Maroon & White Game to offer glimpse of what's to come in Aggieland
Spring is a time for new beginnings and growth.
It’s when planted seeds bloom and give indications of what they could become.
Texas A&M certainly planted the seeds of football grandeur last December and February with the highest-rated recruiting class in history.
On Saturday, Aggie fans get their first chance to see some of those prospects start to bloom into what they may become in the annual Maroon & White spring football game.
The game begins at 1 p.m. CT at Kyle Field.
Though most of the celebrated class has yet to arrive, A&M fans figure to get a first look at several prospects like quarterback Conner Weigman, receiver Evan Stewart, tight end Jake Johnson and defensive lineman Anthony Lucas, among others.
Those newcomers join a deep group of veterans that will see their first game-like action since ending the 2021 season in a loss at LSU.
Surely, fans hope to see Weigman throw accurate passes, Johnson and Stewart make dazzling catches and Lucas wreaking havoc.
However, head coach Jimbo Fisher will be satisfied if he sees his team organized and competitive.
“Can they go out there and keep their poise?” Fisher said. “Get the play call? Get the check? Get the alignment? Get the assignment? Understand the technique? Not have pre-snap penalties? Function within the organization within the offensive or defensive call that was made? And then perform.”
Redshirt freshman tackle Trey Zuhn is one of the players who has been performing extremely well in spring drills.
While the offensive line is a point of concern, Zuhn has shown signs that he can stabilize a tackle spot.
“I think Trey Zuhn is having a heck of a spring,” Fisher said. “Trey would have had a chance to help us last year a little bit, but he had that knee injury, unfortunately, when he was training in the offseason. A freak thing.
“He’s been excellent. He’s really developed.”
There will be intrigue to see how other players have developed and how position battles are going.
No position battles — especially the three-way quarterback competition between Haynes King, Max Johnson and Weigman — will be decided by the spring game.
Most — if not all — competitions will extend well into August camp.
The spring game does provide some valuable playing experience, though.
It serves other purposes, too.
“It’s great for the family and fans to come here and really enjoy it,” Fisher said. “And not have the stress of whether you win or lose.”