It’s been a foregone conclusion since the offseason that Johnny Manziel would leave for the NFL after the college football season. Manziel was so good as a redshirt freshman last season, and had grown so much in popularity, that it seemed like college was no longer a good fit for him. Even Texas A&M officials seemed to indicate over the offseason that they really couldn’t handle him any longer and that he’s outgrown them. But all the offseason craziness involving Manziel — and the autograph scandal — quieted down over the past month and, at 8-2, A&M hasn’t enjoyed the dream season they were perhaps envisioning. Does that mean Manziel has some unfinished business at the collegiate level?
Two of Manziel’s closest friends sent tweets over the weekend that were either jokes intended to mislead Aggies fans, or an indication that Manziel is thinking of returning to school for his junior season.
Here’s what Manziel’s close friend and business manager Nate Fitch said in an ambiguous tweet on Saturday:
I can't wait for next season…
— Nathan Fitch (@UNCLENATEFITCH) November 9, 2013
And then there was this from Steven Brant, who is another close friend/roommate of the quarterback:
So the National Championship is in Dallas next year right?
— Steven Brant (@SteveBreezyy) November 9, 2013
On Saturday, Manziel acted like he had just played his last home game at Kyle Field. After the win over Mississippi State, he went into the stands to sing the “Aggie War Hymn” with fans:
Junior wide receiver Malcome Kennedy spoke in past tense about playing with Manziel and Mike Evans, indicating he believes they’ll both leave for the NFL.
I would absolutely be shocked if Manziel didn’t leave for the NFL. I don’t think he wants another year of people digging for scandals regarding potential NCAA violations, much less another year of not making big-time money. But the tweets of Brant and Fitch are at least worth noting, even if they are just big jokes being played on the fans. Hey, few people thought that Matt Leinart or Matt Barkley would return for their senior seasons and they did, so maybe there’s a slight chance Manziel will be back for his junior year.
