How Texas A&M QB Max Johnson is Proving Aggies Won't Be Set Back

During the Aggies' 34-22 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks, Johnson threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns on 17-28 passing. It wasn't a perfect outing, as the senior lost a fumble and threw a pick-six in the process, but Johnson got the job done. 

And on top of that, he also held himself accountable for the in-game mistakes.

"I should have held the ball in my left hand honestly," Johnson said postgame. "So, no excuse for that. I think just a helmet hit it. It's all good." 

Johnson was thrown into the QB1 position rather quickly, especially after taking over for Weigman in the middle of the Aggies' rout of Auburn, but despite the unplanned responsibility, Johnson has remained poised. 

"It's good knowing that I'm going to be in there and starting it off," he said. "But I've always prepared the same way, whether I was in or not. We had a great week of preparation this week."

And if the Aggies were worried about any kind of reservations between their injured starter and new starter, the pair has seemingly remained close and supportive.

"[Conner] has been in all our meetings," Johnson said. "He's been at practice every day. It's been good to talk to him. But you know, I'm praying for him. I told him I was praying for him. I hope he heals up quick." 

So, Johnson has his based covered on the field and off of it. He has veteran experience, which has put him in a prime leadership position, as well as the skill to back it up in-game. With him, the Aggies won't be taking any steps back — which also has to do with the other weapons populating both sides of the ball. 

As the Aggies look ahead to back-to-back matchups against Alabama and Tennessee, they'll need to be in top form in order to remain in contention for the SEC West, and just as Texas A&M's other weapons will be doing their part, so will Johnson. 

He's the Aggies' new QB1, and he's here to show it. 

"I think our guys are going to be excited going into next week's practice," Johnson said. "And we're going to clean up [our] mistakes. ... We're looking forward to having another good week this upcoming week."

Max Johnson and the Texas A&M Aggies will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide at home next Saturday, with a chance to improve to 3-0 in SEC play. Kickoff from Kyle Field is set for 2:30 p.m. CST.