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Texas A&M Football: 5 things that make Jimbo Fisher a great hire

By Andrew Miller

WINSTON SALEM, NC - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles watches on against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at BB
WINSTON SALEM, NC - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles watches on against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at BB /
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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

3. Development of Nick Starkel

The quarterback running Fisher’s offense needs to have a strong arm that he can rely on each snap. Redshirt freshman Nick Starkel fits that mold better than true freshman and former five-star recruit Kellen Mond.

Sumlin swapped between Starkel and Mond this year, due to a Week 1 ankle injury to the preseason starter. Once Starkel returned from the ankle injury, he took back the starting job he was originally given to start the year.

Starkel took nearly all the snaps in the final four games of the season, which resulted in two wins. The two losses did come against quality opponents in LSU and Auburn. A 31-24 win over the Ole Miss Rebels was big for Starkel’s confidence.

Mond’s development seemed to grind to a halt after his first few weeks under center. Only one start saw Starkel toss more interceptions than touchdowns, while Mond had two such games. Both Mond and Starkel should be options for Fisher moving forward. But, Starkel is the favorite to assume the starting role in Fisher’s first season.