Two quarters into the 2017 season the quarterback job belonged to Kellen Mond. He took over for injured starter Nick Starkel who went down early on in the opener against UCLA. In 10 appearances Mond threw for 1,375 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.
After a slow start (just 3-for-17 against the Bruins), Mond heated up, leading the Aggies to four consecutive victories. Texas A&M stumbled against Alabama, but had the Aggies gotten one more fortunate bounce Mond’s magic might have been enough to take down the Crimson Tide.
He was the starter for the Aggies’ first win over Florida in program history, but consecutive poor outings against Mississippi State and Auburn earned him a spot on the bench. Not coincidentally that came as soon as Starkel was healthy enough to play.
In the Aggies’ spring game Mond threw for 19-of-26, 180 yards and three touchdowns. He wasn’t perfect, but he showed significant growth as a passer. Mond’s accuracy issues doomed him last season.
Fisher has had success with all types of quarterbacks. A pro-style offense doesn’t require a statue. If the competition stays close, Mond’s mobility could be a deciding point in his favor. If he can work through those he’ll have a viable chance to earn the starting job this fall.