Jimbo Fisher: Texas A&M is 'blessed' to have experienced QB Max Johnson in light of Conner Weigman setback
Jimbo Fisher confirmed quarterback Conner Weigman will be out for the season on Wednesday after suffering an injury on Saturday against Auburn. Devastating news for Texas A&M as Weigman was enjoying a nice start to the year. Max Johnson will have to take over the offense now and Fisher has confidence in him.
Johnson has been a starter before, both for Texas A&M and LSU. He did win the Aggies football games a year ago before suffering an injury of his own. Fisher believes Johnson has the capability to keep the ship sailing despite Weigman being on the sideline moving forward.
“He’s been a starter in this league,” Fisher said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Played a lot of football. Was 2-0 for us a year ago as a starter and then, unfortunately, got hurt. So, I feel very confident. I’ve said before we have two starting quarterbacks.
“We’re very blessed to have him and feel very confident.”
The first example of what Texas A&M could look like came against Auburn. Points were still put on the board, closing out the game to earn a win. Three touchdowns were scored on just five drives in the second half.
“Came out there and score two straight drives,” Fisher said. “I think we scored three touchdowns on five drives. Did a heck of a job in the game. Threw the ball very well. Distributed it and understands our offense.”
Johnson will make his first start of the season against Arkansas on Saturday — a rivalry game for Texas A&M. Fisher believes in what the LSU transfer brings to the table and is confident he can perform well not just at AT&T Stadium but moving forward. The hope is, a decent 3-1 start to the season is not going to totally fall off a cliff.
Assessing the Texas A&M quarterback room behind Max Johnson
Focus has been on Johnson becoming the starter for Texas A&M but the backup spot is open too following the injury. Jaylen Henderson and Marcel Reed are the other two quarterbacks on the roster, with Henderson being named the backup by Fisher.
His sophomore status and maturity gave him the nod over Reed, a true freshman experiencing college football for the first time this season.
“They’ve been taking reps,” Fisher said. “They’ve done a great job in practice, understand the offense. Done a really good job. They comprehend it. Of course, Jaylen is a little bit older, more mature. Thought he had a great fall, spring camp himself.”