How Texas A&M QB Max Johnson is Proving Aggies Won't Be Set Back
No Weigman, no problem is really just a saying for the Texas A&M Aggies.
After losing their starting quarterback midway through last week's showdown against Auburn, it'd be a disservice to his impact to say that all things were "smooth sailing" following his departure. Conner Weigman, in just 251 career attempts, has proven himself incredibly skilled and talented.
Not only has he thrown for 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions, Weigman's passer rating, completion percentage and efficiency have all increased. His ceiling sits atop the SEC's best quarterbacks and his impact is imperative to the Aggies' success.
But so is Max Johnson's. The senior — since being named QB2 by coach Jimbo Fisher prior to the Aggies' season kickoff — has been overlooked and overshadowed at times by Weigman, but after Saturday's convincing victory over Arkansas, that can no longer be the case.
In fact, Johnson is proving that Texas A&M will not be taking any steps back with him as the starter — not at all.
Sep 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) checks the time clock during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium.
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
During the Aggies' 34-22 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks, Johnson threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns on 17-28 passing. It wasn't a perfect outing, as the senior lost a fumble and threw a pick-six in the process, but Johnson got the job done.
And on top of that, he also held himself accountable for the in-game mistakes.
"I should have held the ball in my left hand honestly," Johnson said postgame. "So, no excuse for that. I think just a helmet hit it. It's all good."
Johnson was thrown into the QB1 position rather quickly, especially after taking over for Weigman in the middle of the Aggies' rout of Auburn, but despite the unplanned responsibility, Johnson has remained poised.
"It's good knowing that I'm going to be in there and starting it off," he said. "But I've always prepared the same way, whether I was in or not. We had a great week of preparation this week."
And if the Aggies were worried about any kind of reservations between their injured starter and new starter, the pair has seemingly remained close and supportive.
"[Conner] has been in all our meetings," Johnson said. "He's been at practice every day. It's been good to talk to him. But you know, I'm praying for him. I told him I was praying for him. I hope he heals up quick."
So, Johnson has his based covered on the field and off of it. He has veteran experience, which has put him in a prime leadership position, as well as the skill to back it up in-game. With him, the Aggies won't be taking any steps back — which also has to do with the other weapons populating both sides of the ball.
As the Aggies look ahead to back-to-back matchups against Alabama and Tennessee, they'll need to be in top form in order to remain in contention for the SEC West, and just as Texas A&M's other weapons will be doing their part, so will Johnson.
He's the Aggies' new QB1, and he's here to show it.
"I think our guys are going to be excited going into next week's practice," Johnson said. "And we're going to clean up [our] mistakes. ... We're looking forward to having another good week this upcoming week."
Max Johnson and the Texas A&M Aggies will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide at home next Saturday, with a chance to improve to 3-0 in SEC play. Kickoff from Kyle Field is set for 2:30 p.m. CST.
