Johnny Manziel Takes Majority Of Snaps During Texas A&M Scrimmage

Texas A&M star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel took a majority of snaps during his teams preseason scrimmage. His command of the field is a good sign that the embattled quarterback is slated to start during his teams August 31 opener against Rice.

Manziel is currently under NCAA investigation for allegedly accepting pay from brokers for autographing various pieces of memorabilia.

Despite the stress of an ongoing investigation, Manziel showed off his quickness out of the backfield while throwing for two touchdowns and an interception to linebacker Tommy Sanders.

According to A&M coach Kevin Sumlin:

“He was disappointed, you could see it at the end. He was trying to make every play. But that’s about how he does things all of the time.”

Last year, Manziel claimed the Heisman Trophy after accumulating a Southeastern Conference single-season record of 5,116 total yards.

In the meantime, a few snaps were handed over the Manziel’s potential backups, which include junior Matt Joeckel and true freshman Kenny Hill.

Sumlin says of the teams preparation strategy with the team’s backup QBs:

“We gave them plenty of turns with different lines and different situations. They’ve all improved their mechanics. None of them were particularly poor, it was just a degree of how they were doing things. We’ve got time.”

In the meantime, Texas A&M coaches have a lot to focus on including 21 newcomers on their 105-man camp roster.

While much of the media is focused on Johnny Manziel, coach Sumlin says his staff is working hard with their defensive line and the secondary. Coaches are also attempting to find a suitable replacement for departed star wide receiver Ryan Swope.

The scrimmage lasted about an hour and a half and Manziel once against failed to visit with media.

Texas A&M is currently ranked seventh in the AP preseason poll after going 11-2 in the SEC last year.

Do you think Johnny Manziel will be cleared to play by the NCAA?