'Tough Kid': Mike Elko Gives Injury Update on Texas A&M Aggies QB Conner Weigman

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman is working his way back to full strength during spring drills , according to first-year coach Mike Elko

COLLEGE STATION -- Even after a change among the coaching staff, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko believed that sophomore Conner Weigman earned the right to enter spring football as the starting quarterback.

That doesn't mean when Notre Dame arrives that the former five-star product will call the shots. Retaining the starting job through spring drills is a privilege, and Elko has been pleased with the growth of Jaylen Henderson and Marcel Reed, who saw action down the stretch of a 7-6 season under the previous regime.

“They bring something different to the table,” Elko said Wednesday at his weekly press conference. “Jaylen Henderson is getting a little bit more and more comfortable functioning within the system, and he’s obviously extremely athletic. He does have the ability to throw the football well, it’s just seeing the game and kind of getting the game to slow down for him a little bit so he can be a little bit more consistent.”

Weigman, who was sidelined with a season-ending foot injury following a Week 4 win over Auburn, is still working his way back. Elko admitted that the Cypress native isn't fully healthy, and likely won't be for the annual Maroon and White next week at Kyle Field, but at least he's in practice learning the new elements to offensive coordinator Collin Klein.

“He’s still recovering … but he’s able to go (in practice)," Elko said. "He’s a tough kid and it’s a testament to him that he understands how important it is to get these reps.”

Weigman's physical toughness has earned the respect of his new coach. The same goes with his new play-caller, who once guided Kansas State to a Big 12 championship while also being named a Heisman finalist. Should Weigman pick back up where he left off, the Aggies could have their first Heisman finalist since Johnny Manziel bested Klein for the title in 2012.

Before spring practice began, A&M's medical staff gave Weigman the green light to practice, but to ease his way back to full speed. So far, he's obliged, avoiding contact while making sure to pull up when the body becomes tender.

The attitude of Weigman has trickled down to the rest of the roster, though they are leaving it all out on the practice field during the 15 allotted periods.

“That’s a mindset I’ve been very happy with our kids this spring, that we have guys out there who are nicked up, and understand how important it is to go on the practice field and practice, and so that’s good, and Conner is doing that," said Elko.

Weigman, who threw for 979 yards and nine touchdowns last season, is on track to start against the Irish in A&M's season-opener on Aug. 31. For now, he's also expected to start after back-to-back promising campaigns in a limited capacity.

If regression sets in, Elko is confident that both Henderson and Reed will have an understanding of the offense to compete for QB1. Henderson impressed in the final three regular-season games, throwing for 715 yards and six TDs while tacking on two more with his legs. He led A&M to a 51-10 home win over Mississippi State in Week 11, which also became Fisher’s final game with the program after five-plus seasons.

Reed replaced Henderson in the Texas Bowl loss to Oklahoma State after the latter suffered an upper-body injury on the opening play. The four-star product from Nashville kept things interesting, going 20 of 33 for 361 yards and an interception while rushing for 29 yards and a score.

“You kind of saw in the bowl game he has really, really high potential, and it’s very similar (to Henderson) in that can we get it to be out there every single play,” Elko said. “With a few less peaks and valleys and a little bit more consistent execution and operation is kind of what we need from him.”

Until further notice, Weigman remains the starter. Of course, Elko is looking to win in his first game as the Aggies' head honcho and not just the defensive coordinator, meaning the best passer in fall camp will be breaking the huddle.

“Conner knows there’s a level of play he needs to reach in order to continue to be No. 1, and be No. 1 when we play Notre Dame," said Elko.