'It’s natural to him': No stopping Fisher when singing Weigman's praises
When Texas A&M football coach Jimbo Fisher talks about sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman, he just can’t stop.
Indeed, at his weekly press conference on Monday, Fisher couldn’t even take a short stop. But he was certainly glad to take one two years ago.
Weigman — part of A&M’s No. 1 rated 2022 recruiting class — was also a star shortstop in baseball.
Fisher said that baseball background has helped Weigman develop into one of the country’s best college passers. He ranks 10th in the nation with 909 passing yards through three games.
“Baseball players and quarterbacks have always related,” said Fisher, who raved about Weigman’s fast hands. “He’s in the pocket; here comes the rush. He can speed those hands up and get (the football) out and throw it early and put a little air under it.
“The footwork when you’re playing middle infield is like playing quarterback. You always have to have your feet under you. When you do have to bring the side-arm though, he’ll do that. Sometimes I get on him about that.”
Fisher hasn’t had much reason to get on Weigman, who is third among Southeastern Conference passers. On Saturday against Auburn, Weigman will be seeking his third consecutive 300-yard passing performance.
Kenny Hill in 2014 was the last A&M quarterback to pass for 300 yards in three consecutive games. Johnny Manziel did it in 2013 against Ole Miss, Auburn and Vanderbilt.
Manziel was on the Kyle Field sideline last Saturday to see Weigman pass for 337 yards in a 47-3 victory over Louisiana-Monroe.
Afterward, the 2012 Heisman Trophy recipient said he saw some of himself in Weigman.
“That was pretty cool,” Weigman said. “He came up to me on the sideline and just said keep doing what you’re doing. I just told him I’m trying to be like him out there.”
That’s a tall task. But like Manziel, football seems to come naturally to Weigman.
“Conner looks like he belongs playing quarterback,” Fisher said. “What I mean by that is he has such great skills, but he’s very comfortable. You see guys with great arms that can run and even still look awkward at times.
“The game makes sense to him. It’s natural to him. He’s competitive. He’s tough. He’s athletic. He can do all the things.
“But the processing of the things around him — the feel of the pocket, how he moves, how he naturally will slide and not panic, but then take off — there’s a naturalness to playing that position because you’re having to process so much information playing quarterback.”
There is a lot for Aggies to love about Weigman. Much more figures to be coming. He has only played in eight collegiate games and started just seven. Each week is an opportunity to learn.
“He’s got a lot of work to do,” Fisher said. “He’s got a lot of football to go. We’ve got an SEC schedule to go.
“But (I) love where he’s at. Love his demeanor. I also like his disposition. … It’s competitive. It’s natural. It’s learning. He doesn’t mind getting coached. He doesn’t mind getting coached hard. When he makes mistakes, he admits to them. He’s got the right DNA, so hopefully, we can keep doing the right things.”
Turning Shemar-velous
Fisher also heaped high praise on junior defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who has posted a sack in every game. He was also credited with a quarterback hurry against Louisiana Monroe and forced a fumble against Miami.
“There’s nobody on our football team that loves football more than Shemar Turner,” Fisher said. “That guy loves to play. He loves to practice. He loves to work out. He loves to run. He loves to do everything that’s associated with football. That doesn’t always happen.
“Plays with passion and energy in everything he does. He’s an inside guy. He’s an outside guy. He has versatility. And the intensity he brings on a daily basis. Every play in practice to him is like the national championship.”
Representing His People
Though offensive lineman Mark Nabou came to Texas A&M by way of Lynwood, Washington, his family is from the Pacific island nation of Fiji.
Nabou, who started the ULM game at center in place of Bryce Foster, is proud to represent his parent’s home country.
“Fiji doesn’t have a lot of athletes that play football,” he said. “Most Fijians play rugby. I don’t know how many Fijians play football. Being one of the Fijians that’s in the SEC, to represent my name and the culture… it means a lot to me.”
Nabou was born in Washington while his mother was in college. At two years old, he was sent back to Fiji to live with an uncle. He lived in Fiji for six or seven years before returning to Washington.
He said on his first day back in the USA, his mother sent him to a football camp. That’s when he began learning how to play.
Nabou didn’t spend much time on the beaches while in Fiji.
“I was cutting grass and feeding pigs,” he said. “I was a farm boy.”
He figured to fit well in Texas. In fact, he’s embraced some of the culture.
“I love Whataburger,” he said.
NOTES:
- Fisher gave no injury updates on six players who missed all or part of the victory over ULM. Foster, receiver Evan Stewart, cornerback Tyreek Chappell and safety Jardin Gilbert did not play at all. Receiver Noah Thomas and offensive tackle Chase Bisontis exited early. “Should be good, hopefully. We’ll find out this week. We’ll see as we go,” Fisher said.
- Kickoff for Texas A&M’s football game against Arkansas on Sept. 23 has been set for 11 a.m. The game is at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
