Seventeenth-century philosopher René Descartes astutely proclaimed: “I think, therefore I am.”
French sculptor Auguste Rodin created “The Thinker.”
Even Aretha Franklin warned us: “You’d better think (think).”
The ability to think separates man from beasts. Man can reason, inquire, question and probe deep within self. Animals react on instinct.
Yet, while sitting at my desk, I often contemplate the beasts Texas A&M compensates to demonstrate the ability to dominate, intimidate and annihilate on behalf of the football team of which I celebrate.
I think there for A&M.
As my mind wanders, I wonder if the Aggies in 2026 can equal or even exceed the successful 11-2 campaign of 2025.
I think it’s possible. But I also think it depends heavily on the growth of quarterback Marcel Reed, the reconstruction of the offensive and defensive lines, replacing KC Concepcion at receiver and Taurean York at linebacker.
Of course, my thoughts don’t matter. What really matters is what coach Mike Elko thinks.
And when asked, he was quick to share his thoughts…
…On Marcel Reed:
“I think there were times you saw him play quarterback at an elite level, and there were times where he didn’t.
“I think how we get him to be urgent and consistent in his performance week-in and week-out; that is the next step for him and everybody in our program.”
…On the offensive line:
“I think we added two edge guys in Wilkin Formby and Tyree Adams, two kids who’ve played a lot of football in the SEC, really talented kids.
“Really excited about both of those editions. And then to get (former committed recruit) Coen Echols back, the kid who started some games in the interior of the (LSU) offensive line. Obviously, a kid we were really familiar with here. (We) tried to retain him in the class when I got hired and ultimately able to get him back now.”
…On defensive line additions of CJ Mims, Angelo McCullom, Anto Saka, Ryan Henderson and Brandon Davis-Swain.
“We needed some old, experienced guys. We need guys who have played snaps at the collegiate level,” Elko said. “Obviously, there’s a talent marker. If you’re trying to find guys to project. One of the reasons we’ve had so much success with transfers is we’ve looked and found guys who fit our scheme, our system, our needs. I think each of one them does that.”
…On running back depth.
“I think this offseason now, starting fresh, being healthy from the beginning, I think you’ll see a much better version of Rueben (Owens).
“We obviously have got a lot of confidence for Jamarion Morrow. You saw what he was able to do in spurts last year. Tiger Riden is a kid that we believe in. Then, I think the two freshmen (KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker) that we brought in — we feel like we got two of the best backs in the country.”
…Adding 6-foot-4 transfer receiver Isaiah Horton:
“I think it was a big one. One thing we tried really hard to get and weren’t able to (last year) was just a taller kid. I think what you have now is a taller, physical receiver that’s played a lot of high-level competitive football at Miami and Alabama.”
…On transfer linebacker Ray Coney:
“We wanted to get one older, experienced linebacker. I thought that was critical. (Coney is) A kid who’s been really, really productive at Tulsa. He’s been a dominant player in that league. A kid we felt like had the skill set that projected to make this jump and be a successful player.”
Nobody — not even Elko — can guarantee there will be sufficient growth, adequate replacements and more production than a year ago.
Everybody brought in may not pay dividends.
But if they do, the Aggies could be just as good next season. Maybe even better.
At least that’s what I think.
