense to step up when the offense falters.
What Reed Needs to Improve: Mentality and Consistency
For Reed to take the next step in his development, he must focus on several key areas: confidence, decision-making, and consistency in his throwing mechanics. These are all areas that Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher and offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey are likely emphasizing as part of Reed’s growth.
- Confidence in Decision-Making: As Achane pointed out, Reed’s main hurdle is mental. Confidence in his decision-making will allow Reed to execute plays more effectively. Often, when a quarterback lacks confidence, they tend to second-guess themselves, which can lead to indecision or rushed throws. This lack of trust in his instincts has been noticeable at times in Reed’s play. He often looks hesitant or uncertain, especially when faced with a quick decision.
To remedy this, Reed needs to trust his ability to process information quickly and make decisions based on what he sees from the defense. Coach Fisher and his staff are working to provide Reed with the tools to better read opposing defenses and identify their weaknesses. In time, Reed should develop the mental acuity needed to make better decisions under pressure.
- Improved Passing Accuracy and Consistency: While Reed possesses a strong arm, his passing consistency has been an issue. Over the course of the season, Reed has struggled with his accuracy, particularly on deep balls and throws outside the pocket. He tends to overthrow or underthrow receivers, which has led to missed opportunities and turnovers.
To improve his passing consistency, Reed must focus on his mechanics and footwork. Proper mechanics are crucial for developing accuracy, and with repetition and coaching, Reed can refine these areas of his game. It’s essential for Reed to understand that not every throw has to be perfect, and sometimes, it’s more important to just get the ball into the hands of his playmakers.
- Building Chemistry with Receivers: Another aspect of Reed’s development is building a stronger rapport with his receiving corps. Quarterbacks often thrive when they have a solid connection with their wide receivers, and Reed has shown flashes of this in practices and games. However, there are still times when the timing between him and his receivers is off.
With more repetitions and time together, Reed can continue to develop that chemistry. It’s especially important that he gets comfortable with his receivers’ routes, their tendencies, and their positioning on the field. This will help Reed make quicker decisions and give his receivers a better chance to make plays downfield.
The Aggies’ Offensive Future: Reed’s Potential
As Texas A&M looks to build its offense for the future, Marcel Reed’s development is paramount. The Aggies need a quarterback who can effectively lead the team and elevate their offensive play, especially as the team navigates the challenges of SEC competition. With the help of his teammates, particularly Achane, and the coaching staff, Reed has the potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback.
Confidence will play a major role in this process. Once Reed begins to believe in his abilities and trusts his decision-making, his play will improve. As Achane mentioned, Reed has all the tools necessary to succeed, and it’s just a matter of developing the mindset that will allow him to reach his full potential.
With the right guidance and continued growth, Marcel Reed can become a key piece of the Texas A&M offense for years to come, helping lead the Aggies to new heights in the competitive SEC. For now, the focus is on developing the mental toughness and confidence Reed needs to take his game to the next level. And with Achane and the rest of the team supporting him, there’s reason to believe that Reed’s best football is still ahead of him.
