Mike Elko discussed the challenge in developing Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed, emphasizing the adjustment from high school to college.

In the world of college football, developing a quarterback into a star is one of the most complex and demanding tasks for any coach. Texas A&M’s head coach, Mike Elko, understands this challenge better than most. Elko, who took over as head coach in 2022 after a distinguished defensive coaching career, has made it clear that developing quarterbacks is a critical part of building a successful football program. One of his key responsibilities has been shaping Marcel Reed, a young and promising quarterback, into a future leader of the Aggies’ offense. However, as Elko has noted, this process is far from simple and comes with its fair share of difficulties.

Marcel Reed, a highly touted recruit from high school, was seen as a potential future star when he arrived at Texas A&M. However, as with many young quarterbacks, the transition from high school football to the pressures of the SEC is a steep one. Elko has candidly discussed the numerous challenges Reed faces in making this transition, both on and off the field, and why the development of a quarterback like Reed is such a delicate and long-term process.

The Challenge of Adjusting to College Football

The first and most obvious hurdle Reed faces is the transition from high school football to the vastly more competitive and complex world of college football. In high school, Reed was often the best player on the field, and his raw athleticism, combined with his strong arm and playmaking ability, allowed him to outplay defenders in ways that simply don’t happen at the college level. The speed of the game, the complexity of the defenses, and the overall physicality of college football create a far steeper learning curve for quarterbacks.

Elko has pointed out that the first major challenge Reed must overcome is adjusting to the increased speed of play. In high school, Reed had more time to make decisions and operate in the pocket. At the college level, defenses are faster, and pass rushers are more skilled. Reed has had to learn to process information quickly, identify defensive schemes, and make rapid decisions — skills that are not as readily needed in high school football.

Elko has emphasized that this adjustment is one of the most significant challenges young quarterbacks face. The speed of the game is something that can’t be replicated in practice, no matter how hard the coaching staff tries. The only way Reed can truly experience it is by taking snaps in live game situations, facing real-time pressure from elite college defenders. Elko and his staff have worked to replicate game-speed scenarios in practice, but there’s no substitute for the actual game experience.

The Mental Transition: From High School to College Quarterback

While the physical transition is difficult, Elko has made it clear that the mental transition is equally challenging for a quarterback like Reed. High school quarterbacks often rely on their raw physical skills to outpace opponents, but college quarterbacks must develop an intricate understanding of the game. They must be able to read defenses, understand offensive schemes, and make quick decisions under pressure.

Elko has mentioned that Reed’s development is not just about throwing the ball well or running an offense. It’s about learning how to process defensive coverages, how to read blitzes, and how to make the right call in the heat of the moment. Elko’s coaching philosophy stresses mental preparation, and he understands that developing the mental toughness and decision-making abilities required of a college quarterback takes time and patience.

For Reed, this has meant adjusting to a far more complicated playbook and taking on the responsibility of knowing and executing every aspect of it. At Texas A&M, the quarterbacks are asked to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, and it’s up to Reed to develop the mental clarity and decision-making ability needed to thrive. Elko’s staff focuses on teaching Reed to make decisions quickly while remaining calm, as college football often moves at a pace that can overwhelm even the most prepared players.

Dealing with the Pressure of Expectations

Another challenge that Reed faces in his development is the weight of expectations placed upon him as a young quarterback at Texas A&M. Elko is well aware of the pressure young quarterbacks face, especially those recruited as highly as Reed. The Aggies are a program with a rich history and high expectations, and the quarterback position is often seen as the key to the program’s success.

Elko has spoken about the emotional toll this pressure can take on a player like Reed. Young quarterbacks, particularly those in marquee programs, are often expected to lead their teams to victory immediately. But Elko is not one to rush his players into such responsibility. He understands that this kind of pressure can stunt a quarterback’s growth if not handled properly.

In Reed’s case, the expectations are high, but Elko has emphasized that the development process must take precedence over the immediate results. Rather than rushing Reed onto the field to live up to the hype, Elko has been more focused on ensuring that he is mentally and physically ready to succeed when the time comes. This is why the Aggies have taken a patient approach with Reed’s development, allowing him to grow at a pace that suits his needs rather than forcing him into action before he’s ready.

Physical Development: Improving Mechanics and Arm Strength

While Reed is already an incredibly talented quarterback, Elko and his staff have worked on helping him refine his mechanics and improve his overall physicality. Quarterback development is a continuous process that requires constant attention to detail, and Elko has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that Reed’s physical mechanics — from his footwork to his throwing motion — are at a high level.

Reed’s arm strength is already impressive, but Elko knows that the mechanics behind that arm are just as important. One of the challenges for Reed has been adjusting to the precision required for college-level passing. In high school, Reed could rely on his raw strength to make throws, but in college, he must learn to place the ball accurately, often in tight windows against fast, physical defenses. Elko has worked closely with Reed to refine his technique, emphasizing the need for consistency in his throwing motion and improving his footwork to ensure that he’s always in a position to deliver the ball effectively.

Additionally, Elko has emphasized the importance of improving Reed’s pocket presence. In high school, Reed had more freedom to move around in the pocket, using his athleticism to escape pressure. In college, particularly in the SEC, the pocket collapses more quickly, and Reed must learn to stay poised and navigate pressure. Elko has worked with Reed to improve his footwork and decision-making in the pocket, ensuring that he can perform under pressure.

Building Confidence and Trust

Elko has consistently mentioned the importance of building trust between a quarterback and his coaches. For Reed, that trust is crucial as he navigates the complexities of his development. Elko has worked hard to build a relationship with Reed, creating an environment where Reed feels comfortable asking questions and expressing any doubts he may have. This open line of communication is essential in helping Reed build confidence in his abilities and in his understanding of the offense.

As Reed continues to learn and grow, Elko has emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. Quarterbacks are often the first to take blame for losses and the last to receive credit for victories. This can be mentally taxing, especially for a young quarterback, but Elko has made sure that Reed understands the value of staying focused on the process, rather than being overly concerned with the outcome of each game.

The Long-Term Vision for Reed

Mike Elko’s long-term vision for Marcel Reed is clear: the goal is to mold Reed into a confident, capable quarterback who can lead Texas A&M’s offense to success. Elko has stressed that Reed’s development will be a gradual process, and the coaching staff is committed to providing him with the tools, guidance, and opportunities he needs to grow into the best version of himself as a quarterback.

As Reed continues to learn and develop under Elko’s tutelage, the long-term goal is for him to become the kind of quarterback who can take the Aggies to the highest levels of college football. While the process is challenging, Elko has faith in Reed’s ability to overcome obstacles and reach his full potential.

Mike Elko’s detailed approach to developing Marcel Reed speaks to the broader challenges of quarterback development in college football. The transition from high school to college is never easy, especially for quarterbacks, and Elko has made it clear that the development of Reed will take time, patience, and careful coaching. While Reed is still in the early stages of his career at Texas A&M, Elko’s emphasis on mental growth, physical refinement, and handling the pressure of expectations gives Reed the best chance to succeed. Through careful guidance, trust-building, and a commitment to the process, Elko is working to shape Reed into the quarterback that Texas A&M hopes will lead them to success in the future.