Why Texas A&M football players feel Ar'Maj Reed-Adams is ready to be a captain (2025)

COLLEGE STATION — The Texas A&M football team elected its captains earlier this week, hoping to reflect a more physical tone in the second season under coach Mike Elko.

Aggies players voted team leaders, with two offensive linemen and the team's top tackler to support the effort.

Offensive linemen Ar'maj Reed-Adams and Trey Zuhn II, along with linebacker Taurean York, will lead A&M this season, adding Reed-Adams to the duo after the latter two were captains last year.

It's an honor and a testament to what each individual means to that locker room. For Reed-Adams, it's his first time being a captain, but not the first time he's felt like a leader for A&M.

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"Without the captain title, I was always a leader and looked at in this position," Reed-Adams told reporters Wednesday. "My approach don't change. I've been doing everything the same, just continuing to be an example for my team."

The Dallas native started every game at right guard last season for an Aggies offense that ranked 26th in the nation and second in the SEC with 195.5 rushing yards per game.

He comes into 2025 as Pro Football Focus's second-ranked returning interior offensive lineman. He finished second amongst all guards in the Power Four conferences for PFF's overall grade, run-blocking and wins above average metric.

But it's beyond just the play on the field; it's about the fit that makes teammates sure Reed-Adams is a worthy leader.

"He's a real Aggie. He has always wanted to be a Texas A&M Aggie," York told reporters Wednesday of Reed-Adams. "I knew he was really here for the right reasons."

Why Texas A&M football players feel Ar'Maj Reed-Adams is ready to be a captain (1)

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As Reed-Adams, a three-star recruit from DeSoto High School, turns his attention to the 2025 season, the hunger is clear, and the expectations are lofty.

"We're very motivated because, as an offensive line, we felt like we left a lot on the table (in 2024)," Reed-Adams said. "I took it personal, and I know the guys took it personal."

That sense of pride has Reed-Adams setting the standard high for both his unit and the team.

"Joe Moore (award for the best offensive line in the country) and leading this team to a national championship," Reed-Adams said of this year's goals.

It isn't just the offensive line that Reed-Adams has high hopes for. The Aggies lineman feels that the new-look A&M offense, led by his cousin Marcel Reed and Co., can be one to watch this season.

"I think this offense is poised to be very explosive. We've been very explosive all spring, and I think we'll carry that into the fall," Reed-Adams said. "We're at a very positive spot with our roster. Any additions will be welcome, but I think we can do it with the guys we've got right now."

A&M's 14th and final spring practice is Thursday morning. The media will be allowed to view the first 30 minutes of practice before Saturday's Maroon and White game, which begins at 2 p.m. at Kyle Field.

Reach Texas A&M Beat Reporter Tony Catalina via email at ACatalina@gannett.com. Follow the American-Statesman onFacebookandXfor more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best contentwiththis tremendous offer.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas A&M spring practice: Aggies name their 2025 captains