Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed may be the next Cade Klubnik
Mike Elko is going to have to name a starter this week for the Texas A&M Aggies, and many fans believe it will be redshirt freshman Marcel Reed.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed is stepping into the spotlight at a critical juncture in his college career. Following a strong comeback against LSU, where he revitalized a struggling offense, Reed appears poised to start against South Carolina this week.
As a redshirt freshman, Reed has demonstrated the athleticism and capability to change a game, highlighted by his role in five scoring drives during the second half against LSU. The uncertainty around the Aggies’ quarterback situation is exacerbated by Conner Weigman’s inconsistent performance, making Reed the likely starter for coach Mike Elko’s team. Although Elko has been vague about his starting quarterback choice, he hinted at Reed’s dynamic potential, suggesting that his unique play style could ignite the Aggies’ pursuit of an SEC title.
However, Texas A&M fans should carefully consider the challenges Reed may face this weekend if given the starting role.
Why Marcel Reed Could Be the Next Cade Klubnik
Reed will be playing on the road in a tough environment against a formidable SEC pass rush. His recent success against LSU may have caught them off-guard at home, but the question remains: is Reed truly prepared to take the reins of the program? This situation mirrors that of Cade Klubnik at Clemson.
Klubnik, a highly touted 5-star recruit, entered Clemson with significant expectations. Tiger fans pushed for him to start as DJ Uiagalelei struggled during the latter part of the 2022 season, but Klubnik’s appearances were limited until the ACC Championship game. After two disappointing drives from Uiagalelei, Klubnik stepped in against No. 20 UNC and led a touchdown drive, ultimately earning MVP honors for the game with 21 completions on 32 attempts for 219 yards and a touchdown, plus 44 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Many believed he had solved Clemson’s quarterback dilemma.
However, the following year was one of development for Klubnik as a sophomore starter, and doubts about his position surfaced again, with calls for Clemson to seek a transfer quarterback in 2024. Now, Klubnik is being recognized as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, boasting Heisman odds and a high QBR, illustrating the importance of development over time.
Is Marcel Reed Ready to Lead Texas A&M?
Reed’s experience as a redshirt freshman gives him some advantage, but he still shows signs of needing further development before leading Texas A&M on a deep playoff run. He exhibits remarkable mobility but has not yet proven to be effective as a passer; he has completed 55.6% of his passes this season for 655 yards with no interceptions, though he has not thrown many attempts—only two passes against LSU.
For Texas A&M to succeed at the highest levels, they will need a potent passing game, and it’s fair to question whether Reed is equipped to deliver that, particularly once teams have game film on him and understand his run-option dynamics.
This doesn’t necessarily advocate for a return to Conner Weigman but highlights the overly high expectations placed on Reed by fans and analysts alike, which might not be realistic early in his career. While Reed showcased impressive running against LSU, the Aggies will require more comprehensive offensive efforts to win their remaining games—a truth that Mike Elko recognizes.
Ultimately, Reed’s trajectory might resemble that of Cade Klubnik more than some anticipate. He possesses the potential to be a standout player, similar to what Jayden Daniels brings, given the necessary time for development. The question remains whether he is truly ready to lead the Aggies into the College Football Playoff and beyond.