UNDER the SCOPE: Marcel Reed

Miami will be up against a dynamic but young quarterback in the first round of the College Football Playoff against Texas A&M in College Station.

Marcel Reed, a redshirt sophomore, is a dynamic but inconsistent play-maker for the Aggies. Reed has passed for 2,931 yards, 25 touchdowns with ten interceptions, while completing 61.8 percent of his passes. He has also rushed for 466 yards and six touchdowns. He is epitome of a dual-threat college quarterback.

PFF Grades...

Reed is the heart and soul of the Aggie offense. However. he has experienced the normal growing pains of an inexperienced quarterback this season. Pro Football Focus graded Reed's passing at 66.9 passing grade, below average. His grade ranks 81st,in the country (200+ passes). PFF identified Reed with 17 'big time throws' on the season against 18 'turnover worthy plays,' ranking tied for 15th most in the country.

Miami’s defense will need to contain Reed in the pocket and pressure him into throwing. Reed's scrambling ability is when he most dangerous. He ranks seventh best in the country, with a pressure-to-sack ratio of only 8.5 percent. However, when Reed holds the ball for more than 2.5 seconds, his completion rate drops to 52.4 percent. Reed's average time to throw this season year is 2.96 seconds, ranking 107th overall in the country.

When Reed pushes the ball vertically, he has completed 19-of-49 attempts for 632 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.

Most of Reed’s passing production comes on the short range throws, totaling 1,484 yards, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Reed has completed 53.9 percent of his intermediate range passes with 11 touchdowns against four interceptions, while averaging 10.6 yards per attempt.

BOTTOM LINE:

Marcel Reed can be a game-changer if not contained in the pocket and kept uncomfortable.

GO CANES!