Conner Weigman could be one of the top QBs in college football this season
Everyone knows that quarterback is the most important position on the field. During the first three seasons of Jimbo Fisher’s tenure, Kellen Mond missed just one snap due to an injury. In the three seasons since his departure, inconsistent play and injuries have plagued the Aggies at the all-important position as SIX different QBs have logged meaningful reps during that timespan.
However, if Texas A&M is able to buck that trend and keep Conner Weigman healthy all season, it could be a special season for the Aggies.
Who did we lose?
- Max Johnson: The southpaw was called upon to start at some point in each of the last two seasons after initially losing the battle for the starting job. Johnson performed admirably in some poor situations during his time in Aggieland and was valuable as a backup. He transferred to North Carolina in the offseason where he is currently battling for a starting job.
Who do we bring back?
- Conner Weigman: Weigman started at QB for the Aggies a season ago before being lost for the season with an ankle injury in week four. Through three and a half games in 2023, he posted a 87.2 QBR that would have ranked 5th in the country last season. Weigman is back at full strength and could set the world on fire under new OC Collin Klein.
- Jaylen Henderson: The Fresno State transfer started the last four games of the season for A&M after Max Johnson went down with an injury. Henderson was injured himself on the first play of the Texas Bowl, but showed well in his other three starts, putting up 704 passing yards and 6 TDs, while adding 104 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. He will provide valuable depth in the QB room this season.
- Marcel Reed: A true freshman at the time, Reed was inserted into the Texas Bowl on the second play of the game after the aforementioned Henderson went down. He responded by putting up 390 yards of total offense against the Oklahoma State Cowboys and came just short of willing the Ags to victory. Reed, while slight of frame, has an incredible arm and plus athleticism. He could be the first QB off the bench if something were to happen to Weigman.
What other names should we know?
- Miles O’Neill: The 6’5 220lb true freshman from New Jersey probably has the most gifted arm of any quarterback on campus. However, with three experienced options ahead of him, O’Neill is a good bet to redshirt this season.
Overall Grade: A
The sample size on Weigman is limited, but the flashes are undeniable. So much so that you are seeing respected draft analysts like ESPN’s Matt Miller projecting him in the first round of next year’s draft. PFF’s Trevor Sikkema thinks Weigman could even be the first quarterback selected. In an offense that will play to his strengths, it’s not hard to picture Weigman having a truly breakout year and ascending to the top of college football.
Behind Conner is where the grade of an A is truly determined. Both Reed and Henderson showed last season that they can put up numbers and move the offense down the field if needed. Experienced depth at QB is crucial and very few teams have guys on their bench that can operate their offense with minimal drop-off (just look at how Florida State fared last year when Jordan Travis went down).
Check out our other position previews to get you prepped for the 2024 season:
- Special Teams
- Safeties
- Cornerbacks
- Linebackers
- Defensive Ends
- Defensive Tackles
- Running Backs
- Tight Ends
- Offensive Tackles
- Interior Offensive Line
- Wide Receivers