Texas A&M Football 50 in 50: Nick Starkel or Kellen Mond at quarterback?

Texas A&M football is 48 days away, and in the days leading up to the Aggie opener we’re answering the 50 biggest questions for the 2018 season.

There is a looming decision new head coach Jimbo Fisher has to make before the Texas A&M football 2018 season, and it’s not one he’s in a rush to make.

That’s due to the importance of it. It is the first major roster decision he has to make and it will decide the fate of this team.

Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond each started games during Kevin Sumlin‘s final season, and Fisher has to decide which of the two will be the better quarterback to lead the Aggies this season.

Both had their flashes. Both had their downs. Both offer something different from the other. It’s going to be an excruciating process to determine the best guy for the job. They are so close in talent and yet such different guys.

Starkel is traditional. He was recruited by Noel Mazzone as a pro-style quarterback in the 2016 class and redshirted his freshman season. Based on the film from last season alone, Starkel is the more accurate thrower of the football. He fits the prototypical quarterback Fisher has used in the past.

Fisher typically asks more of his quarterback depending on how much he believe that QB can handle. He implemented more schemes and went deep in his playbook during Jameis Winston‘s two seasons at Florida State because of how much he knew and understood the offense.

Starkel is more cerebral and the passing offense will be able to do more through the air than they could with Mond. He had twice as many yards in the Maroon And White Game. He is more capable of getting the ball down field accurately.

Having said that, Mond showed improvement in the spring game. He was the more accurate passer, threw for more touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over. He also led his team to the victory.

Mond is clearly the more explosive athlete and will be able to extend plays with his feet. Fisher will have to instill instincts into Mond to not take off and run unless as a last resort. He has to trust his teammates and his arm to make chunk plays. The ability to roll and escape the pocket could be crucial if the offensive line struggles again this season.

Next: What will Jimbo Fisher's offense look like?

My gut tells me the starter will be Starkel. He just offers more consistency as a passer and was lethal in the last couple games and the Spring Game. Who do you want to see starting Week 1? Let us know in the comments.

Jeff Shull is the Site Expert for the Gig Em Gazette on FanSided. Follow him on Twitter, and be sure to follow the Gig Em Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.