Aggies Could Have Offensive Line Switch Up In Season Opener Against Lobos

A&M's offenisve line could have several changes from its 2022 starting five.

COLLEGE STATION -- Jimbo Fisher made it official Monday that sophomore Conner Weigman would start Week 1 at quarterback for Texas A&M against New Mexico. 

That wasn't the only major news the sixth-year Aggie coach dealt heading into game week. 

One key position to monitor heading into game week is offensive tackle. With both Trey Zuhn and Reuben "Deuce" Fatheree missing time throughout spring and fall camp, the door opened for true freshman Chase Bisontis to see reps with the first-team offense. 

Fisher said Monday that as of this time, Zuhn and Bisontis are currently holding down the tackle slots. Zuhn saw action in 11 games last fall at left tackle, meaning Bisontis likely would replace Fatheree against the Lobos on the right side of the line. 

When asked about Fatheree's status, Fisher said he would "be in the mix" as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury suffered this spring. 

“He’s getting himself back into shape from the injury and practicing and getting back to where he can go,” Fisher said. “We have four really good guys right there right now.” 

Fatheree, the second-most experienced offensive lineman behind All-SEC guard Layden Robinson, started 12 games last season at right tackle. In 2022, he started nine games in 2021, mixing in across the offensive line with Kenyon Green and Jahmir Johnson. 

Brian Smith, Fan Nation

Bistonis earned preseason All-American hype with multiple media outlets after dominating the competition at Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) High School. Fisher has spoken highly of the 6-6 tackle's development and versatility. Bistonis has seen reps at four different positions since his freshman. 

While Bisontis has caught Fisher's attention throughout camp, so has tight-end-turned-tackle Dametrious Crownover. The 6-7 tight end switched over to trench play last year and has continued flourishing under the direction of coach Steve Addazio. 

“I am telling you about [Dametrious] Crownover,” Fisher said earlier this month. “Crownover is playing really good football, I am telling you. And that is a big human being.”

Another position to monitor is center with the return of Bryce Foster. Last season, the All-SEC offensive lineman was limited to four games with a knee injury. He did not participate in spring drills due to his commitment to shot put as a member of the track team. 

When asked about Foster's status, Fisher said they'll see how practice goes throughout the week before making a final decision. 

“We’ve got other guys that have done it," Fisher said. Mark Nabou and Remington {Strickland) have been in there. Those guys have all done well. So we will continue to see where that goes, and hopefully he will continue (to progress) and then he will give us a lot of different options if he is ready to go.”

The Aggies kick off the season at Kyle Field against the Lobos at 6 p.m. Last season, New Mexico finished as one of the worst teams at the FBS level, going 2-10 overall and 0-8 against Mountain West opponents.