WASHINGTON – So, Johnny Football is turning pro.
But is the 21-year-old quarterback ready?
Johnny Manziel announced Wednesday that he will forgo his last two years of NCAA eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
If you’ve watched Manziel play, he has more tools than most quarterbacks.
He can run, throw, throw long with accuracy, improvise, and dazzle with unexpected plays.
Manziel has played just two seasons at Texas A&M, but he certainly has left his mark, setting an SEC single-season record for total offense while becoming the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy.
And, he had an even better passing year this season, completing 70 percent of his passes for 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also rushed for 759 yards and nine more touchdowns.
Manziel is the first Division I player with 7,000 passing yards and 2,000 yards rushing in his first two seasons.
However, there are two concerns going forward about Johnny Manziel: his size and maturity.
He’s listed at 6-foot-1, small by NFL standards, but still taller than the Saints Drew Brees and Russell Wilson of the Seahawks – two of the top-tier quarterbacks in the NFL.
Manziel basked in the spotlight after winning the Heisman – probably too much. He made a lot of headlines for partying. He got caught up in celebrity, hanging out with famous people – heady stuff for a college kid.
It could have derailed his playing days, but he regrouped on the football field and had an even better season than his freshman year.
His teammates love him. His coach calls him a one-of-a-kind leader. And there’s no questioning his fire on the field and joy of playing.
That should continue in the NFL.
Johnny Football could be coming to a town near you.
Related Story:
Follow @WTOPSports and @WTOP on Twitter.
