Jimbo Fisher gives latest on Max Johnson, Connor Weigman, health of Haynes King

On3 imageby:Nikki Chavanelle08/12/22

NikkiChavanelle

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher hit the media podium after practice on Thursday to share the latest on his quarterback room. First, he addressed the team’s newcomers, LSU transfer Max Johnson and 2022 signee Conner Weigman.

“They understand (the offense) really well, they both do,” Fisher said. “And Conner’s picked it up very quickly for a young freshman. He’s a very intelligent guy and very instinctive guy. If he makes a mistake, he doesn’t repeat it very often. Very encouraging in that way. Max is doing a lot of the same things.”

Conner Weigman was a heavily recruited player as a prospect and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Consensus, so it’s no surprise that he’s picking things up quickly in College Station.

Johnson has two very meaningful years of experience coming in from Baton Rouge and is the main contender versus returning quarterback Haynes King. Last year as a sophomore, he totaled 2,815 yards and 27 touchdowns in 12 games for the Tigers. He had a completion percentage of 60.3, which ranked 11th in the conference.

Haynes King is ‘pain-free’

King started for the Aggies last season for two games before suffering a leg injury that ended his year. According to Fisher, the QB out of Longview is back like he never left.

“He’s back, as far as the physical parts and what he can do,” Fisher said. “No pain, no anything, whether he throws it or runs it. His strength is back and everything around the injury, so I feel very good about that.”

On Thursday, Fisher also poured some cold water on rumors that his returning starter was getting more reps with the first team than the other quarterbacks.

“We’re rotating guys and they’re doing the same things,” Fisher said. “So, no.”

On3’s J.D. PicKell weighed in on the Aggies QB competition on The Hard Count.

“To me, choosing between Haynes King and Max Johnson is the choice between do you want a fast car or do you want a Volkswagen?” PicKell said. “Haynes King is the hot rod. Haynes King is going to be fast and furious and do a lot of things for you really, really well. However, are you willing to live with the mistakes that he makes? Are you willing to deal with the growing pains?”

In King’s first start last season, he threw three interceptions and took two sacks versus Kent State on the way to a 41-10 victory.