Thursday, April 11, 2013

Spring Football '13: Expectations for Johnny Football

Spring Football 2013 Report (viewing the top storylines of college football this spring)

Johnny Manziel
To say it was a dream season for Johnny Manziel last year would be a huge understatement. After winning the Texas A&M QB job last year the redshirt freshman exploded, leading the Aggies to wins over Alabama and Oklahoma, while winning the Heisman along the way. So after that crazy year what should we expect from Johnny Football in 2013?

Manziel showed us the definition of a mobile quarterback last year, running and jumping and skipping all over the place. But, he still had a fantastic passing season as well and his decision making should improve with more experience. Last season, Manziel did have one of the SEC's best receivers in Ryan Swoope who was explosive and had great hands. But, Swoope graduated this off season and should be a key contributor for a team in the NFL. This means Manziel must find a new favorite target. The top contender will likely be sophomore Mike Evans or maybe junior Malcome Kennedy. He will also have senior tight end Nehemiah Hicks to rely on this year. So, let's say the targets are as good as they were last year, what about the opponents Johnny Football will see in the SEC? Not just the SEC, the SEC West, that is filled with Alabama, LSU and the greatly improved Ole Miss Rebels. We all know that the Crimson Tide will be likely the toughest opponent this year thanks to a still dominant defense. The secondary should be lethal once again, especially if sophomore Landon Collins has the breakout year I expect him to have. But, hey, Manziel beat the Tide last year on the road as a freshman. And, he had great first halves against Florida and LSU last year before a tough end to the game. Another factor to keep in mind for this year is who will be protecting Manziel when he is running around in the backfield. Studs Luke Joeckel and possibly Jake Matthews will be gone, but the line still should be solid and Manziel does most of his work outsid the pocket. It will be tough for Manziel to have the year he had last year. But, maybe, just maybe if he can find a top target he could have an even better year. That means a second-straight Heisman award and a National Championship for Johnny Football in 2013.

To see a full preview of Texas A&M's 2013 season, view my College Football Preview 2013-2014 coming out this spring.


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