Texas A&M's Maroon & White spring game concluded on Saturday afternoon after the White team defeated the Maroon team 19-7 behind an impressive defensive performance from several new additions along the defensive line, while starting quarterback Marcel Reed had his moments, including an impressive drive that included two big throws to former Mississippi State wideout Mario Craver.
Even before Saturday's game, it was evident that Reed would be working with more speed and versatility at wide receiver, especially former North Carolina State wideout KC Concepcion, who also looked the part as Reed's No. 1 option throughout the afternoon. However, freshman Edge Marco Jones, who finished with an official stat line of five sacks and six tackles for loss, could elevate the depth chart and find a place in the rotation next fall.
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Still, the offense will continue to dominate headlines until Marcel Reed takes the next step, but Saturday's run game struggles fail to show what OC Collin Klein wants to do on the ground next season, given that running back Le'Veon Moss, left tackle Trey Zuhn and right guard Ar'Maj Reed-Adams didn't play on Saturday.
Overall, the defense showed out at every level. After the game, head coach Mike Elko, linebacker, and team captain Taurean York, alongside cornerback Will Lee III, spoke to the local media. Here's what all three had to say.
Mike Elko praises freshman Edge Marco Jones
"Marco Jones has a really bright future. He is extremely athletic and has a tremendous ability to rush the passer."
Mike Elko on the lack of true evaluation regarding QB Marcel Reed due to O-line issues
"It's hard to say. The internal pockets weren't great today."
Mike Elko on Texas A&M transfer wide receiver additions
"Both those kids were really productive college football players. (Mario Craver) was the toughest kid some of our guys played against last year."
"I played KC (Concepcion) when I was at Duke. I don't think it should be surprising that they will be productive for us."
Mike Elko on Texas A&M's offensive line
"He had a lot of young kids out there. Trey Zuhn III is nursing an injury a bit. We didn't play Chase (Bisontis) a ton. (Dametrious) Crownover has been in a cast, so he is not at full strength. You didn't have the full force of the offensive line. It was a lot of young guys out there."
Mike Elko on Texas A&M's talented 2025 signing class
"One of the benefits is we have 23 of them here. That is something we are really excited about."
Mike Elko provides an update on 2025 5-star WR Jerome Myles
"Jerome Myles was here today. He has all the physical characteristics to be a great player… He is coming back from a knee injury."
"Without question, he will add a lot of value to our program."
Mike Elko on Texas A&M's half-time Legends game
"I think it's awesome. I have tried to encourage those guys to be around. For some, it's a challenge. They have their own lives. There are a lot of successful Aggies, and for them to be around, they can be viewed as what success is."
LB Taurean York on how he thought the defense performed on Saturday
"It was awesome… As far as the defense goes, I feel it was very crisp. It was good to see the defense ball."
Taurean York on freshman Edge Marco Jones' performance
"He was hot. I wanted to draft him, but they got to him first. He said he would make me pay."
CB Will Lee III on Texas A&M's revamped wide receiver rotation
"KC (Concepcion) and Mario (Craver) have grown throughout the spring. They are challenging receivers. They are short, quick, fast and smart."
Will Lee III on new CBs Julian Humphrey and Jordan Shaw
"Julian (Humphrey) has been balling. We have two 'blankets' now, so were are going to put it to work."
Will Lee III on the strides QB Marcel Reed has made this offseason
"The confidence. I talk to the offensive line, and they say it's different. He is leading those guys. He is holding the weight on his shoulders."
"He's got that dog in him, for sure."
Mike Elko notes several players who stood out this spring
"It was great ot see Cashius Howell take the next step… A kid like Myles Davis had a really strong spring. That was cool to see, for him. Even E.J. Smith, who has played a lot of football, had some flashes today."
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: HC Mike Elko and two players speak after Texas A&M's spring game
