Texas A&M: Biggest question Aggies must answer this offseason

Despite being ranked No. 4 overall in ESPN’s Way Too Early Top 25, there’s one thing Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&M Aggies need to address this offseason: their passing attack.

How will the Aggies offense shape up with the departure of several key offensive pieces? ESPN’s Dave Wilson has an idea about where Fisher will lean toward when putting together his squad for the 2022 season.

“Despite Isaiah Spiller‘s departure for the NFL draft after two straight 1,000-yard seasons, the Aggies are set at running back with Devon Achane and a loaded running back room. But if the Aggies are going to keep pace and keep defenses from loading up on those backs, they’re going to have to address the vertical passing game. The Aggies ranked 88th in passing yards per game last season, 108th in completion percentage and 73rd in yards per completion. Ainias Smith, who had 47 catches for 509 yards, was the Aggies’ leading receiver and returns. But with the departure of Jalen Wydermyer to the NFL draft, the other top returners are Jalen Preston (17 catches, 255 yards, 2 TDs) and Demond Demas (15-235-1). The Aggies don’t lack for talent, and with the return of QB Haynes King, who was injured early last season, along with new arrivals Max Johnson, the LSU transfer, and prized recruit Conner Weigman, there is plenty of room for improvement in the passing game,” Wilson wrote.

Johnson threw for 2,814 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2021. He played in seven games after starting two as a true freshman. The addition of Max Johnson also helped Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M on the recruiting trail. His younger brother Jake Johnson, a four-star tight end, committed and signed with the Aggies as part of the record-setting 2022 class.

On top of a stacked running back room, the Aggies also boast the No. 1 overall recruiting class in the country for this season featuring the No. 2 quarterback in the nation Conner Weigman, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Worst case scenario for Texas A&M next season — they’ll have to start a blue chip prospect in his first collegiate season, which is a good problem to have.

With TAMU’s top passer in Zach Calzada leaving for SEC West foe Auburn, it’s likely King or Johnson will get the start when they battle Sam Houston in their season opener on Sept. 3. Before that, fans can get a glimpse of the entire quarterback room on April 9 during Texas A&M’s Maroon and White spring game set for 1 p.m. CT.