Players’ post-game Press Conference: Week 3 Quotes
Texas A&M (2-1) is coming off their best victory of the year so far, defeating the then 13th-ranked Miami Hurricanes among a sold-out Kyle Field, with the third largest crowd in history at 107,245 attending the primetime contest.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher entered the week surrounded by media criticism after coming off of one of their more shocking losses in program history against Appalachian State a week prior, knowing that a win against a top 20 ranked opponent under the lights of Kyle Field could finally get the team back on track.
In what was a fierce defensive battle for most of the contest, Newly minted starting quarterback Max Johnson engineered three scoring drives, while the Aggies scored the only two touchdowns of the game. Running back Devon Achane and wide receiver Ainias Smith led the team offensively, accounting for 204 yards out of 264 for the night.
Overall, Texas A&M’s defense was the story of the night, as pre-game player suspensions paired with multiple ejections for targeting during the game (Demani Richardson, Brian George) gave the defense all they could handle, as D.J Durkin rotated in as many players as he could, with a bulk of the snaps given to true freshmen.
After the thrilling win, Jimbo Fisher as well as a group of select players answered questions about the game, looking forward to their always exciting SEC opening game against the Arkansas Razorbacks next Saturday night. Here are the best quotes from Layden Robinson, Max Johnson, and Jaylon Jones:
Offensive lineman Layden Robinsons general feeling on the O-lines performance against Miami
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Max Johnson #14 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the game at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
“We just showed improvement. We were coming off the ball and feeling confident. We just took the preparation from practice and put it on the field.”
“I feel like we got movement on all sides of the ball. I feel like we all did good as an offensive line…it opened up the lanes for (Devon) Achane, and I’m happy we got my guy rolling.”
Layden Robinson on Max Johnson's debut at Quarterback
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
“Max is a great guy in general. He just came in, took control of the offense and gave us the confidence we needed to go out there and win the game.”
Layden Robinson on Bryce Foster's return
Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies True Freshman offensive lineman Bryce Foster (61) 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
“It helped. That’s a very impactful person on our offense. It helped us tremendously at the end of the day. It was great to have him back out there.”
Layden Robinson on the support of the 12th man
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; The Texas A&M Aggies fans and Corps of Cadets perform the Aggie War Hymn 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
“Our fans support us through bad times and good times as you can see tonight…that’s great because it gives us the confidence to go out on the road. Knowing we have our fans behind just gives us more motivation.”
Quarterback Max Johnson on his season debut
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) drops back to pass during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s freaking awesome. I love playing with these guys. Going to practice every day and coming out here and getting a win over a top-15 team is pretty incredible. Shoutout to the O-line and the defense for playing great tonight.”
“I think coach Fisher did a great job of dialing it up the first few drives, we stalled out going into halftime, but we came out pretty explosive. It was pretty special.”
“I do feel like we need to put up more points. But our defense has been playing lights out all year.”
Max Johnson on his surprising duel-threat ability, and his mindset coming into the game
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) drops back to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“I think the rumor was I couldn’t run last year. I got to run a little bit in the spring game, which was fun. Just to change the perception. I think having the ability when the play breaks down to have the ability to escape is a big part of my game.”
“Just being ready at all times is kinda my mindset. I had been in this situation multiple times at LSU, whether it was starting or not playing at first and then getting my chance. I came ready to work every day and being around those guys makes it fun.”
Max Johnson on his time at Texas A&M so far
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Max Johnson #14 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the game at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
“I’m super blessed to be here. I enjoyed my time at LSU but that time is gone. I love playing with these guys…I want to be surrounded by great players with a chance to win and A&M is the best place to be.”
“It’s pretty special. All our students stand the whole game. I don’t think anybody else does that. It’s pretty special. I’m glad we came out with the win and got to celebrate with these guys.”
Max Johnson on his relationship with Quarterback Haynes King
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Max Johnson #14 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter of the game at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
“We’re friends. Nothing has changed between me and him. We’ve been tight ever since I got here. That’s one of my good buddies…Our friendship is very solid, and we push each other every day.”
Cornerback Jaylon Jones on containing the Hurricanes
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Henry Parrish Jr. (21) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jaylon Jones (17) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Great defensive scheme, guys executing…we came out here and did what we were supposed to do.”
Jaylon Jones on the team bouncing back after a loss
Sep 17, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Jaylan Knighton (4) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jaylon Jones (17) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“We didn’t like what happened last week, but we weren’t going to let that define us. We said we were going to finish the season the way we wanted to.”
“It starts with the vets, we take everything on us…these young guys, they’re great, but they came here ready to work, and we’re trying to get them on the right path.”
