Jimbo Fisher identifies traits he wants to see in quarterback competition, addresses timeline

Texas A&M heads into preseason camp with its quarterback position unsettled. Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher revealed on Wednesday that he is in no rush to name a starting quarterback.

“They’ll tell you when they’re ready. You’ll see it,” Fisher said.

The two primary contenders to be the starting QB for Texas A&M are junior Max Johnson and sophomore Conner Weigman.

Both players gained valuable experience last season and each made multiple starts. However, neither player has done enough yet to be named the starter for 2023. Fisher detailed what he’ll be looking for to decide the quarterback battle.

“I just want to see them manage the game. I want to see them manage the team,” Jimbo Fisher said. “People say I want to see them be a game manager – you’ve gotta be a game manager. That’s the greatest compliment you can have. Then the plays you make out of that, understanding situations.”

Fisher added that he wants his quarterbacks to be “situational masters” and make the right play and right decision every time they’re on the field, no matter the situation.

“You’ve gotta understand, it’s third down, it’s red zone, it’s time on the clock, field position, all of the different ways calls change based off of those situations. And being able to get your team in the right play,” Fisher said. “Because at the end of the day, no matter how you do it, the key is to move the football. How do you do it? Get them in the right play, make the right decision, make the right checks, get them organized, give them confidence in the huddle. And then when it’s time for you to physically make the play, you’ve gotta make the right decision and hit what the heck you’re throwing at.”

Having a consistent quarterback is also of utmost importance to Fisher and Texas A&M. Whether it be demeanor, leadership skills or making throws, Fisher wants a QB that is consistent.

He added that being consistent is important for everyday people in all aspects of life.

“The hardest thing… this is for anybody you work with, is if they’re different every day. How do you approach your boss every day if he’s totally always wanting something different? The same way with a player,” Fisher said. “When a player can play to a great consistency… because listen, that’s what football is. That’s what any sport is. And greatness is measure by consistency and performance over a long period of time. That’s what it is. … We tag greatness on just because of athleticism. That’s not it. It’s your performance and how you execute at your position. And because you’re a great athlete doesn’t mean you’re a great football player. So can they manage the game and be consistent each and every day? And allow the guys around them to function at a high level because of the situations and the decisions they make.”