Texas A&M freshman quarterback Haynes King leaves game with injury

Texas A&M starting quarterback Haynes King was seen hobbling off the field with an apparent foot injury Saturday against Colorado. King got help from two assistant coaches as he made his way to the locker room with his right shoe off.

Backup quarterback Zach Calzada entered the game to replace him.

Prior to exiting the game, King was 1-of-2 passing for eight yards. He also had one rushing attempt for two yards.

The Longview, Texas, native went 21-of-33 for 292 yards, two touchdowns and three interception in his debut against Kent State. He was a 4-star quarterback who led his team to a state championship in high school.

King was ruled out for the rest of the game near the end of the second quarter. The Aggies will now lean on Calzada to lead them to a victory against the Buffaloes.

A redshirt sophomore, Calzada is entering his third year with the program. He saw limited time against Kent State and finished 0-for-1 passing with an interception. He did not play in 2020.

The Sugar Hill, Georgia, native came to College Station as a rather unheralded recruit.

King and Calzada were entrenched in a quarterback battle during the offseason. King won the starting job with a week to go before the season opener.

He was tasked with replacing Kellen Mond, who started multiple years for A&M. Mond’s senior season culminated in a 9-1 finish that included a victory in the Orange Bowl against North Carolina.

Despite the loss of Mond, many expected the No. 5 Aggies to once again compete for a College Football Playoff appearance. The defense, which was one of the best units in the country a year ago, returned nine starters.

The Aggies also have dangerous playmaker Ainias Smith and bruising running back Isaiah Spiller. Once he recovers from his injury, Haynes King has the potential to lead the Aggies to another special season.