‘I love my dad. He has done a great job of teaching me, not just how to throw the ball, but how to be a good quarterback.’ Max Johnson speaks during during Texas A&M’s Fall practice Media Day
Texas A&M’s first and only open practice during fall practice is slated for Sunday afternoon inside Kyle Field, as both the public and the media will have the opportunity to preview what’s to come ahead of the Aggie’s season opener vs. New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Before the open practice, the Aggies held their annual Media Day, as every media member in attendance posed questions to every coach and player available to take the podium were Assistant Head Coach Elijah Robinson, Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin, Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino, and players Max Johnson, Conner Weigman, Noah Thomas, and Bryce Anderson. Of course, media day wouldn’t be complete without the Aggies’ leader at the helm, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher.
Fisher knows that actions speak louder than words, especially after coming off one of the worst seasons in program history during the Aggies’ 5-7 (2-6 SEC) finish amid high expectations, but after several potentially impactful moves this offseason led by the hiring of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, nothing short eight to nine wins is simply an option.
As we all know, the quarterback position is the straw that stirs the drink. As sophomore Conner Weigman continues to battle senior southpaw Max Johnson this fall, both options bring something to the table. However, Weigman’s impressive finish in 2022 (eight touchdowns, zero interceptions) likely holds a slight advantage before a decision is made.
Johnson led the Aggies to consecutive Top 25 victories over Miami and Arkansas before a season-ending hand injury hindered his progress, leading to Weigman’s rise in the depth chart.
Here are highlights and quotes from Max Johnson’s Q&A from Sunday afternoon.
Max Johnson on his decision to return to Texas A&M in 2023
“There was a lot of that went into consideration. Me and my family had about 15 days to make that decision. Coach Fisher had a lot to do with it.”
“The culture of the team and culture of Texas A&M is what played a big part in me coming here.”
Max Johnson on his evolving relationship with new offensive coordinator, Bobby Petrino
“I love working with Coach Petrino. I think he has done a great job of bringing accountability to players and our offense.”
“I think it has been a great fall camp so far.”
Max Johnson on his relationship with fellow quarterback Conner Weigman
“I think he has done a great job of understanding the system. I think he’s really athletic.”
“We learn from each other’s successes and mistakes… We pick each other’s brains, talk off the field and are able to understand offenses more from each other.”
Max Johnson on the impact his Dad, Super Bowl winning QB Brad Johnson has had on his development at the position
“I talk to him all the time. He has done a good job of making sure I don’t get too high or too low.”
“I love my dad. He has done a great job of teaching me, not just how to throw the ball, but how to be a good quarterback.”
Max Johnson on how he has studied Bobby Petrino's coaching acumen
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“This is my fourth one, but I’ve been able to take it one day at a time.”
“Whoever is coming in, I research them and try to understand them. Coach Petrino has done a great job.”
Max Johnson on Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino's relationship
“Coach Petrino and Coach Fisher have a great relationship with each other. This offseason, we’ve been meeting with Coach Petrino mostly. He has been in every single meeting. He has been there to teach us everything of the system.”
Max Johnson on the Aggies' loaded running back room
“We have great running backs that don’t just run the ball. They can make plays in the passing game as well.”
“We have great playmakers.”
“We have a bunch of studs back there. They have stepped up and filled the shoes of (Devon) Achane. They understand protections, and they read the runs. They understand all the steps, and I’m looking forward to seeing those guys play.”
Max Johnson on his brother, Aggies tight end Jake Johnson's progress this offseason after the departure of Devon Achane
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“He’s a stud. He’s a grinder. Ever since high school, he has been a grinder.”
“He does a great job blocking. He’s a great route runner and a great pass catcher as well.”
Max Johnson on Bobby Petrino's implementation of a more consistent up-temp offense this season
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“Having Coach Petrino behind us on every play has been good to come back and learn from every single play.”
“We have been implementing a lot more tempo this offseason.”
Max Johnson reflects on his season-ending hand injury last season
“That was very frustrating for me. Getting injured vs. Mississippi State, I broke my thumb… I was able to stay in meetings, and I was able to work on my body, which has been big for me. I’ve gained about 10 pounds.”
