Marcel Reed has been the focal point for Texas A&M’s offense this season. There were doubts regarding his passing ability coming into the season, but his performances have proved that he could sling it when needed. Especially with the game-winning touchdown pass against the Irish. The Aggies were trailing 34-40 with seconds to go in the 4th quarter, and Reed threw a perfect 11-yard pass to his tight end, Nate Boerkircher. That growth hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Andrew Monaco had some kind words for Reed on the Jox 94.5 channel. Monaco talked about Marcel Reed’s growth as a player from the previous season and how he climbed up the ranks. “As a freshman when he came in, he was number four, and then by the time that season ended, he was in for Jaylen Henderson after one play in a bowl game, but just completely different. Last year, he worked his way into the backup for Conner Weigman and then was a starter.”

Texas’s 41-40 victory in South Bend ensured the Aggies get to remain undefeated this season. Marcel Reed’s quick thinking and precise pass to Nate Boerkircher in the game’s dying moments sealed the victory. It’s those kinds of plays that differentiate a good player from a great one. Monaco praised Reed’s composure in making the play. “On the last drive, there was no panic for Marcel Reed. Not everything went right on that last drive at Notre Dame, but that really has been Marcel,” said Monaco.

What the game also showed is that Reed is not just about running the ball. Marcel Reed’s dual-threat abilities had been a double-edged sword for him. Fans always appreciated his running game, but they also labeled him one-dimensional. Monaco also jokingly reminisced about Mike Elko, saying, “In the old days when you talked about a dual-threat quarterback, that used to mean you can’t throw, that you were just a runner.” But that has not been the case for Marcel Reed this season.

Reed’s passing game has improved drastically this season. He has been finding KC Concepcion and Mario Craver with his passes. In the Notre Dame game, the QB completed 17 out of 27 passes for 360 yards. Craver had 207 receiving yards on 7 receptions, while Concepcion had 82 yards on four receptions. At various points during the encounter, it seemed like Craver couldn’t be covered. Concepcion, on the other hand, didn’t need the Irish matchup to see his QB’s potential. He knew it during the practice.

“Concepcion after their first practice, told Mike Elko, look, this kid can really spin it,” said Monaco. Reed now ranks third in the SEC with 289.7 passing yards per game, indicating that the QB is improving week after week.

HC Mike Elko was impressed with Reed’s passing. “Hopefully you guys don’t have to ask me any more questions on if Marcel can throw,” said Elko during the post-game press conference. If Reed continues this progress, it could make him a strong Heisman contender.

Marcel Reed has been the guy

Monaco continued his praise for Reed, expressing how Marcel Reed has always been ‘that’ guy for the Aggies when he was needed the most. “If you go back to the bowl game in Las Vegas, he led that drive (against USC). He did it after the Aggies fell behind against Auburn and brought them back into the game,” said Monaco. He also believes the support from the offensive line “takes some of the pressure off” Reed.

“When it’s time to make those throws, he makes the throws. He’s still growing in this role. That’s the thing. But I think he’s got the makeup to keep getting better game in and game out,” emphasized Monaco, who believes we have yet to see the best out of Marcel Reed.