REPORT: QB Kellen Mond to start Texas A&M’s season opener

As is tradition, the Texas A&M Aggies have had a quarterback competition throughout fall camp. And while this year’s QB battle had the same major players as the 2017 edition, it appears to have a different result. According to multiple reports, true sophomore Kellen Mond will be at quarterback when the A&M offense takes the field for the first series of the 2018 season against Northwestern State on Thursday, Aug. 30.

This has reportedly been a tight battle throughout fall camp, with Jimbo Fisher praising both players and being open about playing both guys. So it would not be in any way surprising to see the redshirt sophomore Nick Starkel receive a hefty amount of work as well before a full-time starter is named for the Aggies’ week two game against Clemson.

Mond was forced into early duty last season after starter Starkel suffered an injury in the season opener against UCLA. While he got off to a very shaky start, Mond went on to start eight games, completing 51.5 percent of his trowd for 1,375 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions. Mond also ran for 340 yards and three more scores.

Comparitively, Starkel came back late in the 2017 season and would end up completing 60 percent of his throws for 1,793 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. Starkel also rushed for a touchdown (with net negative rushing yardage).

For a first glance at the Aggies first opponent of the 2018 season, check out Whoopy’s quick preview.