Aggies Offensive Depth Chart Projections: A New Leader at QB?

Here's an updated look at Texas A&M's offensive depth chart following the Maroon and White game.

Fans won't learn everything from a spring game, but best believe that the Texas A&M Aggies will be spending their summer finely combing every rep at quarterback.

Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher was wise to leave the QB role as an open competition despite the heroics of sophomore Conner Weigman. Max Johnson, who started three games in 2022, likely would have retained the job throughout the year if not for a season-ending hand injury suffered in early October.

Fisher said at the start of spring practice that both Johnson and Weigman had acclimated to the play-calling of new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. The duo switched off taking reps with the first-team offense throughout the month. During the Maroon and White game, both saw action with the projected starters offensively.

Weigman might have the higher ceiling and showed potential, going 17-of-40 for 243 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Johnson could be the more steady option when it comes to moving the sticks. He finished Saturday 21-of-37 passing for 273 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions.

Fisher said postgame that the battle would likely ensue well past summer practice and into the season. Is that the only position that could see change throughout the year?

Here's an updated look at the Aggies' depth chart heading into the summer.

QUARTERBACK

First-team: Conner Weigman or Max Johnson

Second-team: Weigman or Johnson

There's no way anyone could name a starter following Saturday's outing. Sure, Weigman has the potential to be a game-changing passer due to his athletic traits, but he also was vastly inconsistent when trying to connect with receivers not named Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith. Last season, Weigman only completed 55.3 percent of his throws.

Johnson, who started 18 games at LSU prior to leaving for College Station, was the more accurate passer. He completed throws from all three levels of the field, including connecting with true freshman Micah Tease for a 52-yard touchdown on his second throw of the afternoon.

Weigman has more upside, but Johnson potentially has the more consistent floor. Nothing should be set in stone regardless of Saturday's performance since Fisher has flipped quarterbacks every year throughout the regular season since the departure of Kellen Mond.

RUNNING BACK

First-team: Amari Daniels or Le'Veon Moss

Second-team: Earnest Crownover or Rueben Owens

Replacing the production of Devon Achane will be nearly impossible in terms of speed. Rep wise? The Aggies are in good hands with a four-man rotation that can all carve out roles for Petrino depending on the defensive looks.

Daniels, Achane's primary backup, looked fluid working through the tackles to pick up a few first downs. His ability to accelerate in the open field might give him an advantage for more reps. Moss likely would have been more of a factor due to his physical running style to gain the hard yards if he had played the whole scrimmage.

Owens might be a freshman, but he looked like a seasoned vet working his way past first-team defenders as a member of the white roster. His patience behind the line of scrimmage likely earns him a couple of reps per game. Don't be surprised if Crownover leads the team in red zone reps due to his brute strength. On Saturday, he scored a 6-yard TD and bullied his way past the defensive line for an easy six.

WIDE RECEIVER

First-team: Ainias Smith, Moose Muhammad III, Evan Stewart

Second-team: Noah Thomas, Jalen Preston, Raymond Cottrell, or Micah Tease

Smith returned for another year and has led the team in touchdowns since 2019. He'll remain in the slot as a quarterback security blanket. Muhammad was A&M's most consistent target in the second half of the year, leading the team in receptions (23) and yards (380) in the final five games. Both he and Smith found most of their success inside, but Fisher said at the start of spring that either player could line up anywhere on the field. Stewart was a human highlight reel in big games as a freshman, so expect him to remain the home run threat on the outside.

It's hard to imagine Thomas not being a contributor in the red zone due to his 6-6 frame. The sophomore was named Offensive MVP of spring practice and received high praise from Fisher and several teammates. Preston is a veteran who's earned his spot in more pass-heavy personnel looks. Keep a close eye on Tease and Cottrell by midseason. Fisher said both should have roles on special teams next season after impressive camps.

TIGHT END

First-team: Max Wright, Donovan Green

Second-team: Jake Johnson, Fernando Garza II

Wright is in the same boat as Smith. He's a proven guy that's earned Fisher's respect and should at least be in packages on run-heavy plays. Green, who finished fourth in receiving yards last season, didn't play in the spring game, but drew rave reviews from several veterans for his improvements in blocking. He likely serves as the receiving tight end from the jump. 

Johnson could see reps with the first team due to his versatility as a run blocker. Garza was one of the bright spots of Saturday's game as he hauled in four passes for 51 yards and scored before halftime on a 2-yard TD pass from Johnson. His 6-6 frame likely makes him a threat in the red zone.

OFFENSIVE LINE

First-team (LT-RT): Trey Zuhn, Kam Dewberry, Bryce Foster, Layden Robinson, Reuben Fatheree II

Second-team (LT-RT): Demetrius Crownover, Mark Nabou, Remington Strickland, Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, Chase Bisontis

Four of the five first-team offensive linemen have started at least 11 games since 2021. Foster was limited to four games last fall due to injury, but he also was named a freshman All-SEC member the year prior. Dewberry was the most consistent option at left guard down the stretch, allowing four pressures and a sack in five starts.

Bisontis is a player to monitor this summer. After enrolling early, he's been the talk of the offensive line room this spring per veterans like Wright and Smith. Should Zuhn struggle in pass protection again, he could slide over to the blindside by midseason. Fisher also praised Nabou and Strickland's progress and considered both stable options to replace the recently departed Matthew Wykoff on the interior. 

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