Everything Aggies Head coach Jimbo Fisher had to say during the first day of spring football practice
Spring football for the Texas A&M Aggies is finally here folks, and on Monday, we all received a small glimpse into how the 2023 roster might shake out after the 15 mandated practices are completed ahead of the April 15 Maroon and White Spring Game.
As fellow Aggies Wire writer Pete Hernandez mentioned in a separate article, Texas A&M is slated to bring back 19 out of 22 players who started in last year’s season finale victory against the then 5th-ranked LSU Tigers, while witnessing the ascendance of quarterback Conner Weigman, who will be entering his sophomore season as the presumed starting signal caller.
The biggest storyline going into spring has to be the offenses transition under newly minted offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and just how much control Fisher is willing to give up in a season that is essentially “make or break” for his long-term future with the program, while Petrino might be entering the final chapter of his coaching career if things don’t go as planned.
This afternoon, Jimbo Fisher sat down with the local Aggie media to discuss the roster, look towards the spring game, player development, and of course, who will be calling plays during the 2023 season. Here is everything he had to say, word for word. Enjoy!
Jimbo Fisher's opening statement
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“Very excited to get back into practice. It’s great to get back into ball… Spring is always a great time. It’s about fundamentals.”
Jimbo Fisher on the current state of the roster
Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&M Aggies are a disappointing 3-7 in 2022.
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“Guys seem to be energetic. Things have gone well so far. We have to execute and create great habits to allow us to play well.”
Jimbo Fisher on the injury status of a number of key players
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Jimbo Fisher states that Hunter Erb, Bryce Foster (injury and track), Matthew Wykoff, Trey Zuhn, Max Wright and Jaden Platt will miss spring practice. Deuce Harmon is out to begin spring practice but could return near the end.
Jimbo Fisher on needing to master basic execution
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“The only way you take steps forward is execution.”
Jimbo Fisher states that every position, even quarterback, is open for competition
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher talks with his team from the sideline as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Texas A&M Aggies 13-10.
“That’s what spring is about. Nobody has anything. You have to prove yourself each and every day.”
“It’s about one thing: Competition.”
Jimbo Fisher on the status of UTEP transfer WR Tyrin Smith
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Jimbo Fisher states that transfer WR Tyrin Smith is considering whether or not he will stay at Texas A&M or “go back” to UTEP. Smith will miss some or all of spring practice as a result.
Jimbo Fisher on how hiring Bobby Petrino came to fruition
Missouri State Bears Head Coach Bobby Petrino lead the Bears as they took on the Arkansas Razorback at Arkansas on Saturday, September 17, 2022.
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Jimbo Fisher states that he never made a decision on bringing Bobby Petrino to Texas A&M until after he left Missouri State for UNLV.
Jimbo Fisher proving it on the field despite being a veteran member of the roster
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“Experience is one thing, but you have to go prove it every day… It goes back to what you do each and every year.”
“Understand that what you’ve done in the past means nothing for what you do today.”
Jimbo Fisher on the importance of availability and accountability
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“Availability and accountability. Those are the two biggest abilities that you’ve got.”
“If you’re not available and accountable, the rest of it doesn’t matter.”
Jimbo Fisher on the new coaching additions to the staff this season
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“Those guys, I think they’ll do a great job on our staff.”
Other than Petrino, Fisher added Marquel Blackwell to coach running backs and Bryant Gross-Armiento to coach the secondary.
Jimbo Fisher on retaining Offensive line coach, Steve Addazio
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“I think he’s a very good coach. He’s a very productive coach. He’s done it for a long time, and I think he’ll do a good job.”
Jimbo Fisher on just who will call plays during the 2023 season; Jimbo, or Bobby?
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
“We’ll go through that as we go. I plan on him making calls. I plan on him calling plays. I don’t have a problem with that at all.”
Jimbo Fisher on the state of NIL and Texas A&M
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
We don’t worry about it, and a lot of (our players) don’t worry about it.”
“That’s why Ainias (Smith) has been as productive as he has. When you keep the main thing the main thing, it’s incredible how successful you can be.”
Jimbo Fisher on how football has changed and progressed in the last few seasons
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“Football has probably changed as much for a head coach in the last two or three years than it has in a long, long time.”
