Texas A&M’s new offense is already earning a vote of confidence from one of its top receivers.
After the Aggies’ third preseason practice and first full session open to the media on Saturday afternoon, redshirt sophomore Ashton Bethel-Roman made it clear that Holmon Wiggins’ system has come together quickly for him. The Missouri City, Texas, native said the setup has been easy to pick up and doesn’t feel like a major departure from what Texas A&M ran before.
"It feel like I have been in this offense for years" Bethel-Roman stated. "Yeah, don't get me wrong, he isn't insanely different from coach (Collin) Klein, but his version of the offense is very easy to learn. It's very good."
Wiggins has taken over as offensive coordinator after third-year coach Mike Elko elevated the wide receivers coach into the role. He didn’t come in with play-calling experience, but he was already a respected voice in the building and had served as Collin Klein’s Co-OC over the last two seasons.
Bethel-Roman’s comfort with the new offense fits the way he emerged last year. In his second season, he put together 24 catches for 503 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 21 yards per reception. One of the fastest players on the roster, he was in a similar spot this time a year ago, quickly becoming one of quarterback Marcel Reed’s favorite targets.
On Saturday, Bethel-Roman also spoke about other receivers who have stood out beyond Terry Bussey, as well as Texas A&M’s loaded secondary. But the biggest takeaway was his belief that Wiggins’ background as a receivers coach should help bring out the best in the Aggies’ pass catchers, giving Reed a mix of speed, size and separation to work with.
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