Everything Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher had to say at 2023 SEC media days
2023 SEC media days are officially underway, and there was no shortage of Texas A&M representation on day one of the festivities.
Student-athletes Ainias Smith, McKinnley Jackson, and Fadil Diggs were among those in attendance at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Of course, they were joined by Aggie football head coach Jimbo Fisher, and with the Maroon and White entering a pivotal 2023 season following their 5-7 (2-6 SEC) campaign a year ago, there was no shortage of questions heading Fisher’s way Monday afternoon.
From the team’s mindset heading into the fall season with a clean slate to the renewed rivalry with Texas once they join the SEC, there was plenty that Fisher had to say to both the media and on the main stage podium. Oh, and how could we forget the most predominant topic on everyone’s mind: whether it would be Fisher or newly anointed offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino calling the plays this season?
Spoiler alert: Fisher gave a classic answer when the question was thrown his way.
In addition to the aforementioned topics, Fisher was quick to pay tribute to the late great Aggie Terry Price, while also shedding light on the work the team has put in both on the gridiron, in the classroom, and within the team’s recent recruiting efforts.
Here is everything Jimbo Fisher had to say both to the media and at the main stage podium during the 2023 SEC media days:
On the team's biggest key for 2023
“We have to win up front. We have to give the quarterback space to throw the football. I think we have a really good group up front.”
On how the depth this year stacks up to last year's roster
“We have almost our whole two-deep back in everything we did… We didn’t lose much production or depth.”
On whether he considers A&M to be under the radar this season
“You’re never under the radar in the SEC.”
Fisher began his time at the main podium by honoring Terry Price
“I want to speak about a loss in our program. A coach named Terry Price… We lost a great Aggie, but more importantly, we lost a great person. One of the best human beings I have ever been around.”
Fisher highlighted the work the players have put in on the field and in the classroom
“We had the highest GPA that we have ever had this past semester.”
The best recruiters for Texas A&M? None other than the players themselves
“Our players are our best recruiters. When we walk out of the room, the players will tell them what it is.”
On how he views the added pressure this season
“Coaches live in pressure every day. There is no added pressure. Does worrying make you better? No. You understand what team you have now.”
Fisher provided his thoughts on the renewed Lone Star Showdown in 2024
“I think it’s great for Texas and A&M. It is a great rivalry. It’s great for college football in general, and I’m excited for it to happen.”
Fisher commented on the seismic question of who will be calling the plays this season
“You are still involved in what goes. I’m not trying to avoid anything. Bobby (Petrino) was hired for a reason. He is a tremendous mind. Hopefully, he will call the game. Every coach is always involved.”
Fisher provided his thoughts on the discussion of tampering in college football
“It can’t be just allegations or rumors… You have to keep an open line of communication with your players. If you catch it, you punish them severely.”
Fisher gave immense praise to C Bryce Foster
“Significant. He went through that whole year as a young center… He was sick the whole fall camp. We got him back and got him into shape. He got banged up again… Foster is a very talented and intelligent guy. That’s your second quarterback.”
Fisher praised the 2022 recruiting class, who he believes doesn't get as much hype as the 2021 class
“We are real happy with the guys that came in. We really like that class. Not the numbers, but the productivity.”
On how he views the 2023 class of incoming talent
“We like the guys we have, and we will continue to build on that. At the end of the day, we have to recruit players.”
Fisher noted the leadership and experience on this team will be a defining trait
“Coaches can want all they want, but the players have to manage it on a day-to-day basis. The leadership of your football is key. We have a lot of guys coming back for the fourth and fifth years.”
Fisher doubled down on why he believes the offensive line will be a strength this fall
“What we saw in the spring. They are healthy, experienced, and the failures. Allowing those things to not happen again. I see a different chip on their shoulder. I have confidence in those guys.”
Fisher highlighted the amount of respect he has for OC Bobby Petrino
“We have great respect, and he has a work ethic… It’s going very well, and we’re very blessed to have him.”
Fisher on how SEC competition compares to that of other Division I conferences
“Lines of scrimmage are so physical in this league… The size of players in our league, and I’m not just talking about front guys. That makes a difference. Size makes a difference.”
Naturally, Fisher remained tight-lipped on whether Conner Weigman or Max Johnson would start at QB
“They both had good springs. I’m very confident in both guys.”
Fisher praised Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, Moose Muhammad, and the entire WR room
“Experience & speed. Noah (Thomas) was our MVP of the spring. There is a great group of guys in that room… That’s the name of the game: You have to create big plays.”
Fisher noted seeing a game at Kyle Field should be on the bucket list for any college football fan
“There’s a true love for it. Those students and the 12th Man… There’s nothing like it.”
On the team's mindset heading into the 2023 season:
“We know what we have to do and how we have to do it. Any time you lose one game, that drives you to have success. You want perfection.”
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