Texas A&M filled a huge need Monday with the addition of Under Armour All-American quarterback
Kellen Mond. Mond could see the field early.
What he brings: Mond has ideal measurables, is a dynamic runner and is tough to deal with once he breaks contain. He is a big, long-striding athlete with wheels to create plays and deceptively good arm strength to make late and off-balance throws when on the move. He's most accurate when dialed in on his first target or throwing on the move. Mond's a very accurate improviser. The ball jumps out of his hand -- he throws with authority. He can be a bit tense in his methods, looks like
Deshaun Watson but not as smooth. He really gets a lot out of his arm on deep and intermediate throws. He displays nice RPMs, and the ball comes out quickly on underneath routes.
How he fits: How about a huge need being filled? After the departure of two starting quarterbacks before national signing day for the 2016 class, this was an absolute necessity.
Trevor Knight is a Band-aid for the Aggies for the 2016 season, and then it is a wide open race for Mond to make his mark and be in the running to be the guy immediately.
Reminds us of: Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech -- Accuracy on the move comes to mind with these two. They both have the ability to create on the move. They don't always run when things break down, but they have the ability to keep their eyes downfield and throw on the run, or make off-balance throws back across the field.
How the class is shaping up: The Aggies continue to reel in talent since the move to the SEC.
ESPN 300 running back
Travis Etienne and four-star athlete
Keldrick Carper were huge wins over conference competition. Jim Turner is back coaching the offensive line, and his hire has netted ESPN 300
Grayson Reed, Oklahoma State flip
Adrian Wolford and upside tackle
Carson Green. Defensive back is a position of need in 2017, and the Aggies have already reeled in ESPN 300 safety
Derrick Tucker, upside safety
Myles Jones, safety
Debione Renfro and the versatile
Devin Morris, who could also play receiver.
Connor Blumrick is the other quarterback in the class.