Weigman's natural mobility can set him apart further in return

There will be a revelry next week when quarterback Conner Weigman runs out on Kyle Field.

Expect even more revelry when Weigman runs around on Kyle Field.

Weigman’s mere presence after missing most of last season is reason enough for Aggies to rejoice.

His passing accuracy and willingness to throw deep are to be celebrated.

Yet, Weigman’s ability and willingness to run — and know when to run — may prove to be the difference between being good and great.

“I feel like I have a pretty good feel of the game,” Weigman said last week. “It just happens naturally. If coach calls a run play, for sure, I love to do that.

“But when the pocket breaks, when it’s man-to-man, the safeties split, the linebackers split, there’s a bunch of yards up the middle.

“It just depends on the game plan, the situation, the down and distance. There’s a lot that goes into it. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of what’s going on.”

Weigman’s mobility figures to be needed in the season opener. A&M’s offensive line is unproven. Notre Dame’s defensive line is said to be elite. The Irish figure to put pressure on Weigman.

But that can backfire.

A running quarterback is the greatest weapon in football.

He can elude the pass rush and scramble for big gains.

When the defense has good coverage, a running quarterback can scramble for first downs. A running quarterback can force a defensive back out of coverage to be utilized as a “spy.”

Mostly, a running quarterback can make great plays.

Indeed, when considering great plays by A&M quarterbacks, so many are runs.

There’s Stephen McGee’s 8-yard game-winning touchdown run against Texas in 2006.

There’s Johnny Manziel zig-zagging through Alabama’s defense and tight-roping the sideline for a touchdown against Oklahoma in 2012.

There’s Trevor Knight breaking off for a 62-yard touchdown run against Tennessee in 2016. There’s Ryan Tannehill going 65 yards against Oklahoma State in 2011.

There’s Kellen Mond racing 67 yards for a touchdown to ignite a come-from-behind victory over Oklahoma State in the 2019 Texas Bowl.

Weigman doesn’t necessarily have to make big plays like that. He just needs to keep drives going. He has already shown he can.

Case in point: In A&M’s 38-23 victory over LSU in 2022, Weigman, then a freshman, twice scrambled for first downs to extend scoring drives.

Zoe Kelton, TexAgs

In nine career games, Conner Weigman has rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns on 39 attempts.

He had a 9-yard run on third-and-7, which set up a field goal. Later, he picked up a first down on third-and-12 on the way to a touchdown.

Some would discourage Weigman from running for fear of injury. But remember, Weigman was in the pocket when he sustained a season-ending injury. Max Johnson was, too.

This isn’t a call for Weigman to lower his shoulder and take on linebackers. Rather, he should take the easy gains when available. Later, that’ll loosen coverage.

When the defense converges, receivers pop open downfield for big plays off schedule.

When defenders get too close, Weigman should just slide. He’s been a baseball star, so sliding won’t be a problem.

Really, the only problem would be whether the broken foot he suffered last year has compromised his running ability.

He said it hasn’t.

"I’m 100 percent ready to go,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming, and I can’t wait to be out there.”

Aggies will celebrate seeing him run out there. In both ways.