Fall Camp Focus: The Signal Callers
Aug 11, 2022 | Football
Wednesday brought much-needed rain to the Brazos Valley, and that along with lightning moved the Aggies inside and into the McFerrin Indoor Center for the day’s two-hour, full-pad practice.
THE BATTLE FOR QB1
Much attention outside the program has focused on who will take the snaps when Texas A&M hits Kyle Field against Sam Houston on September 3.
Sophomore Haynes King has the most on-field experience in Jimbo Fisher’s offense, albeit just over a game’s worth before an injury ended his 2021 season after about six quarters.
“I don’t look at last year as a disappointment, I look at it as a learning curve,” King said. “I think it actually benefitted me, being on the sideline and having almost a coach’s perspective. It increased my knowledge of the game of football and allows me to help everyone else in their game.”
Junior transfer Max Johnson has the most overall experience, starting all 12 games last year at LSU and 14 overall in his career in Baton Rouge. He got his first taste of the Aggie offense in the spring after enrolling early in January.
“(The biggest difference is) The verbiage,” Johnson said. “They are completely different offenses. I had the LSU offense down pretty well...some of the words are the same, some are different. Some of the words are run plays at LSU that are maybe pass plays here. But I think I’ve done a good job of learning, meeting with the coaches and getting an understanding of what’s going on.”
Then there’s true freshman Conner Weigman, who dons the maroon and white after an outstanding career at Bridgeland High School that saw him named one of if not the nation’s top prep quarterbacks.
No matter who has been taking the reps, they’ve earned the respect of their teammates.
“Every last one of them is great at what they do,” running back Devon Achane said. “They make sure we’re all on top of our game. They’re being leaders, they’re very vocal...they’re just getting better at what they do.”
Mastering Jimbo Fisher’s offense will not only lead to success at Texas A&M--but it will prepare a quarterback for the next level.
“Coach Fisher has developed a lot of great quarterbacks over his years,” offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey said. “It’s a demanding position. The guys who play quarterback here have to do what guys in the NFL do. They have to process. They have to be able to think. They have to be able to check running plays. They have to be able to set protections. They have to be able to attack the field, throwing to every area. They also have to be very ready and willing to prepare.”
And outside of the technical demands of the position, there are always the intangibles--which are as, or even more, important--when leading the team.
“They have to be able to collectively unite people for a common goal and make people understand that,” Fisher said. “They have to affect guys in a positive way by how they practice and what they say and their demeanor.”
LISTEN: STUDIO 12 1-on-1
Click either photo below to access interviews with Haynes and Max on our official podcast, Studio 12. You can also visit 12thman.com/podcast to subscribe for free.
UP NEXT
The Aggies are back on the practice field Thursday and Friday afternoons before holding their first scrimmage of the fall on Saturday. All practices and workouts are closed to the public.
