'I went with 'String Bean': Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said on Wednesday

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Texas A&M remains the No. 3-ranked team in the latest CFP rankings after blowing out Missouri 38-17 in Columbia on Saturday, and while Indiana’s close win over Penn State was apparently deemed a more impressive victory by the CFP Selection Committee, head coach Mike Elko and his team are entirely focused on hosting South Carolina (3-6, 1-6 SEC) ahead of Saturday’s early 11:00 a.m. kickoff.

The Aggies are, without a doubt, one of the best and most complete teams in the country, led by starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who has made vast improvements in the pocket, already throwing for 2,193 yards and 19 touchdowns, while adding 368 rushing yards and six scores.

Reed’s apparent nickname, “The Gingerbread Man,” has gained steam through social media, as the redshirt sophomore’s ability to evade defenders in the open field, in combination with his improvement as a passer, has made him a clear Heisman candidate. This level of national hype is new to Reed, but during yesterday’s presser, it only fueled his performance, while his focus remains week to week.

“Definitely embrace it a little bit and enjoy it a little bit because it’s great to get recognition like that,” Reed said. “I kind of have to push it aside just because none of that matters until it matters. Until the Heisman ceremony comes, it’s not really on my mind. I’m focused on winning one game each week and right now we have South Carolina coming up, so that’s what I’m focused on.”

“On Wednesday, Elko spoke during his weekly SEC Teleconference, and while he likes Marcel Reed’s nickname, “String Bean,” he stated that some future nicknames are in store, especially if the star signal caller continues to dominate on the field.

Ahead of hosting South Carolina, here is everything Mike Elko said during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference.

Mike Elko on his team’s all-around performance against Missouri

“Proud of our guys for finishing a road stretch up 3-0. That was a big step for our program to win three straight road games in the SEC.”

Mike Elko on S&C Coach Tommy Moffitt’s impact on the roster

“He continues every day to try and elevate our strength and conditioning program to the highest level.” “Obviously, he’s a guy who is really important to what we do here, and we’d like for him to be part of this thing moving forward.”

Gingerbread Man or String Bean for Marcel Reed?

“I went with ‘String Bean.’ I’ll have to adapt my personal nickname for him.” “He’s an unbelievable talent and obviously a huge reason we are where we are.”

Mike Elko on preparing to face South Carolina QB La’Norris Sellers for the second straight season

“LaNorris (Sellers) is a phenomenal talent. He’s big, physical and can throw the football over the field. Nyck Harbor is an unbelievable weapon… When you come out of the bye week with a new play-caller, there is a lot of uncertainty on our end.”

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC Mike Elko said during the SEC Teleconference

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