Heisman Top 25: No. 2 Johnny Manziel
SEC defenses will try to find ways to catch up to Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel, who became the first freshman to win the Heisman last year. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
Only 76 players in the history of college football have earned the designation of Heisman Trophy winners. First awarded in 1935, the Heisman Trophy is considered the sport’s pinnacle of individual achievement.
SaturdayBlitz.com is tracking the race to the 78th Heisman Trophy throughout the 2013 college football season via the Heisman Top 25. Every week throughout the season, we are tracking the progress of the contenders, both their on-field impact and media presence.
There has perhaps never been a greater college football celebrity than what Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel has become over the past several months. Johnny Football has been seemingly everywhere since becoming the first-ever freshman to hoist the Heisman Trophy. He has thrown first pitches at Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres games, shown up at an NBA Finals game in Miami and teed off at Pebble Beach. The megastar joined YouTube phenomenon Dude Perfect in recording a trick throw video that has gone for 3 million views and counting. Manziel has appeared in a country music video while working around a schedule that includes him working out on the beach with renowned quarterback coach George Whitfield Jr.
In other words, forget the Legend of Johnny Football. The Celebrity of Johnny Football has become the story. Tim Tebow had the name and the popularity, but certainly stayed out of the off-field spotlight more than Manziel. Even USC playboy QB Matt Leinart, also a Heisman winner, didn’t appear on the radar quite like Manziel.
With the attention have come unwanted headlines. Stories surfaced this summer about Manziel’s overturned suspension last summer. His desire to transfer in the aftermath of said suspension also became common knowledge. Manziel has taken shots for tweets and Instagram photos during the offseason as well.
What it all means remains to be seen. There is no question Manziel has the talent and surrounding offensive firepower to become the first two-time Heisman winner since Ohio State RB
Archie Griffin (1974-75). Doing so in consecutive seasons while playing in the well-renowned SEC West would put Manziel on a short list of the greatest collegiate quarterbacks in history.
Manziel’s greatness comes through improvisation. Just when defenses think they have him where they want him, he squirts away for a throw downfield or for a first-down scamper.
SEC defenses struggled in finding an answer to Manziel’s speed, escapability and throwing. He threw for 3,706 yards on 68 percent passing with 26 TDs and 9 INTs. The game-changing force also rushed for 1,409 yards and 21 TDs.
Manziel essentially won the Heisman with his tremendous effort in an upset at No. 1 Alabama, which eventually went on to win the BCS national championship. In Bryant-Denny Stadium, Manziel threw for 253 yards and 2 TDs and rushed for another 92 yards to engineer the 29-24 victory.
His season featured one blip – a 3-INT, 0-TD performance in a home loss to LSU.
How Johnny Manziel Wins The Heisman
The question here is simpler: Why is Manziel not the front-runner for the 2013 Heisman Trophy?
Fans already know how Manziel can win the award since he did so last season. The question now is how would he not win it.
The most popular answer probably focuses on all the off-field distractions and attention that will undoubtedly create a circus-like environment for the Aggies’ biggest games. However, there is no indication the extra pressure gets to Manziel.
Injuries, obviously, could also derail a potential second Heisman campaign. (Check box. Move on.)
There are two potentially bigger obstacles for Manziel’s attempt to repeat as the Heisman winner: the talent level of SEC defensive coordinators and the challenges for A&M to duplicate its 11-win season.
For months now, SEC defensive coordinators have had time to pore over A&M film. They have been able to pick up tendencies, blind spots and blitzes that give the talented triggerman difficulties. They have broken down, play-by-play, LSU and Florida films. If there is a blueprint to slowing down Manziel, the SEC coordinators have copied it as much as possible. Manziel is the most-marked man in the SEC this season. Coordinators know they can merit raises and, potentially, attention for head-coaching jobs based on 60 minutes against him. Nobody will be unprepared for Manziel and his considerable talents.
Manziel also will be called upon to do more this season unless a very green defensive front seven can immediately gel. Texas A&M’s ability to score more points will likely determine whether it can remain toward the top of the SEC West or even take the next step toward an appearance in the SEC Championship Game.
Whenever Manziel is on stage, his starpower magnifies how big the game is. A Week 3 battle against Alabama could easily be the highest-rated game in college football this season. He also gets a national spotlight game against LSU in Tiger Stadium – traditionally one of college football’s most disruptive road venues – on Nov. 23.
Statistical Overview
• 295-434, 3,706 yards, 26 TDs, 9 INTs in 2012
• 155.3 quarterback rating
• 201 carries, 1,409 yards, 21 TDs
Compared To Past Heisman Winners
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M, 2012: I mean, obviously. Right? The only freshman in NCAA history to bring home the Heisman Trophy, Manziel lit up opposing (SEC) defenses both through the air and on the ground. All Manziel had to do to become the first freshman to ever win a Heisman was throw for 3,706 yards and 26 TDs and run for 1,409 yards and 21 TDs. Oh, and there was the small feat of playing out of his mind in leading the Aggies to a road win at No. 1 Alabama.
Robert Griffin III, Baylor, 2011: Always an athletic force, Griffin became lethal with his arm as a senior, completing 72 percent of his passes for 4,293 yards, 37 TDs and just 6 INTs. Though Griffin’s biggest highlights came through the air, he also rushed for 699 yards and 10 TDs. Oh, and Griffin led Baylor – previously a perennial cellar dweller – to eight regular-season wins including victories over Oklahoma and Texas. It quickly became evident that Griffin was the most dynamic player in the nation in 2011. Even an injury during the Texas Tech game couldn’t keep Griffin from winning the Heisman Trophy.