Texas A&M's offense under first-year OC Holmon Wiggins has been a massive disappointment, mainly due to redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed's poor play, while, from this writer's perspective, a blatant lack of chemistry with his wide receiver rotation, including star junior Mario Craver, has resulted in the passing game taking a notable step back after historic results last season.
During Saturday's 41-0 win over The Citadel, Marcel Reed played the entire first half, completing 8/13 for 130 yards and a touchdown for freshman wide receiver Aaron Gregory, who reeled in two scores on the day, while sophomore wideout TK Norman was equally impressive, reeling in a career-high five receptions for 88 yards, including his impressive sideline catch that ended in one of the Aggies' four touchdown drives in the first half.
Aaron Gregory and TK Norman both hail from Georgia and deserve more playing time, which will likely continue given Ashton Bethel-Roman's unexplained absence from the team, combined with Mario Craver' injury issues that kept him sidelined on Saturday.
During Monday's press conference, third-year coach Mike Elko was asked about his young receiver corps and praised TK Norman's work ethic on special teams, saying the former four-star prospect has elevated his game as a route runner and made the most of his starting opportunities.
"He's a kid who is getting more and more comfortable with what it takes to be a wideout in this conference and at this level… It's starting to translate into his play a little bit."
As the team heads to face No. 13 Alabama on the road in Week 8, the status of Ashton Bethel-Roman and Mario Craver will be revealed after Wednesday's weekly injury report. Even if both are healthy, or at least Mario Craver, TK Norman and Aaron Gregory should see the field on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko praises Texas A&M sophomore WR after career game