COLLEGE STATION — For the second time this week, on Saturday, Texas A&M football opened up an entire practice for observers.
It was the Aggies’ sixth spring practice, and the offense seemed to have a clear advantage during the session.
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While coaches would not confirm any personnel groupings, position changes, or speculate on injuries that may have occurred, per the program’s guidelines, there was still a lot to learn about A&M from the two-hour practice session.
MORE: Texas A&M football spring practice observations: Marcel Reed, Aaron Gregory shine
Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe runs drills during evening practice at the Coolidge Practice Fields on Thursday, July 31, 2025 in College Station, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Here are our notes and observations from Saturday’s Texas A&M football spring practice:
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Takeaways from Texas A&M football’s spring practice Saturday
Mario Craver picking up where he left off
If there’s any doubt about Mario Craver‘s readiness to assume the WR1 role, Saturday provided an encouraging sign.
As a leader, he was outspoken. He consistently encouraged his teammates, and whenever a young wideout made a play, Craver was often the first to greet them. If they made a mistake, he was quick to analyze and assist.
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On the field, he consistently flashed. Onlookers recorded at least three explosive plays, each gaining a minimum of 25 yards.
The first six plays of the team period were thrown to Craver, with Marcel Reed completing all six attempts. From deep outs to tunnel screens, Craver appears to be moving all across the formation and looks comfortable running a wide array of routes.
Pair of freshmen WRs stood out
On Thursday, freshman Aaron Gregory was turning heads. By Saturday, a couple of other first-year wideouts were doing the same.
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Perhaps the biggest winner of the day was Jayden Warren. The 6-foot-1 receiver was a constant target for Reed throughout the day.
The former four-star from Rasharon looked comfortable running the entire route tree, including a well-executed post-corner route on redshirt freshman cornerback Adonyss Currie that went for 30 yards.
Madden Williams had a great Saturday, too.
Williams, a former four-star recruit from California, regularly found space between him and his defender. He was smooth in and out of his breaks and displayed soft hands.
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His best play of the day came late in practice, where he ran a narrow post down the middle of the field, turned back to the ball, and rose up over his defender to make a highlight-reel catch.
MORE: The Air Raid offense at Texas A&M? Changes are coming, player says
Ryan Henderson flashes quick pass rush, strength in run game
Both new transfer portal additions, Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson, have looked strong in the two practice sessions open to reporters.
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However, Saturday, Henderson stood out among the rest.
Whether during team drills or one-on-ones, the former San Diego State pass rusher managed to pull off a wow moment or two. Going against redshirt freshman Lamont Rogers, Henderson used his speed and agility to get around him for an easy would-be sack.
He did the same against Rogers in the team period as well.
In the run game, he was stout. He showed quick recognition to identify the run play and made a couple of stops in the backfield. The offense had the better day overall, but Henderson did his best to secure some wins for his unit Saturday.
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Other notes and tidbits
Another strong day for quarterback Marcel Reed. He continues to show quick decision-making and appears comfortable leading the offense. The integration of Air Raid principles, a system designed to support quarterbacks, will benefit Reed. Less thinking and easier decisions will help Reed process more efficiently. It’s clear that the young QB has been receptive to some of these adjustments.
Former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton had a strong day. The big-bodied receiver was a menace to CB Julio Humphrey, catching back-to-back deep balls in one-on-one drills against him. Horton was frequently targeted by Reed in team drills and seven-on-seven periods, with the connection between QB and WR appearing to be strong early.
Adonyss Currie may have taken his lumps from Warren, but the young CB had a solid day. He was sticky in coverage, breaking up a few passes against Terry Bussey and was a nuisance for Craver on a pair of in-breaking routes.
Safety Marcus Ratcliffe discussed Tuesday how much of an honor it would be to be named a captain, and Saturday, it appeared he’s aiming to solidify himself in that role. The senior is talkative on the field, communicating calls and organizing his group. On the sideline, he’s coaching his teammates and serving as an encouraging figure for the young players.
Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com.
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