Marcel Reed, Conner Weigman QB battle: Mike Elko names starter for rest of season

Marcel Reed was announced as Texas A&M’s starting quarterback against South Carolina, but the decision wasn’t just for Saturday night. He will be the starter moving forward, meaning Conner Weigman will move to a backup role, Mike Elko told ABC’s Molly McGrath.

Reed got the starting nod Saturday night after Elko made the decision on Sunday, McGrath reported ahead of kickoff. That meant Weigman will move into a backup role, and Texas A&M doesn’t plan on playing both quarterbacks as it did last week against LSU.

Moving forward, it will be Reed’s job, Elko told ABC. McGrath spoke with running back Le’Veon Moss about the decision and he praised the skillset Reed brings to the table in Collin Klein’s offense.

“Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko told us he decided on Sunday that Marcel Reed is their starting quarterback moving forward and Conner Weigman is now their backup quarterback,” McGrath said prior to kickoff of Saturday’s game. “There’s no plan to play Weigman here tonight. Of course, this Aggies team believes in Marcel Reed.

“Their running back, Le’Veon Moss, told us his composure and his playmaking ability really won over this team, saying, ‘Every time he steps onto the field, something good happens. He’s an underrated thrower, his running ability opens up more holes for our running backs to make plays.’ I am told nothing phases him.”

Weigman started last week’s game against LSU, completing 6-of-18 passes for 64 yards. But, when Texas A&M trailed 17-7, Elko opted to put Reed in the game – and he got the offense going. The Aggies scored on every drive after the switch en route to the primetime win over LSU. Reed completed both pass attempts for 64 yards and added 62 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Throughout the week, Elko kept any decision about the quarterback close to the vest. He received multiple questions about what route he’d go, including during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show on Thursday. Even then, he didn’t tip his hand and said the staff was still working on a plan.

“I think we’re still kind of going through our process,” Elko said. “We’ll figure that out as we go into the weekend and come Saturday night, put out the guy that we think gives us the best chance to have success as a team.”