COLLEGE STATION, Texas — There’s reason for optimism for Texas A&M football with its 2024 season approaching.
New coach Mike Elko is one of college football’s more respected defensive coaches. After performing a miracle during his two-year stint at Duke, he is expected to produce in Year One with Aggies talent.
One major reason for Aggies hope is starting quarterback Conner Weigman, who was performing well through three games. He completed nearly 70% of passes for 979 yards and eight touchdowns before a season ending foot injury.
Expectations for Weigman
Perception at A&M is Weigman had the ability to be one of the best players in the country last season, according to TexAgs’ Billy Liucci.
“If Conner was healthy last year, I believe we’d be talking about him along with the rest of the country as a First Team All-SEC candidate at quarterback,” Liucci said. “Had he been healthy all year last year, I think the whole country is saying ‘A&M, led by All-SEC quarterback, All American candidate, top-ten Heisman list guy Conner Weigman.”
“I think that’s how people would’ve been talking about him because that’s how I think his season would have gone. Conner Weigman is such a gamer too, he’s just got that dog in him where his energy level, his focus, his competitive drive all goes up. This is a dude who hates to lose and he wants to walk off the field with everyone knowing that he was the best one out there that day.“
One big reason for his growth as a passer during 2023 was Bobby Petrino training him. The known quarterback whisperer has a way with quarterbacks not many can duplicate. Now, new offensive coordinator Colin Klein replaces Petrino but also plays to what his quarterbacks do well.
QB Friendly Offense
Klein is multiple offensively similar to how Petrino ran things. He has a pro-style approach predicated on establishing the run game. The offense isn’t close to what Bill Snyder ran while Klein was his quarterback, however, he adapts to the type of quarterback is available.
His diverse offense opens up running lanes with defenses spread out. In return, that helps with tempo in the passing game as Weigman can dictate pace of play whether that be in RPO sets or play action designs.
Weigman signed with Texas A&M football as a member of its highly regarded 2022 recruiting class which ranked No. 1 in the country. He was one of eight 5-star signees, No. 22 prospect in the nation, No. 3 quarterback and No. 4 player in Texas.
SEC FEED:
• ESPN Analyst Picks Auburn as Surprise Team in SEC
• 5-Star Safety, Tri-Sport Athlete Makes College Decision
• Which SEC Team Could Face Same Fate as Florida State?
• SEC Football: Will There be Surprise Team During Conference Play This Season?
