Jimbo Fisher’s Monday press conference: Week 4 quotes
The headline coming into the Aggies week 3 matchup with the Miami Hurricanes was the change at the quarterback position for the Aggies, as veteran Max Johnson replaced the struggling Haynes King in his first career start with the program.
In what was a low-scoring affair marred by pre-game suspensions, controversial targeting calls, and attrition near the end of the game, Johnson, along with running back Devon Achane, and wide receiver Ainias Smith led the offense to 3 scoring drives and held on to win 17-9, while an outstanding defensive effort prevented the Hurricanes from scoring a single touchdown.
On Monday, Jimbo Fisher and a group of players including Albert Regis, Devon Achane, Ainias Smith, and Edgerrin Cooper spoke to the local media, answering questions about their recent victory, while looking forward to their all-important week 4 matchup vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium.
\Here are the most notable quotes from Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher.
Jimbo Fisher opens the press conference praising the team's effort during the Miami game
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Devon Achane (6) and wide receiver Devin Price (3) celebrates a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Extremely proud of our team. I thought they played extremely hard, extremely physical and did what they had to do to win the game in all three phases.”
Jimbo Fisher on the state of the team
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) and defensive back Jaylon Jones (17) and defensive back Jardin Gilbert (20) and defensive back Jarred Kerr (33) celebrates a defensive top of the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Coming off a tough week and a tough loss, the guys came together and blocked out the noise.”
“At the same time, we have not played close to what we’re capable of and what we can do.”
Jimbo Fisher praises the incredible defensive effort from Saturday
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) js hit by Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Chris Russell Jr. (24) and linebacker Tarian Lee Jr. (23) during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Defense played well and did a great job physically.”
“Guys kept fighting. No matter what the circumstances were, they kept going to the next play.”
Jimbo Fisher on Devon Achane's impact on offense
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Devon Achane (6) scores a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes as wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) and wide receiver Devin Price (3) celebrate in the end zone during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Achane did a great job. He was magnificent on offense, catching and running.”
“You’re trying to find mismatches… You have to give him touches. Like the great backs I’ve had in my past, you have to get him touches.”
Jimbo Fisher on quarterback Max Johnson
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) walks off the field after against the Texas A&M Aggies defeats the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“He took care of the football. He got the ball out. … He had some nice pulls and runs… He managed the game, and the game wasn’t too big.”
“He played a very solid game, and hopefully we can grow around him.”
“He has size, and he has a presence. People say one is a pocket-passer and one is a runner, but they both have a little bit of both. Max is a good athlete.”
Jimbo Fisher on preparing for Arkansas' defense
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher (white top) watches quarterback Max Johnson (14) duriing the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Execute. Get good protection, run the routes the way they’re supposed to be run and make the throws.”
“We have to be balanced. They do a good job of rushing and blitzing. We’ll have to be balanced on offense.”
Jimbo Fisher's on Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool, and the rest of the Razorbacks' team
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Texas A&M Aggies walks off the field during the second half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
“It seems like he has been there forever. He’s a really good player.”
“They have a veteran team. They’re an older team. Those guys have been around a long time, and that makes a difference. They’re talented, and they’re well coached.”
Jimbo Fisher on the incredible impact of the 12th Man
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; A view of the fans and the stands and the 12th Man logo during the second half of the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“They’re really not fans; they’re family.”
“Fans come and go; family doesn’t… I appreciate what they do. I really do.”
Jimbo Fisher on the offensive line
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Devon Achane (6) runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“I think we’ll see the same starting group for right now.”
Fisher also says that Bryce Foster will remain at center and expects him to continue improving as he gets back in shape following illness.
Jimbo Fisher on defensive lineman Albert Regis
Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Albert Regis (15) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“He’s explosive. That’s what we saw in high school. He was a running back, tight end.”
“He blew up and kept that athleticism and size. I tell you what he is: He’s a very intelligent guy.”
Jimbo Fisher on the need to be more consistent offensively
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) hands off to running back Devon Achane (6) during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Plays are there. We just have to execute with what we call… That’s part of our growth. Learning to take 10, 12 14-play drives is part of maturity too.”
Jimbo Fisher on Arkansas starting quarterback K.J Jefferson
Sep 17, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) drops back to pass against the Missouri State Bears during a game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
“Dynamic. Arms, legs. Strong.”
“He’s got maturity and can get the ball down the field… He makes it go. He’s one of the best in the business.”
