One of the more intriguing quarterback competitions around the Southeastern Conference is currently taking place in College Station between Kellen Mond and Nick Starkel. The winner will become the first starter for Texas A&M in the Jimbo Fisher era and should be the first in what becomes a long line of successful QBs Fisher coaches for the Aggies.

During his most recent media availability, Mond was asked to share his thoughts on the competition to earn the starting spot under center, and more specifically, what makes the battle between him and Starkel different this season under Fisher.

“I would say probably a little bit more competition,” Mond said in a video posted to YouTube by Brian Perroni. “Jimbo is trying to get us to compete a little bit more and get the ball out of our hands quicker and understand our reads, trying to make sure we don’t make the same mistake twice. That’s kinda the thing he’s pushing us towards, being more of a leader and be more vocal and in command more of the offense.”

While Mond is seen by some as an outsider to win the job due to the fact he’s yet to show the pocket presence Fisher’s history suggests the coach prefers, the sophomore says he’s far more developed entering his second season in College Station.

“I feel good, I feel like I’ve developed more as a passer and understanding why I make certain reads,” Mond continued. “That’s really (Fisher’s) main thing, understanding why you do certain things in the pocket and trying to get the football out of your hands really quick. I feel like I’ve learned a lot under him and continuing to learn more is really important for me.”

When the decision by Fisher is finally made, likely not before game week in the season opener against Northwestern State, what is it that’s going to win the job? According to Mond, it won’t be anything of a physical nature but will come more from the aspects of the game Fisher has been driving home to his quarterbacks since arriving in College Station.

“Nothing that’s really physical or mental wise, it’s just commanding more from the offense and trying to make each and everyone better around you and it doesn’t matter if you are going with the ones or twos, no matter who you are going with, just trying to make those guys better,” he concluded.