Fansided

Best college football quarterback born in every state

By Roje Smith

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
43 of 50
Next
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts late in the game against the Duke Blue Devils during the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. Texas A&M won the game 52-48. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts late in the game against the Duke Blue Devils during the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. Texas A&M won the game 52-48. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Texas: Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M Aggies

Football is synonymous with Texas. The list of great college football players born in the state goes on for miles, and so does the list of great quarterbacks. Drew Brees, Andy Dalton, Chase Daniel, Ty Detmer, Vince Young and Davey O’Brien all had impressive college careers, but the controversial Johnny Manziel takes the prize.

Nicknamed “Johnny Football,” Manziel was born in Tyler, Texas and attended Tivy High School in Kerrville. He was a multi-sport superstar that was recruited heavily by every major program. He originally committed to Oregon but changed his commitment to Texas A&M thanks to the influence of their quarterback coach, Tom Rossley.

After redshirting during his first year on campus, Manziel became the starter in 2012 and never looked back. He broke numerous NCAA and SEC records that year, becoming the first freshman to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Johnny also became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, the Manning Award and the Davey O’Brien Award.

Manziel’s sophomore season wasn’t as prolific, but he was still named to the All-SEC first team and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. If he decided to play his final two years for the Aggies, he likely would have set numerous career records in the NCAA and SEC. He decided to enter the NFL after two spectacular collegiate years and was a first round draft pick.

Manziel’s pro career has been overshadowed by controversy and numerous off-the-field issues. It has been a sad fall from grace given what he accomplished in college. Regardless of how anyone may feel about his behavior, there’s no denying the fact Johnny is the best NCAA quarterback born in the Lone Star State.

Home/College Football