Johnny Football

It took a 29-24 victory over the then #1 Alabama Crimson Tide for the nation to open their eyes to the caliber of player Johnny Manziel is. "Johnny Football", as he is called now, had been flying under the radar until this point, but when a freshman quarterback walks into Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and defeats the Tide, people begin to talk. Talk they did.

Manziel had some breakout games in various points throughout the beginning of the season, but few recognized the consistency in his other games. People across the college football nation expected Texas A&M, the team which Manziel is the quarterback for, to waltz into the Southeastern Conference, the most gruesome conference in the nation, and actually compete. What most did expect, however, was for the Aggies to turn out much like their fellow "transfers" from the Big 12, the Missouri Tigers, who did not win a single conference game all season. The Aggies can thank Manziel, the leader of the team at only 19, for much of their success in their first season in the SEC.

After his historic victory in Tuscaloosa, critics and sportscasters started talking Heisman. I thought it was a longshot, even though I hadn't really paid attention to the kid. I hadn't analyzed the statistics or reviewed the game changing plays that Manziel had created. I was not educated on how well this kid was playing the game. After I watched film on the Alabama game, I realized why the critics were talking like they were. This young man walked into maybe the most fierce atmospheres in college football, and silenced them without blinking. He played with the fluidity and confidence of a fifth-year senior. I was awestruck, and I have seen my fair share of great players. I've seen Cam Newton play in person, I've broken down game tape of Tim Tebow, and this kid compares as only a freshman.

Manziel checked in the most dominant offensive season in the history of the SEC. He compiled a total of 4,600 total yards and accounted for 43 touchdowns (24 passing, 19 rushing) according to ESPN.com. He was a mere one touchdown away from joining previous Heisman trophy winner, Tim Tebow, as the only quarterbacks in the SEC to have a 20/20 season (20 rushing/20 passing). He toppled statistics by both Tim Tebow and Cam Newton, both Heisman trophy winners. So it is only fitting that he win the Heisman, right?

It is truly amazing the difference that Manziel has created in College Station as only a freshman. He was awarded the Heisman Memorial Trophy. He is the first freshman to ever be awarded this prestigous achievement. However, I do not think it is right for him to win this award at such a young age. I do think he deserves it, without a doubt. The winning of this award as only a freshman, though, has only set him up for failure. If he does not win the Heisman, for example, in the next few years of his career, he will have been a one-hit-wonder. If he is not a first round draft pick, he will have been a bust. Do I think he will succeed? I sure hope so. He can do one of two things. He can rise above the hype and perform at the same level, much like Tim Tebow did at the University of Florida, or he can begin his decline in the realm of college football. It is hard to stay at a peak for very long, and he's got a long time to ride this one out. I truly wish him the ultimate best, because he is a pleasure to watch.

Signing off,

The Sports Guru