Notre Dame vs Texas A&M: Who Do the Irish Need to Look Out for?
- Noah Wehby
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
While Notre Dame is currently in the midst of a bye week after their loss to Miami, here are a few players they will need to turn their attention to ahead of their matchup against Texas A&M.
Photo via Texas A&M Athletics
Marcel Reed - Quarterback
In last year's season-opener, Texas A&M's starting QB was Conner Weigman, a highly recruited player who never seemed to find his footing in College Station. In that same season, Weigman would get replaced by, at the time, freshman QB Marcel Reed. Reed immediately gave the Aggies a new look at the position with his elite athleticism. Reed would go on to lead the Aggies to a chance to go to the SEC Championship, but they fell short in the last game of the season against Texas. This season, Reed appears to be picking up right where he left off. In week one, Reed went 22 of 34 for 289 yards and four touchdowns, a great stat line for a player who can be just as dangerous with his legs. That will be the key for the Irish defense, which looked out of sorts against Miami. Reed has the speed and elusiveness to consistently make big plays on the ground, especially on third downs. It will be critical for Notre Dame to keep him contained to the pocket, and they may even need a spy to keep him from breaking plays loose on the ground. If Reed's arm has developed from last year, it will make it that much harder to do so. Even if Reed has developed his passing game, Notre Dame will want to make him a passer, as it is his legs that will be the hardest to contain. Reed is just one of those players who can be a nightmare to play against. The key for Notre Dame's defense is to try to make the game predictable, as Reed is at his best when he has the chance to improvise. Reed is young, however, so throwing unique blitzes and coverages at him may be effective, something Chris Ash failed to do against Miami.
Kevin "KC" Concepcion - Wide Receiver
After a few productive years at NC State, KC Concepcion is already the Aggies' most electric playmaker on a very talented offense. During his best season at NC State, in 2023, he filled the stat sheet with his ability to make plays as a receiver and running back. In that season, he caught 71 passes for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns. To add to that already impressive stat line, he also had 41 carries for 320 yards. Concepcion is a dynamic and explosive playmaker who puts pressure on any defense he goes against. He does this first with his great route-running. Concepcion possesses elite body control, footwork, and elusiveness that enable him to create excellent separation from coverage. Once he has the ball, Concepcion uses his explosive speed and impressive vision to become a dangerous ball carrier with the ability to turn a small gain into a home-run play. He is going to be a huge test for this Irish defense. They have to not only know where he is at all times in coverage, but they also need to make sure they get him down quickly, before he has the chance to find open space or make a man miss. Concepcion was one of the most desired players in the portal this offseason, a perfect acquisition for an Aggie offense that needed to become more explosive compared to last year. Concepcion immediately fixes that problem while giving Reed a reliable target to throw to.
Taurean York - Linebacker
Now in his third season, Taurean York is one of the most talented players A&M has and one of the most important, too. York has started in every game of his college career. As a freshman, he instantly stood out, earning him a spot on the freshman All-American team. Since then, York has become a captain and the leader of a defensive unit that could become stifling under Mike Elko. Although undersized, York makes his presence felt in every game. Instead of overwhelming size, he uses his speed, football IQ, and anticipation to make big plays for the Aggies. York is one of those players who always seems to be where the ball is, a testament to his work ethic and feel for the game. He can be a huge problem for a Notre Dame run game that will want to get going in this game. York has a real knack for getting into the backfield to make big tackles, already recording 19.5 tackles for loss in his college career. That will be the real matchup for York and the Notre Dame offense. York is an excellent run-stopper going against one of the best running back rooms in the country. Last year, Notre Dame was able to win the run game, but York and this Aggie defense will surely be ready this year. With some real questions at the offensive line for the Irish, York may be able to take advantage and get into the backfield for TFLs or sacks. Either way, Mike Denbrock and Notre Dame's offense will need to be prepared for York and everything he can do to affect a game.
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