Texas A&M’s 2023 college football season will be defined by the play of at offensive line, new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s effect on the offense, and success at the quarterback position.
While the O-line is looking to stay healthy and refine their technique while gaining consistency in the trenches, the quarterback battle, as head coach Jimbo Fisher at least tells us it is an ongoing competition, is between senior veteran southpaw Max Johnson, and blue-chip sophomore talent, Conner Weigman.
As Weigman is considered the frontrunner going into the fall, the sophomore gained significant experience in the latter half of the 2022 season after four starts while throwing for 896 yards for eight touchdowns and 0 interceptions; Weigman’s 55.3% might stand out as the most impressive stat. On Monday, Weigman sat down with TexAgs’ Billy Liucci to discuss various topics related to the upcoming 2023 campaign while talking up his elite starting receiving core in the process.
During the dreadful 5-7 2022 season, one of the primary issues many believed was plaguing the roster’s ability to break through as their losing streak continued to build. However, Weigman’s update concerning teams’ newly formed chemistry is just one of the building blocks towards finally accomplishing their goals.
“The chemistry that we built after the season last year is impressive. Going through the spring, we did a lot of team stuff, having people over at the house and getting to know people a lot more than what we were doing beforehand. It has been really good to see the camaraderie of the team come together, and it’s showing up on the field during the spring and in practices.”
Asked about the lack of preseason respect Weigman has received by several quarterback ranking metrics, especially ranking the 14 starters in the SEC, his response embodied every bit of confidence you could hope to see as an Aggie fan.
“It’s noted, and it’s in the camera roll that I’m not mentioned among the SEC’s best quarterbacks. It is what it is. I can’t control it except to put in work and prove everybody wrong. I’m just controlling what I can control. Whatever else happens, it is what it is.”
Lastly, outside of the obvious return of senior wideout Ainias Smith, Weigman’s close relationship with Aggie wide receivers Evan Stewart and Noah Thomas speaks volumes of how productive this unit can be this season, simply stating, “We got dudes at receiver.” But, first, it’s all about Stewart, who’s as instinctual and explosive as they come.
“Evan Stewart is a smart guy. He knows what’s going on. He knows the coverages. He knows where to sit and when not to sit. For us, we probably weren’t on the same page as much as we needed to be last year. To be able to have open communication with him and all the receivers has been huge and really helpful. Everyone understands what needs to get done to have a successful year.”
Noah Thomas, who, for various reasons, rarely saw the field in 2022, Was named offensive MVP during the spring football season, while head coach Jimbo Fisher has praised Thomas’s incredible progress, using every bit of his 6-6 frame and vertical speed to his advantage in the spring.
“Noah Thomas is a dude. He brings everything to the table. Speed. He catches everything in his vicinity. He can go up and get it. He can run good routes. He can line up inside and outside. Whatever you ask of him, he can do it.”
The success equation on offense is simple; If the blocking is efficient, and the playcalling yields results, Conner Weigman is far too talented and equipped with the best starting wide receiver group in the country not to aid in what is hopefully a 360-degree turnaround season.
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