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Texas A&M Football

Mond's mission: On pace to break records, greatness within A&M QB's grasp

September 22, 2020
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At some point this football season, quarterback Kellen Mond will set Texas A&M career records for completions, passing yards, touchdowns and total offense.

However, he’d probably set a record for aspersions received if such a category existed.

That is the enigma that is Kellen Mond and his relationship with the A&M fandom.

Mond could virtually re-write all of A&M’s records for career passing and still be more belittled than beloved by a large faction of A&M fans, some of whom never wanted him to be A&M’s starter. Remember those who favored Nick Starkel, the failed Arkansas quarterback who is now at San Jose State?

Mond has been a 6-foot-3, 217-pound lightning rod for criticism for much of his career at Texas A&M. On-field mistakes and off-field political stands have made him a polarizing figure.

Matt Sachs, TexAgs
Perhaps Mond’s most memorable moment was when he led A&M to a 74-72 victory over LSU in seven overtimes in 2018.

He was clutch in a historical seven overtime victory over LSU in 2018. But he cratered in a collapse at Auburn that same season. He led Aggies on a second-half scoring charge for a Texas Bowl victory over Oklahoma State. But angered a large number of Aggies by leading a protest of the Sul Ross statue.

Mond has been good, but not great.

That raises two questions as A&M embarks on its third football season under Jimbo Fisher.

Can Mond reach a semblance of greatness is his final season? And if he does, will he leave as a beloved quarterback?

That latter may be more difficult to attain than championships. Besides Johnny Manziel, A&M hasn’t had a truly beloved quarterback since Bucky Richardson departed in 1991.

The second question cannot be answered unless the first one is.

A great season for Mond would be defined by exceeding last year’s rushing totals (500 yards), passing totals (2,897 yards) and passing touchdowns (20), all while reducing turnovers (12).

If he does that, A&M could very likely increase its 2019 total of eight wins. In a 10-game season, that would be … Well, great.

Fisher has frequently raved about the strides Mond has made to further understand the offense, his decision-making and his vocal leadership.

Fisher did that again on Monday.

“From the day he got here, this camp, he hasn’t changed a lick,” Fisher said. “(He’s) been outstanding. Demeanor, ideas with the team, way he’s played, way he’s pushed guys, been exactly the same.”

Andrew Kilzer, TexAgs
Mond is chasing Jerrod Johnson for a handful of A&M’s career passing records.

Strong showings in practice do not guarantee strong performances on game day, but it can be a start.

If Mond plays as well as Fisher has hinted, Mond could break Jerrod Johnson’s career passing yardage and completions records by the third game — if not sooner. Johnson’s career touchdown passes record and Johnny Manziel’s career total offense record could soon follow.

“To be able to be so close and be in record books was something I wanted as a freshman and something I worked for,” Mond said on Monday. “Super exciting when that time comes. It’s a big deal, but I want to take it one game at a time and execute as best I can.”

Mond once made the ill-advised comment that he was the best quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. This year, he really could be.

That will require him significantly raising his performance level. Mond realizes this, and he has looked to address it by spending the entire offseason poring over game tape and self-critiquing.

“I evaluated myself throughout the entire offseason, quarantine,” Mond said. “I looked over every single play I ran last year. I wanted to evaluate myself and find out what I can do better to figure out the best way to improve myself. This year, I’m on a mission — not only for myself but for my teammates.”

Mond wants to take Texas A&M to a higher level, but first, he must get there himself. Big victories and championships are typically dependent on great quarterback play.

The next three months will determine if Mond can be great.

If he is, Mond may also become beloved.

Discussion from...

Mond's mission: On pace to break records, greatness within A&M QB's grasp

13,119 Views | 25 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by W
West Point Aggie
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AG
Here's hoping...because 6-4 or 7-3 seems like a 2020 version of a normal year around these parts...that's not BAS, just Aggie football history.
farwellrob
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AG
I might disagree with Mond on Sully, but I am thankful that he's been our QB the last three years.

There are some extremely vocal people on this site that don't like him. But I think much of the fanbase thinks he's a good QB and we are proud he is wearing A&M colors.

I'm looking forward to Saturday and I really want to see the Aggies use this pent up frustration to put together a hellofa year.
Memphis 7
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Real question: does Mond hold any single season records? Shouldn't that be a true measure after W-L?

"More opportunity records" on mediocre teams is not impressive and is not something to really celebrate. They're side notes.
bv86ag
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AG
Mond may hold single season or career records for turnovers.
You cannot coach accuracy or the lack thereof.
Mond doesn't have it. Johnny did...and had Johnny stayed another year Mond would never set any records..other than overthrowing receivers, bad decisions, and turnovers.
Gonna be a VERY long season for Mond fans.
Get ready for an anti-Trump irrational bat-shyte crazy type hatred and scrutiny of Mond.
HollyB83
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His friend Infinity Tucker needs a decade of intense therapy and Mond seems to be maturing emotionally while Tucker is headed for self-destruction.
I hate to predict this but we get out scored by Arkansas (the winning streak is overdue and this will hurt our rating greatly). Of course this is just speculation that hopefully is erroneous.
STL_aTm
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AG
How's calzada looking?
LongVolatilityAg
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AG
OB you've become my favorite sports writer. I just decided. Not that that means much.
HollyB83
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Bucky was my favorite QB. Tough as nails and with great character!
W
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AG
while it's unlikely Mond could set the all-time record for losses by an A&M starting quarterback...he has a chance to if the season goes south (5-5 or worse)
Slamn Sharpe
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Watching records fall is exciting. Here's hoping he breaks several this year.
Doodle1984
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AG
I'm looking forward to the day when we stop recruiting dual threat QB's and start looking for players that do just one thing well... win!
Reno Hightower
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If he and Jake and Elwood can get the band back together they just might be able to save the orphanage.
West Point Aggie
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AG
All the SJ crap aside, I hope he he does well...I hope we go 8-2 or better...I'd be happy to give him all the credit for it...or a big chunk of it.

BTHOvandy!
HollyB83
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Maybe he gets a mild concussion the first play and loses 2 IQ points down to 76 and his replacement goes 10-0
GumboMaverick
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Mond must be great at Practice (knowing he wont take a hit) to be that high on Jimbo's list yet when game time comes, can he produce the same? History has shown a big "NO", but hopefully this season will be different.
oldfart79
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knowing the offence and system doest mean anything if you cant get the ball there on time . hes had one game where he was very good in three yrs. if he can win away and win a big one at home he mite be able to win some of us over but as dandy don used to say if ifs and butts were candy and nuts we all have a merry xmus
oldfart79
greg.w.h
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AG
My personal opinion is Mond would be well set up for a great transition to the NFL with eight or more regular season wins. Also best set up for a Heisman with nine or ten wins. Great opportunity for him to show real leadership and meet his own goals.
WBC1994
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AG
Not expecting much. The inconsistency is what makes me not want to be excited. So many times he looks fully in control of the game and the moment. Then the next game it seems he is completely confused by the play on the field. Who knows. Hate records will be broken just cause he had 4 years. His demeanor from a distance is aloof and not one to will his teammates to victory. Not saying he has not be the right choice each year, but it always sEEms consistency just out of reach.
TTTSDMF
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Lost me at haven't had a beloved qb since Bucky. Uhhhh Stephen Mcgee says Hi.
northeastag
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AG
Wow this article shows just how misleading "career leader" statistics can be. Throw in a few multiple OT games into any four year starters stats and they will look impressive. Our SEC record has been average during his tenure (thus far) and he has been an average QB. Hope he is better than average this year.
NoahAg
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I don't agree w/ Mond re: Sully but I support him as QB. He's received unfair criticism for 3 years. Some criticism is warranted but too many people go out of their way to overlook "good Mond."

Is he JFF? No. JFF is literally GOAT. But Mond wishes he had the o-line and WRs that JFF had.
W
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AG
so to establish the baseline regarding Mond's W-L record as an A&M starting QB:

he started all 13 games in 2019 when A&M posted an 8-5 record. (4-4 vs. SEC)

he started all 13 games in 2018 when A&M posted a 9-4 record. (5-3 vs. SEC)

in 2017 he started 8 games...and went 5-3 as a starter. (3-3 vs. SEC)

so overall he is 22-12 as a starting QB; and 12-10 in conference play
W
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AG
on the plus side he will have the opportunity to go 4-0 vs. Arkansas, 4-0 vs. Carolina, and 2-0 Florida.

no aggie QB has ever done any of those 3 things.

(Pullig was that last QB to go 4-0 vs. any opponent --- did it vs. UH and TCU)
W
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AG
the minus side is his potential final record vs. Alabama and Auburn --- those would also be historic...but in a bad way
W
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AG
Mond improves to 23-12 as a starter and 13-10 in SEC play
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