Texas A&M is coming off one of its best seasons in recent history, but the Aggies QB feels that they are not being taken seriously in the national eye.
While Texas A&M may be home to one of the nation's most vocal fanbases and famous for its dreaded home environment for visiting squads, the Aggies' quarterback feels that the program has earned more recognition than what it usually gets.
During an exclusive interview with USA Today's Blake Toppmeyer, junior quarterback Marcel Reed shared his feelings about Texas A&M's place in the national spotlight amidst the Aggies renaissance under head coach Mike Elko.
"Our name is Texas A&M. We're always known for having good recruiting classes but not doing anything with them. But these past two years have been difference than what is has been before. I think people should start noticing that, because we're tired of it, obviously," remarked Reed.
Last season, Reed helped lead A&M to an 11-1 regular season and missed out on taking it to its first ever trip to the SEC Championship Game by one game. The Aggies also made their debut in the College Football Playoff, which did not go as planned but served as a milestone for a program looking to compete at the highest levels.
He continued, "We think we should have as much recognition as anybody else, because we're up-and-coming, and we've proved it."
As Reed said so candidly, Texas A&M has proven that it is rising in the Mike Elko, but there is still much to be achieved for a program that has time-and-time again had high expectations end in humbling reality.
The last time the Aggies wore the crown in college football came all the way back in 1939, so it is understandable why there is skepticism around their ability to truly reach the upper echelon that Reed believes they are heading toward.
To be brutally honest, Reed is responsible for the trajectory of the program he cares so deeply about and his efforts at the end of last season have to be corrected going forward. He finished with 12 interceptions on the year, including on the Aggies' final play of the season against Miami.
It seems that Reed is aware of this needed improvement and with Texas A&M once again hitting the recruiting trail and transfer portal hard, he has the weapons needed to truly break out in his third season under center.
Ahead of another season ripe with lofty preseason expectations, Reed has the chance alongside his head coach to prove last season was not a fluke and truly switch the narrative around the Aggies. Maybe then he won't have to ask for the recognition he feels is rightly due.
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