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

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.