Texas A&M Football: Week 1 Aggie quarterback grades

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Jaleel Wadood #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Jaleel Wadood #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Two of my favorite Disney movies are Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. In the first film, Dory and Marlin are having a hard time finding Nemo, Marlin’s son. Dory suggests to “Just keep swimming,” and to stay positive in their long journey. My advice to Kellen Mond is to just keep swimming, pal.

Positives

Mobility

Two things that I really liked from the freshman were his arm strength and his mobility. When he got out and ran, Mond looked comfortable and at home. Ball security and protecting himself could’ve been a little sharper but all in all, Mond established himself as a threat on the ground.

Arm strength

There were a few places where he got to air the ball out and show off his arm. Sure, the passes were incomplete but the arm strength is there. Overthrowing the speedy Christian Kirk can be challenging but Mond managed to do once or twice. I say that in the most optimistic tone possible. Arm strength is something that’s almost impossible to teach, but something that’s a must have especially in late game situations like Sunday.

Valuable experience

Now, I get as a true freshman, it must be difficult being tossed to the sharks like that. I tip my hat to my fellow classmate for stepping up like that and showing leadership and trying his best to win. You can’t win them all, but Kellen and the Ags gave it their best. A buddy of mine pointed something out that I want everyone to take away from this game: At least the Aggies put a young quarterback in a high-pressure situation. Sure, the outcome may not have been ideal but this is an excellent point. Mond gained invaluable experience Sunday that some QBs don’t ever experience in their football careers. Hopefully, Mond will take Sunday’s experience and use it to make him better.