Max Johnson dishes about his relationship with Bobby Petrino, what he appreciates most
Max Johnson is finding his footing with Bobby Petrino leading the charge as Texas A&M‘s new offensive coordinator.
The Aggies quarterback took some time to speak with the media, where he elaborated on his relationship with Petrino, and what he appreciates about the freshly-minted football mind leading Texas A&M’s offense.
“I love working with Coach Petrino,” explained Johnson. “I think he’s done a great job of bringing accountability to all of our players on offense. A lot of people are excited to learn from him, and kind of pick his brain.
“He’s done a great job of kind of controlling the offense, and kind of figuring out who the players are, how he should coach them differently from each player. I think it’s been a great experience, a great fall camp so far.”
That’s some pretty positive feedback from Texas A&M’s quarterback, but Johnson isn’t going to be handed the starting job by Petrino for some kind words. The talented Conner Weigmanis challenging him for the position.
A quarterback battle usually comes down to the usual intangibles of the position such as consistency, decision-making, and leadership, and Johnson recognizes that.
“I think just consistency, understanding the offense, and making great decisions,” said the former LSU quarterback. “Knowing when to take that shot and, also, when to check it down. I think being able to lead, lead others in a great way, make others around me better.”
“Coach Petrino will make that decision. Or Coach Fisher. But that’s what I’ve been working on,” Johnson said.
As far as what Jimbo Fisher is looking for in his quarterback, the Texas A&M leader told the media that he wants to see his quarterbacks manage the game and the team well over the summer.
“I just want to see them manage the game. I want to see them manage the team,” 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.”
Additionally, Fisher said 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.
Regardless, it’s great to hear Bobby Petrino is endearing himself to Texas A&M’s quarterback room, but time will tell if Max Johnson has enough of a grasp on the offense to be named the starting quarterback.