Leadership: How D1 Training Is Helping Texas A&M's Marcel Reed Prep For 2026 Season | D1 Daily

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed is spending three weeks training at a D1 Training facility just outside Nashville, working through an intensive offseason strength and speed program under the guidance of D1 senior director of coaching Clif Marshall. 

The Nashville native—who grew up in the area and played high school football at Montgomery Bell Academy—returns home at a pivotal moment in his career after being named a team captain for the Aggies. Reed is coming off a standout season in which he led Texas A&M to the College Football Playoff, solidifying his role as one of the program’s defining leaders entering the next year.

The three-week training block at D1 Cool Springs is focused on strength development, speed work, and offseason structure, but Reed has also turned it into a leadership opportunity—inviting several teammates to join him in Nashville for portions of the program. Among them are safety and co-captain Dalton Brooks, tight end and co-captain Micah Riley, and wide receiver Isaiah Horton, a senior transfer.

Leadership In Training

For Clif Marshall, Reed’s approach has stood out far beyond the weight room.

“Marcel’s daily approach has been extremely impressive. He already carries himself like a professional in the way he attacks every aspect of his preparation,” Marshall said. “Beyond the work he puts into strength and conditioning, he consistently makes time for film study, stays locked in with his nutrition, and has even hired a personal chef during his time in Nashville to maximize his recovery and performance. He’s been outstanding in the weight room, and I give a tremendous amount of credit to legendary Texas A&M strength coach Tommy Moffitt. Marcel demonstrates excellent technique and discipline in every movement, which speaks volumes about the foundation that has been built within Texas A&M’s program.”

Marshall also emphasized Reed’s leadership initiative in bringing teammates into the training environment at D1.

“What stands out most to me, though, is his leadership. He took the initiative to bring his teammates to Nashville to train together — and you simply don’t see that very often from college quarterbacks. His maturity, intentionality, and ability to lead are far beyond his years.”

For Reed, the focus is as much mental and cultural as it is physical.

“My goal here is improving offseason habits. Last offseason I wasn’t as consistent as I needed to be, especially being home,” Reed said. “This time I’ve got coaches and structure. I also want to maintain and even gain a little weight before fall camp, because I know I’ll lose some in the Texas heat. Staying hydrated and consistent with nutrition is huge for me.”

He also pointed to a broader mindset shift for the Aggies entering the season.

“We just need to be a meaner team,” Reed said. “We’ve got the tools, athletes, coaches, and resources—so we’re going to play good football. But it’s about having an edge every game. That starts with us.”

‘Aggression And Chemistry’

That tone has resonated with teammates who joined him at D1 in Nashville. Dalton Brooks emphasized the importance of chemistry and trust built away from the field.

“It’s about aggression and chemistry,” Brooks said. “The more you know the guy next to you, the more you trust him. That builds how we play. If something goes wrong, the guy next to you is going to fix it.”

Micah Riley echoed that sentiment, highlighting the intentional team-building work happening during the offseason.

“We’re three captains, and Isaiah is a veteran. For me, it was about making sure Marcel knows we’ve got his back and everything is going to be how he needs it,” Riley said. “Coming down here helps reinforce that. It’s about being around each other in the offseason and building that connection.”

He also described a deeper exercise the group has used to strengthen their bond.

“We do something called ‘4 Hs’—heroes, heartbreaks, history, hopes,” Riley said. “It’s about understanding why your teammates play. When it’s 115 degrees and it’s miserable, knowing you’re doing it for more than yourself—and for the guys next to you—that’s what carries you.”

Reed said that off-field connection has become a priority for the team this offseason.

“We’ve done a really good job this offseason just being together—not just football, but outside the facility too,” he said. “That connection is what builds culture.”

As Reed continues his training block at D1, the combination of structured development, veteran leadership, and intentional team bonding is setting a tone for what the Aggies hope will be a more physical and connected team in the season ahead.

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