The annual spring game is always an exciting time for fans to get their first real look at the upcoming team. As head coach Jimbo Fisher continues to bring in more and more top-level talent, the anticipation of the Maroon & White Game builds more every year it seems and Saturday will be no different when they tee it up at 1 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Eastern).

This year’s game should give us an even greater look at how players perform and react in actual game situations given that it will be conducted as an actual game. It will be played like a conventional game with traditional scoring.

Just like every team every year, there’s a lot to replace. But the focus will certainly center around the battle for starting quarterback. The 3 top candidates will garner most of the attention Saturday. Like you, I’m interested in seeing what all 3 can do in a game situation. Here are the 5 Aggies I’m looking most forward to evaluating Saturday.

1. QB Max Johnson

With the advantage of playing against SEC competition, Johnson at least on paper appears to have the inside track on the starting quarterback spot. But he will have fierce competition.

It isn’t the defining determination, but that SEC game experience allows him to remain confident in his abilities regardless of the situation. Bouncing back from a bad play is critical and Johnson’s experience at LSU of having to go through those tough times, what some call “growing pains” gives him the maturity to have somewhat of a leg up on the competition. We know he can hit the big play under pressure. I can’t wait to see him do it in an Aggies uniform.

2. QB Haynes King

Fisher acknowledged that King has displayed an ability to shake off a bad play and remain focused on the task at hand. Granted most of that has come within the confines of camp, rather than in the competitive setting of SEC competition, but it was that ability that led him to win the starting role heading into the 2021 season.

I can’t wait to see how he’s rebounded from the season-ending injury that threw off an Aggies offense poised to match the rest of a stellar team, and the culmination of how he’s handled a second straight year of strong competition for the starting quarterback job.

3. QB Conner Weigman

A natural at staying focused regardless of the situation, this 5-star, in-state freshman is mature beyond his years. His football sense could be ahead of even the more veteran quarterbacks ahead of him. Most who have followed his career are convinced the 6-2, 205 freshman will eventually be the answer at the position; perhaps even as early as this year.

On Saturday we’ll see what he’s capable of in a game situation at the collegiate level. Can’t wait for that.

4. RB LJ Johnson

Of course, Devon Achane will be the Aggies’ featured back in 2022, but backing him up, that’s where the fun begins. Watching that competition won’t be quite as intense as the starting QB spot, but the Aggies will need someone to emerge.

Johnson could be that guy, though just like the battle for QB, there will be plenty of competition. He certainly has the potential. Johnson carried 21 times last season as a freshman and should use that experience, albeit limited, to his advantage.

So will Amari Daniels, who will be among those looking to back up Achane. It should be interesting to see what both can do on Saturday.

5. WR Yulkeith Brown

Aside from Ainias Smith, the Aggies are in need of a sure-handed, big-play receiver. I want to see on Saturday if Brown can fill that role.

He’ll certainly have an opportunity. The Aggies’ reloaded at the position, signing 2 5-star receivers and another 4-star. That’ll help offset the recent loss of 2020 5-star WR Demond Demas, who entered the transfer portal last week.

Brown was a 4-star get out of Miami in the 2021 class. He has game-changing speed.

The catch-and-run has become as explosive a play as the home run ball in today’s game. You see Alabama use it to near perfection. I want to see if Brown can do that for Texas A&M. Hopefully he’ll get the opportunity Saturday.