Much of the focus on the portal on the offensive side of the ball is on O-line and running backs, as it should be. However, there's one move I think Texas can make that would really push this thing over the top and really turn heads nationally, and that's to recruit Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed onto the roster. Let me explain why this makes sense:
1. Arch Insurance: If we believe the coaches will upgrade OL and RB to title-worthy positions, what's the point of having a championship-worthy roster if your QB1 goes down in camp? This would ensure Texas at least has replacement-level SEC QB play next season.
2. Offensive Versatility: It's understandable Sark doesn't want to have a lot of money on the sidelines, but who's to say Reed has to be chained to the bench even if he's not starting? Put in a package for him, like Arch had last season. Hell, you could do some two quarterback stuff with both of those guys. Sark could really get creative with it.
3. Force Multiplier: We've talked ad nauseam about what a mistake it was to not add linemen or backs, and it was, but I think one of those reasons was under-discussed. Yes, it hurt to not bring in new players, but it also sent a message that the returning OL and RB could rest on their laurels. If Sark brings in a QB to push Arch, the rest of the roster would think, what does that mean for me? Reed's mere presence would make every single player on the roster work harder throughout the offseason. That's invaluable.
4. Sending a Message: While we're at it, what message would it send to the A&M locker room if their starting QB joined their rivals? What about to recruits? And other portal options? Again, this is priceless value that will pay dividends for years to come.
5. Weakening a Rival: We can all agree that, while not on Arch's level, Reed is at least a decent QB and makes A&M better. With Ohio State coming to town next year, it's possible the trip to Kyle Field is make-or-break for next year's team. Stealing Reed would turn that from a difficult game to an almost guaranteed victory. Ideally, this would all be executed on or just before Jan. 16, denying the Aggies a chance to respond.
And for the inevitable rebuttal of why Reed would be interested in us: Um, did you see the game on T+1? It's obvious Arch is getting better coaching than Reed is getting in College Station, and that was before he lost his OC. Reed's dad is a HS coach from Nashville, which tells you: 1) he understands the long game of getting to the NFL, and 2) he didn't grow up a die-hard Aggie fan.
Can Texas afford to recruit Marcel Reed away from A&M? you ask. My response, Can they afford not to?
