Long live the King: What Jimbo Fisher’s decision means for the Aggies
We finally have the answer. Saturday afternoon, Billy Liucci tweeted that Jimbo Fisher had made up his mind, and that Haynes King would be the starting quarterback for the 2022 Texas A&M football team.
The competition in fall camp was fierce, and Max Johnson gave King a run for his money, but ultimately the sophomore signal caller’s playmaking ability and knowledge of the offense (he’s entering his 3rd year in Coach Fishers’ system), were enough to give him a lead that Johnson’ a senior transfer from LSU this winter, couldn’t over come.
King played only one full game as the Aggies’ starter in 2021, a 41-10 Aggies win , in which King completed 21-of-33 passes for 292 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
That game gave his teammates and fans a glimpse at the highs and lows that young King brings to the position. He averaged almost 9 yards per attempt, showed his mobility with some scrambling, made several big throws into the middle of the field, and completed a 53 yard deep ball.
However, he also took two sacks, and threw three interceptions. So when Jimbo talked throughout fall camp about the quarterback battle coming down to consistency, it’s easy to see with hindsight, that he was emphasizing to his players, specifically Haynes, the importance of making good decisions play-to-play in order to lead the team into the 2022 season.
The fact that he won the job means that King, atleast through camp, was able to balance his playmaking instincts with a focus on protecting the ball, a key aspect of high level quarterback play.
Ultimately King gives the Aggies their best chance to have a standout season that breaks the 8 or 9 win ceiling and puts them in contention for the College Football Playoff.
List
Texas A&M football all-time roster: Offensive starters and backups
List
Texas A&M football all-time roster: Defensive starters and backups
