Haynes

King

One of several hyper-athletic quarterbacks in this year’s class, King (6’2”/212) maximized his athleticism in Georgia Tech’s spread option offense, rushing for 2,277 yards and 36 touchdowns in three seasons with the Yellow Jackets. King’s athleticism impressed scouts at this year’s Scouting Combine. His 4.46 40-yard dash gives him at least one elite trait to work with at the next level, but the gimmicky style of offense he ran at Georgia Tech could make adjusting to a more pro-style offense in the NFL difficult. King completed over 70 percent of his passes in his final two seasons, but averaged a paltry 4.3 ADOT on his completed passes, per TruMedia. In his first season as a starter with the Yellow Jackets, King committed 16 turnovers in 13 games, but dialed back the bad plays with a shortened passing game. A toolsy player who is unlikely to play a traditional quarterback role in the pros, King may need to prove he can contribute on special teams and as a gadget player if he hopes to stick on a 53-man roster.

Matthew Stafford, 38, is entrenched as the 2026 starter. Bonsignore writes that “the Rams are already planning for that inevitable transition” that will occur whenever Stafford chooses to retire. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is unlikely to be available when the Rams are on the clock with the 13th and 29th first-round picks. Bonsignore singles out Alabama QB Ty Simpson as an option for the Rams, while noting that they will likely take a look at Penn State QB Drew Allar, Miami QB Carson Beck, Arkansas QB Taylen Green, Georgia Tech QB Haynes King, Clemson QB Cade Klubnik and LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

Though the practices have been only open to media for short periods of time, it appears the competition has whittled down to King and Johnson, with five-star freshman QB Conner Weigman seemingly behind the two front runners. Though King as QB1 has been picking up some steam among beat writers, others feel like Johnson has a leg-up in the competition. With HC Jimbo Fisher steadfastly maintaining that it’s a two-man competition, expect the conjecture on who will start to continue up to the Aggies’ September 3 opener against Sam Houston State.

King (6'3/200) suffered a crack in his lower right leg during the Aggies’ September 11 win over Colorado, and the original expectation was that he would miss anywhere from 4-7 weeks. However, during Saturday’s game against Alabama, CBS’ Jamie Erdahl reported that King is considered to be unlikely to return this season. Since the redshirt freshman has only appeared in two games, he should not have much difficulty obtaining a waiver in order to preserve the season of eligibility. Zach Calzada, so long as he remains healthy, will continue to lead the Texas A&M offense.

While Jimbo himself wouldn’t elaborate, ESPN’s Chris Low reported that King is expected to be out 4-7 weeks. Perhaps Jimbo wouldn’t elaborate because King hasn’t actually begun rehab. That will happen next week. After starting the first two games of the season, King hurt his foot in the first quarter of Saturday’s 10-7 win over Colorado.

King (6'3/200) has gotten the Aggies off to a 2-0 start, but won’t be on the field when they host New Mexico on Saturday (fractured ankle). Through two games, King is 22-of-35 passing for 300 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Aggies have gotten off to a slow start offensively, as they currently rank 92nd out of 130 FBS schools in points per game (25.5). Running backs Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane could see significant work as Zach Calzada now takes over at quarterback for Week 3.

King (6'3/200) was injured during a first quarter scramble, which ended with his right leg being hit by a Colorado defender while the quarterback was being slung down to the ground by another player. After some time in the locker room, the redshirt freshman returned to the sideline out of uniform, moving around with the aid of a pair of crutches and his right foot in a boot. Freshman Zach Calzada is now running the show for the Aggies, who haven’t been able to get much done offensively in the first half.

King (6'3/200), who threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns while being picked off three times in a win over Kent State, was hit hard on a first quarter scramble Saturday afternoon. The redshirt freshman was eventually taken to the locker room for further evaluation. As a result, freshman Zach Calzada has entered the game for the Aggies.

King (6'3/200) was making his first start as a member of the Aggies, and there was a good amount of good and bad against the Golden Flashes. He found Ainias Smith for two of his scores, but the three interceptions against a MAC team are less than ideal. King also ran for 22 yards, and while this effort would be considered mediocre, it was good enough against KSU. He and the Aggies will take on Colorado next Saturday.

Texas A&M HC Jimbo Fisher made the news official during a radio interview Wednesday morning. King (6'3/200) appeared in two games as a freshman, completing 2-of-4 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown while also throwing one interception. The freshman, who was a three-sport athlete out of high school, can also be dangerous with his legs. King rushes for 44 yards on six attempts last season, and he is also an adept passer while on the move. After a good showing in preseason camp, King will take the first snap when the Aggies open their season September 4 vs. Kent State.