Texas A&M’s former Heisman-winning quarterback teased a massive surprise for the Aggies’ roster on a recent episode of NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco Johnson’s “Nightcap” podcast.
When the Maroon and White gear up to face the South Carolina Gamecocks on Nov. 15, one of the most talented and controversial figures in college football history will be joining the Aggies in the locker room before the team’s Southeastern Conference contest. On Sunday’s live stream, Texas A&M’s superstar quarterback Johnny Manziel joined Sharpe and Johnson to discuss the latest happenings in the sport, while also foreshadowing a special surprise for this year’s squad against the Gamecocks.
While Texas A&M still has a while before they can turn their heads toward South Carolina, the surprise makes what should be a competitive conference contest even more intriguing.
Manziel’s proclamation was one of many shining moments during the Sep. 28 episode of Sharpe and Johnson’s podcast, as the three also discussed and gave their evaluations of the 16-10 victory in the SEC opener against the Auburn Tigers last Saturday.
Even though the former Heisman Trophy winner is no longer participating on the gridiron, his influence in the Texas A&M locker room remains. His continued veteran presence allows him to motivate and encourage those on the roster, especially sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed, as he knows just how difficult it is to be competitive and capture wins in the most difficult conference in the country.
“Listen, I talk to him every night after the games,” Manziel said. “As you’re going into games like this, and you’re getting into SEC play and you’re playing a good team like Auburn, you have to find ways throughout the season to go out and get a win. Whether it’s pretty, whether’ it’s ugly, whether you have some penalties, but looking at it as a whole, [Reed went] 15-of-22, had seven incompletions, doesn’t throw a tuddy, 207 yards passing. For him, he rushed for -29 yards. For a guy who uses his legs, that’s an off night for him. But, you look, Le’Veon Moss [had] 21 carries [and] 139 [yards].”
As massive as the win over a much-improved Auburn squad feels, it is only the beginning for Texas A&M’s daunting tasks remaining ahead. It can become very easy to be complacent, but in the SEC, that is the difference between elite programs and those searching for more in the middle of the pack.
Specifically for Reed, his continuous improvement and leadership will be an integral part of the Aggies’ success offensively. As great a player as Manziel was, the way he handled preparations and success is not what he wants for Reed, especially with as much potential as he has displayed in just his second year at the helm for Texas A&M.
“Listen, as good as that feels an as much as you want to go out and celeberate, learn from me man,” Manziel said. “Learn from me and buckle down. You are in a place that we ain’t been in, in 10 years. Grind it, go back this week [and] go harder. Take this, run with it and go. Get better, use the film, use the stuff, go to practice. Take everything you can. The party [is] going to be there and the party going to be better whenever you get to the SEC Championship game.”
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Former Texas A&M football QB teases major surprise for South Carolina contest in Week 12
Reporting by Dylan Flippo, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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