Jimbo Fisher reveals timetable for Texas A&M quarterback competition

Jimbo Fisher recognizes Texas A&M has a good problem this season — multiple talented quarterbacks to choose from as their starter. Between Haynes King, Max Johnson and Conner Weigman, Fisher has some fascinating choices to lead his team into battle in 2022.

However, don’t expect an official resolution anytime soon. According to Fisher, the Texas A&M quarterback competition will stretch into the summer.

“Oh yeah. Well, I don’t think there’s any doubt,” Fisher responded, when asked if the quarterback competition will stretch into the summer. “I mean, we’ll see how it goes, and I can say, you know when you know. But I think all three guys have had their moments. They’ve all played well.

“I’ve been very pleased with Haynes [King]. Haynes, I thought really last scrimmage, did some really good things. Plus his legs. I thought Max [Johnson] was excellent. He was really sharp making throws, making deep ball throws. And getting the ball out. Also moving well. And I thought again, Conner was excellent. I mean, creating plays with his legs, with his arm, his intensity, quick release. But they’re all starting to see things now the best way. So, I think all have progressed really well.”

As you can see, Jimbo Fisher isn’t in any rush to name his starting quarterback. Nevertheless, each choice has impressed the Aggies coach, and Texas A&M has no wrong choice for their starting quarterback.

Jimbo Fisher updates Texas A&M quarterback competition following scrimmage

Moreover, Jimbo Fisher got his best look yet at his quarterbacks during Texas A&M’s first scrimmage. After the Aggies first scrimmage last week, Fisher spoke with reporters about what he liked about what each of his quarterbacks showed him.

While Haynes King and LSU transfer Max Johnson are the top two candidates to start this season, Fisher also complimented true freshman Conner Weigman. The Cypress, Texas, native and five-star recruit was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2022 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average.

“They all three made plays,” Fisher said. “All three got rotations with ones and twos and threes and different groups. We started off slow because the defense is really good, which kept us off the field. I thought that’s when Haynes started to come out and make some really good plays. Later Max came out and did a really nice job and had some plays. He has a couple of mistakes here and there on reads. We’ve got to get better.

“I thought Conner, for his first scrimmage, was excellent. He got some time with the ones and twos. I thought he handled both of those situations extremely well. All guys we work two minutes, we work red zone, we work goal line, we worked all kinds of things. Different situations in the game. All three guys had some really bright moments. Some things they’ve got to work on to stay more consistent. Allow us not to get behind the eight ball.”

King began last year as the starting quarterback, throwing for 292 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the season opener against Kent State. However, he suffered a leg fracture in Week 2 against Colorado that ended his season and allowed Zach Calzada to take over. Calzada transferred to Auburn this offseason, presumably opening the door for King to return as the starter when he is healthy.

But then A&M added Johnson, putting King’s hold on the job in question. Johnson was named the LSU starter last preseason after Myles Brennan suffered an injury. He went on to throw for 2,814 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2021 as the Tigers finished with a 6-7 record.

Jimbo Fisher will continue to evaluate the quarterback competition as the Aggies finish up their spring practices. His final chance of spring to see the players in action will come April 9 at Texas A&M’s annual spring game.