Tag: Texas A&M 2023 Fall Practice

Texas A&M’s QB competition between Conner Weigman and Max Johnson has yet to reach a verdict

According to Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M’s QB competition between Conner Weigman and Max Johnson is still ongoing less than two weeks before the season opener.

The most interesting negative effect Texas A&M’s ugly 5-7 (2-6 SEC) 2022 football season has bestowed upon the fan base unsurprisingly has to do with the underwhelming play at the quarterback position, leading to the current fall camp battle between former five-star sophomore Conner Weigman and veteran southpaw Max Johnson, who both saw playing time during opposite ends of the 2022 campaign.

On Monday, before the Aggies’ 17th practice, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher spoke to the media in his usual positive manner and expanded on the team’s performance during Saturday’s second official scrimmage while highlighting the handful of true freshmen such as offensive lineman Chase Bisontis and linebacker Taurean York who continue to impress and perform beyond their respective years.

Also, touching on the deep and talented running back room, Fisher knew he wasn’t leaving the podium without answering at least one question regarding the ongoing quarterback competition, which, according to the head decision maker, remains a battle without an answer less than two weeks before the Aggies Sept. 2 season opener vs. New Mexico.

“It’s still going. We haven’t announced anything ue. I’m pleased with both guys.”

In five games last season, Conner Weigman showed enough on tape from an ability standpoint as the front-runner in 2023 after throwing for an impressive eight touchdowns and zero interceptions while helping engineer A&M’s season finale 38-24 win against the then 5th-ranked LSU Tigers.

Max Johnson’s season what unfortunately cut short due to a season-ending hand injury in the road loss to Mississippi State, but he did memorably lead the Aggies to consecutive Top 25 wins over Miami and Arkansas, showing a veteran presence in the pocket. At the same time, his tough demeanor kept the team emotionally stable.

Even though both players are undoubtedly capable of leading Texas A&M toward consistent success on the field, Weigman’s higher ceiling as a player, coupled with his notable quick release and duel-threat ability, plays a large hand in just how far new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino can take the offense with an athlete like Weigman at the helm.

Johnson’s vast experience, football lineage, and competitive nature have kept him in the thick of things as we head toward an eventual decision, but also keep in mind the relationship Weigman has built with a bulk of the starting wide receiver core, specifically Evan Stewart, Moose Muhammad III, and Noah Thomas, which has continued to develop throughout the month.

As the clock winds down before the 2023 season opener, the quarterback dilemma seems clearer to this writer, at least; Conner Weigman is the guy.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Breaking: Texas A&M tight end Donovan Green will reportedly miss the 2023 season with a torn ACL

It has been reported that Texas A&M tight end Donovan Green will miss the 2023 season due to a torn ACL during Saturday’s scrimmage.

It has been reported by GigEm247 Aggies beat writer Carter Karels that Texas A&M sophomore tight end Donovan Green reportedly tore his ACL (in his knee) during the Aggie’s closed scrimmage on Saturday afternoon, as the news broke late Sunday evening.

Green, who stands at 6-4 and 245 pounds, was set to enter his second full season with the program after recording 22 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns during the 2022 season while appearing in 10 games with four starts. This is obviously a tough break for one of the ascending players on the roster, who has already developed an impressive rapport with assumed starting quarterback Conner Weigman.

Looking ahead, the Aggies are relatively equipped to endure such an injury due to their overwhelming depth at the position, starting with senior Max Wright and ending with sophomore Jake Johnson, redshirt freshman Theo Melin Öhrström, and redshirt sophomore Fernando Garza III.

Donovan Green was ranked as the 5th tight end in the 2022 recruiting class, while Jake Johnson, who was the 3rd-ranked tight end prospect, will now presumably take center stage as the go-to pass catcher at the position outside of what Wright can produce outside of his blocking duties.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Donovan!

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Highlights from Texas A&M Football’s ninth practice in the new Coolidge Football Performance Center

Here are the highlights from Texas A&M’s ninth football practice inside the the Aggies’ new Coolidge Football Performance Center

I hope you don’t get tired of us reminding you that Texas A&M’s 2023 football season is now just a mere three weeks away, and as the Aggie’s ninth fall practice took place on Friday afternoon inside the new Coolidge Football Performance Center in the Graham athletic center, which is quite the beauty.

While the all-encompassing quarterback battle between sophomore Conner Weigman and senior southpaw Max Johnson has yet to conclude, both talented signal-callers continued showing off their skill sets while tossing passes to the Aggies’ talented receiving core members. At the same time, Weigman’s natural connection with star wideout Evan Stewart is a sign that the duo’s momentum from the latter half of the 2022 campaign hasn’t declined in the slightest.

The defense went through their regular drills while the linebacker core, as TexAgs recruiting analyst David Sandhop points out, looked much deeper than many of us assumed they’d before the important addition of former Jackson State LB Jurriente Davis earlier this year.

Like most teams this fall, the Aggies are currently dealing with a few bumps and bruises across the roster, though nothing significant is worth mentioning at this moment. Overall, the team has continued to progress on both sides of the ball, and with more practices to go, various position-based questions will soon be answered.

Here are the best highlights from Texas A&M’s ninth fall practice.

Texas A&M Fall Practice Surprise: Freshman CB Jayvon Thomas is competing for a starting spot

In a surprising turn of events, freshman cornerback Jayvon Thomas is reportedly competing for starting spot on defense.

Texas A&M’s 2023 football season is less than a month away. Amid fall practice this week, whispers regarding the starting cornerback competition have come full circle after the Aggies open scrimmage on Sunday afternoon.

Junior cornerback Tyreek Chappell remains the only returning starter from last season as both Jaylon Jones, Antonio Johnson, and Myles Jones have departed, North Carolina transfer Tony Grimes and Florida State transfer Sam McCall and Boston College transfer Josh DeBerry enter the program with proven experience, yet the play of freshman cornerback Jayvon Thomas that has reportedly stood out at a consistent rate.

As we say in the industry, the “drum beat” has continued for Thomas, as GigEm247 beat writer Carter Karels notes that the former four-star prospect split first-team reps with Josh DeBerry during Sunday’s open practice. He looks every bit the part from an athleticism point of view.

Monday’s sixth and final practice of fall camp will hopefully answer more questions regarding several position competitions, but outside of the quarterback battle between Conner Weigman and Max Johnson, Jayvon Thomas’s ascendence in the secondary is something none of us saw coming (except for Carter, of course).

According to 247Sports, Thomas, who starred at South Oak Cliff (TX), was positioned as the 15th-ranked cornerback in the 2023 class and the 29th-ranked player in Texas, helping lead his squad to a second consecutive Football State Championship in 2022.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Everything Noah Thomas and Bryce Anderson had to say during Texas A&M’s Fall practice Media Day

Here is everything Noah Thomas and Bryce Anderson had to say during their Q&A portion of Texas A&M’s Fall Practice Media Day.

Texas A&M’s first and only open practice during fall practice is slated for Sunday afternoon inside Kyle Field, as both the public and the media will have the opportunity to preview what’s to come ahead of A&M’s season opener vs. New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Before the open practice, the Aggies held their annual Media Day, as every media member in attendance posed questions to every coach and player available to take the podium were Assistant Head Coach Elijah Robinson, Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin, Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino, and players Max Johnson, Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas, and Bryce Anderson. Of course, media day wouldn’t be complete without the Aggies’ leader at the helm, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.

Representing the wide receivers, Spring MVP Noah Thomas is entering his sophomore season with high exceptions after a mostly absent 2022 campaign; the 6-5 sprinter possesses every trait needed to succeed in what should be a much-improved offense under new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, paired with an elite starting WR unit including Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Moose Muhammad III. Oh, and it looks like Thomas is very comfortable with both options at quarterback this season.

“For both of those guys, being on the field together and competing against each other is great because they get better every single day.”

Speaking for the defense, sophomore defensive back Bryce Anderson, one of the most versatile athletes in the country, will likely fill the void left by nickel corner Antonio Johnson, who the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. Possessing an elite blend of physicality and athleticism is already a proven run-stopper due to his notable closing speed after accumulating 28 total tackles (16 solo) with 1.0 forced fumble and two fumble recoveries last season. As a proven leader in the locker room, Anderson knows that the work the Aggies have put in this offseason will finally lead to positive results.

“We are going to prove everybody wrong. We have a standard set… We have to meet that standard everyday.”

Here are Noah Thomas and Bryce Anderson’s full press conference videos from Fall Camp Media Day 2023.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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‘I love my dad. He has done a great job of teaching me, not just how to throw the ball, but how to be a good quarterback.’ Max Johnson speaks during during Texas A&M’s Fall practice Media Day

Ahead of the Aggies open practice inside Kyle Field on Sunday, quarterback Max Johnson took a multitude of questions from the media.

Texas A&M’s first and only open practice during fall practice is slated for Sunday afternoon inside Kyle Field, as both the public and the media will have the opportunity to preview what’s to come ahead of the Aggie’s season opener vs. New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Before the open practice, the Aggies held their annual Media Day, as every media member in attendance posed questions to every coach and player available to take the podium were Assistant Head Coach Elijah Robinson, Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin, Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino, and players Max Johnson, Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas, and Bryce Anderson. Of course, media day wouldn’t be complete without the Aggies’ leader at the helm, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.

Fisher knows that actions speak louder than words, especially after coming off one of the worst seasons in program history during the Aggies’ 5-7 (2-6 SEC) finish amid high expectations, but after several potentially impactful moves this offseason led by the hiring of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, nothing short eight to nine wins is simply an option.

As we all know, the quarterback position is the straw that stirs the drink. As sophomore Conner Weigman continues to battle senior southpaw Max Johnson this fall, both options bring something to the table. However, Weigman’s impressive finish in 2022 (eight touchdowns, zero interceptions) likely holds a slight advantage before a decision is made.

Johnson led the Aggies to consecutive Top 25 victories over Miami and Arkansas before a season-ending hand injury hindered his progress, leading to Weigman’s rise in the depth chart.

Here are highlights and quotes from Max Johnson’s Q&A from Sunday afternoon.

‘What got me here is that they treated me like family… Everything in College Station was a different feel than anywhere else I was visiting.’ Conner Weigman speaks during Texas A&M’s Fall practice Media Day

Ahead of the Aggies open practice inside Kyle Field on Sunday, quarterback Conner Weigman took a multitude of questions from the media

Texas A&M’s first and only open practice during fall practice is slated for Sunday afternoon inside Kyle Field, as both the public and the media will have the opportunity to preview what’s to come ahead of the Aggie’s season opener vs. New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Before the open practice, the Aggies held their annual Media Day, as every media member in attendance posed questions to every coach and player available to take the podium were Assistant Head Coach Elijah Robinson, Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin, Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino, and players Max Johnson, Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas, and Bryce Anderson. Of course, media day wouldn’t be complete without the Aggies’ leader at the helm, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.

Fisher knows that actions speak louder than words, especially after coming off one of the worst seasons in program history during the Aggies’ 5-7 (2-6 SEC) finish amid high expectations, but after several potentially impactful moves this offseason led by the hiring of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, nothing short eight to nine wins is simply an option.

As we all know, the quarterback position is the straw that stirs the drink. As sophomore Conner Weigman continues to battle senior southpaw Max Johnson this fall, both options bring something to the table. However, Weigman’s impressive finish in 2022 (eight touchdowns, zero interceptions) likely holds a slight advantage before a decision is made.

Here are highlights and quotes from Conner Weigman’s Q&A from Sunday afternoon.

Texas A&M Football’s fall practice schedule starts on Aug. 2

Texas A&M’s 2023 football season is just 44 days away, and in 13 days, fall football practice begins for Jimbo Fisher’s talented squad.

Before you know it, the 2023 college football season will be here to take over your life in the best way possible. After the annual SEC Media Days week wrapped up on Thursday, actual football outside of the entertaining content “talkin’ season” provides is closer than ever.

For Texas A&M, Head Coach Jimbo’s trip to Nashville (TN) for Media Days was short and sweet, as his annual media availability wrapped up on Monday. After essentially providing crumbs and baseline information to those who fielded questions, Fisher and his team are all business ahead of their crucial 2023 campaign, knowing that nothing will change the minds of those who doubt their ability until wins are produced on the gridiron.

On Thursday afternoon, it was reported by The Eagles’ Travis Brown that the Aggies fall camp schedule will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 2, while players are due to report on Tuesday, Aug 1.

Headlined by Bobby Petrino’s arrival as the program’s new offensive coordinator, who is poised to bring an “explosive” element to the offense, Fisher’s cryptic comment regarding the Aggies’ quarterback position battle between sophomore Conner Weigman and senior southpaw Max Johnson created a new talking point heading into camp.

“They both had good springs. I’m very confident in both guys”

Many of us wondered if the impending fall competition was much closer than anticipated. Still, either way, a little competition at the most important position in the game never hurt anybody. Throughout camp, we’ll continue to provide any information nuggets we get our hands on. Still, until the season actually begins on Saturday, Sept. 2, against New Mexico, actual progress will remain on pause.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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