Aaron Murray named to All-SEC first team over Johnny Manziel in coaches poll

Not only was Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel the best player in the SEC last year, he was the best player in all of college football. Manziel capped off an incredible season by becoming the first ever freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. Apparently there are plenty of people who feel Johnny Football is due for a regression.

On Thursday, SEC coaches named Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray to the first-team All-SEC squad and Manziel to the second. Murray’s phenomenal play over the past few seasons has been overshadowed by Alabama’s dominance and Manziel emerging as one of the most polarizing figures in sports.

Last year, Murray became the first ever SEC quarterback to throw for more than 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. His 95 career touchdown passes are just 20 shy of the SEC record, so he should surpass that mark with ease if healthy this season. He also needs only 1,438 more passing yards to become the conference’s all-time leader in that category.

Of course, Manziel’s turbulent offseason may have helped Murray land the top spot. The NCAA is currently investigating a number of autograph signings that Manziel was allegedly involved in and may have taken money for, so the possibility of him being suspended remains intact.

Between the autograph scandal and the rumors about Manziel out partying before he was sent home from the Manning camp, it makes sense that the coaches are more confident in Murray heading into 2013. It isn’t difficult to make the argument that the Georgia quarterback seems more focused.