Eyes will be fixated on Texas A&M's quarterbacks during spring game

Come Saturday, thousands of Aggie eyes will focus on the quarterbacks during Texas A&M’s spring football game.

Footwork will be scrutinized. Passes will be analyzed. Mistakes might be rationalized. Completions will be sensationalized.

Hopefully, either Conner Weigman or Max Johnson — who are competing for the starting quarterback job — can leave those in attendance at Kyle Field tantalized.

Quarterback play is vital for the future of Texas A&M football.

It’s just as important, if not more, for the reputation of coach Jimbo Fisher.

Not so long ago, Fisher was frequently referred to as a “quarterback whisperer.”

Of late, more whispers question whether Fisher can still recruit and develop elite quarterbacks.

To be fair, Fisher did an admirable job developing Kellen Mond into a quarterback taken in the third round of the NFL Draft. But Mond was inherited from the previous coaching regime.

Other than Weigman, who came to A&M as a five-star prospect, and Johnson, who transferred from LSU, Fisher has brought in four quarterbacks to A&M.

None remain on the roster. All struggled.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Weigman completed 67 percent of his passes for 155 yards in the Aggies’ 38-23 win over LSU in the regular-season finale.

James Foster transferred to Charlotte, where he passed for 534 yards and three touchdowns over the last two seasons combined.

Eli Stowers transferred to New Mexico State. Zach Calzada is now at Incarnate Word. Haynes King moved on to Georgia Tech.

That’s 0-for-4 at the most important position in football.

A&M needs to find a quarterback that can lead the way to 5-0. That would mean victories over Miami, Arkansas and Auburn and set up a huge clash with Alabama on Oct. 7.

Aggie eyes will watch intently for signs that either quarterback can get A&M there.

Last year, Weigman showed flashes of brilliance as a true freshman.

He made two excellent throws for touchdowns in a season-closing victory over LSU. He threw four touchdown passes in a close loss to Ole Miss. He rushed for 97 net yards in four starts last season.

That rushing total doesn’t seem like much, but it’s more than any other A&M quarterback managed the last two seasons.

Meanwhile, Johnson started in A&M victories over Miami and Arkansas last season. He also passed for 2,814 yards and 27 touchdowns at LSU in 2021.

They represent hope at a position where A&M has not seen elite play since Johnny Manziel’s departure in 2013.

Elite-level quarterback play may depend on Weigman’s development. He clearly showed promise as a true freshman but must take the next step to consistency. And then a giant step toward greatness.

From this point of view, Weigman has a higher ceiling and more star potential.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Johnson assumed the starting role early in the season until a hand injury at Mississippi State cost him the final seven games of 2022.

But Johnson has proven he can be an effective starter against venomous SEC defenses.

Maybe Johnson has raised his game in spring. Perhaps Weigman has already made impressive strides.

Maybe offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino is renovating the offense into a high-energy, prolific unit that will dramatically change A&M’s trajectory.

We can only hope.

Remember, had the Aggies managed just one more touchdown per game last season, they would have finished 10-2 rather than 5-7. Any offensive progress could make the Aggies significantly better.

Of course, A&M’s offensive line must improve. An adequate replacement for departed All-SEC running back Devon Achane must be found. The group of receivers, which could be as good as any in the SEC, must be as productive as anticipated.

Mainly, though, a star quarterback must emerge.

Therefore, Aggies will intently watch the spring game for indications that one of the quarterbacks will be special.

That likely will be a requirement for A&M’s 2023 season to be special.