Fisher 'pleased' with progress of QBs, not ready to announce starter

The long competition for the Texas A&M starting quarterback role apparently will go longer.

Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher on Monday was not ready to announce whether Conner Weigman or Max Johnson will be the starting quarterback.

“It’s still going on. We haven’t announced anything yet,” Fisher said.

Although SEC members Florida (Graham Mertz), Georgia (Carson Beck) and Auburn (Payton Thorne) named starting quarterbacks this week, Fisher’s hesitance to name isn’t out of character.

Last year he named Haynes King the starter on Aug. 27. In 2021, he announced King would start on Aug. 25. In 2018, Fisher named Kellen Mond the starter on Aug. 27.

A starter must be announced soon. The Aggies open the season on Sept. 2 against New Mexico at Kyle Field.

Fisher may already have decided on a starter, but just doesn’t want to announce it yet.

However, he did say both Weigman and Johnson played well on Saturday in A&M’s final scrimmage.

“Very pleased with both guys,” Fisher said. “Both guys had really good moments on the day. Made big plays. Made consistent plays. Executed on third down. Made plays in the red zone. Made plays in two minutes and also coming off the goal line.

“How comfortable do you feel? What you put on their back when you’re backed up and things like that. I was very pleased.”

Weigman reportedly threw six touchdown passes in the scrimmage.

Fisher said a contributing factor for the quarterbacks’ positive showing was the experience and performance of the rest of the offense. He praised receivers Evan Stewart, Noah Thomas, Moose Muhammad and Ainias Smith as well as tight ends Jake Johnson and Theo Melin Öhrström.

He also complimented the play of the offensive linemen.

“We’re getting the protection,” Fisher said. “We’re getting time in the pocket. We’re protecting. We’re having a consistent group up front with communication allowing the quarterbacks to function. That’s a big part of it, too. I was pleased with that. I’m pleased with our offense line development.

“Now you’re settling in and playing with consistency. To play with consistency, everybody has to do their job. It’s not just one guy.”

Although last week tight end Donovan Green was lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Aggies have otherwise gotten through August camp relatively unscathed.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Combining for 11 TDs last season, Conner Weigman and Max Johnson continue to battle for starting QB.

Fisher said that was also a contributing factor for the quarterbacks’ progress.

“The youth, the injuries, the things we battled a year ago — knock on wood — right now we’re not battling,” he said.” We’re more experience. We’re healthy. We’re knowing what to do. We’re playing better. We’re playing faster. We’re playing more physical. That’s allowing us to function at a better level.

“When you play quarterback and everybody is where they’re supposed to be and doing what they’re supposed to do and working to get open, it becomes fun. It’s fun back there to get that ball in your hand and throw it.”

Injury Updates

Offensive tackle Reuben Fatheree II returned to practice after missing time with an injury. Center Bryce Foster is expected back soon.

“(Fatheree) is getting back into practice,” Fisher said. “He scrimmaged Saturday and had some really good things happen. Keeps getting better and better.

“Bryce should be ready to go this week. Should be ready to roll."

Position Battles

Even with the start of the season just 12 days away, Fisher indicated many other positions besides quarterback remain undecided.