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Texas A&M Football: 5 players who must step up in spring 2018

By Andrew Miller

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Kendall Bussey #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies avoids a tackle attempt by T.J. Brunson #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Kyle Field on September 30, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Kendall Bussey #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies avoids a tackle attempt by T.J. Brunson #6 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Kyle Field on September 30, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – OCTOBER 28: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on October 28, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – OCTOBER 28: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on October 28, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Rising sophomore quarterback Nick Starkel should be the starter in Week 1 for the Aggies. However, Starkel was pushed by fellow rising sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond all last season. Mond was the more highly rated prospect of the two, as recruits coming out of high school.

In total last year, Mond racked up 11 touchdowns, to six interceptions. He showed some sparks early in the season, especially during the non-conference slate. However, he never showed up the way Starkel did in the Belk Bowl, against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

That’s why he needs to step up this spring to have any chance at the starting gig once the season kicks off. A solid performance out of Mond during Spring Practice also pushes Starkel to the very best of his ability. The body of work from Starkel is not large enough to just hand him the starting quarterback role.

Especially with a new coach coming into the fold, Fisher might want to explore all options. And, that likely goes for every position along the offensive side of the ball, not just quarterback. Don’t count Mond out of landing the starting role to start the 2018 season, though.