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2014-01-08 19:02:16
-by Daniel Mogollon, Staff Writer; Image: Johnny Manziel has accounted for 93 TDs in two seasons. (Image Source: Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
It’s official, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has made the decision to forgo his final two seasons of college football in favor of entering the 2014 NFL Draft.
"After long discussions with my family, friends, teammates, and coaches, I have decided to make myself available for the 2014 NFL draft," Manziel said in a statement. "The decision was not an easy one, but we all felt this was the right time to make the next step toward a professional career. My experiences here and the support of this school, coach [Kevin] Sumlin, chancellor [John] Sharp, my teammates, my classmates and Aggie football fans everywhere will be something that I carry with me for the rest of my life. I'll always be an Aggie."
In just two seasons, Johnny Football established himself as one of the most exciting players in the history of college football, a playmaker of the highest order. On his way to becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, Manziel put up some amazing numbers including 3,706 yards and 26 TDs passing, as well as 1,410 yards and 21 TDs on the ground.
While he didn’t win the Heisman Trophy this season, Manziel did a lot to improve his draft stock during his sophomore campaign. He was more accurate and appears to have much-improved arm strength. He still does his best work freelancing in space and making things happen when the play breaks down but he was more dangerous as a pocket passer this year as he threw for 4,114 yards and 37 TDs, while averaging 9.6 yards per pass.
The biggest concern when it comes to Manziel at the next level is his durability. Yes, shorter quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have had NFL success, but they're different players. Brees is much more of a pocket passer, while Wilson is significantly thicker and stronger than Manziel, who is rather slight.
Can he take the NFL pounding? Moreover, can Manziel be as impactful if he can’t run around as much? That remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, there is no shortage of teams in need of a franchise quarterback and there will be more than enough decision makers that would love to add his electricity, energy and charisma to their franchise. He is projected as a sure first-round pick, who could possibly go as high as No. 4 to the Cleveland Browns.
In preparation for the draft process, such as the NFL Scouting Combine, the Pro Day at Texas A&M and private workouts, Manziel will continue to work with renowned quarterback coach George Whitfield in San Diego.
Relate Links:
NFL Draft: Player Profile of Florida State QB Jameis Winston
NFL Draft Watch BCS Championship Game Edition: Ranking the Florida State Seminoles Top Prospects
Daniel Mogollon is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America. He is also a voter for the Thorpe and the Rotary Lombardi Award, as well as the Latino Sports MVP Awards.
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