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The 30 best college football quarterbacks of the 21st century

By Cody Williams

LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) attempts a pass during the second half of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) attempts a pass during the second half of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
  • Heisman Trophy winner (2012)
  • Heisman Trophy finalist (2013)
  • First-Team All-American (2012)
  • Manning Award (2012), Davey O’Brien Award (2012)

It’s safe to say that few players in the history of college football are as polarizing and enigmatic as Johnny Manziel was for the Texas A&M Aggies. Johnny Football was a legend from the time he was in high school and, though he was only a 3-star recruit, it was clear that he was going to be a memorable figure as he made his way to College Station.

Though he redshirted in 2011, Manziel first proved himself in the 2012 offseason as he won a quarterback battle to take the starting job. And as a redshirt freshman, he lit college football on fire. The diminutive signal-caller threw for 3,706 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also rushing for an incredible 1,410 yards and 21 scores. Leading Texas A&M to an 11-2 record and Cotton Bowl win, Manziel went on to win the Heisman Trophy as a redshirt freshman, the first freshman to ever do so.

The following season was less successful for Manziel and the Aggies alike as the team went 9-4. However, the quarterback still electrified and put up big numbers as he threw for 4,114 yards, 37 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, though his rushing dropped to 759 yards and nine trips to the end zone.

Manziel left for the NFL after that season and, in truth, he’s a controversial figure. He ruffled feathers with every cocky gesture and action, in addition to having plenty of off-field demons that he was dealing with. Even still, when you think about 21st-century quarterbacks, Johnny Football is one of the best.

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