Myles Garrett's final A&M performance increases Texas Bowl's allure

Wouldn’t you want to see Johnny Manziel play one more football game for Texas A&M?

Or maybe Dat Nguyen? Or John David Crow? Or Aaron Wallace? Or Kevin Smith? Or any other of A&M’s all-time greats?

Of course you would.

That’s why you should go ahead and attend the Texas Bowl.

Admittedly, A&M’s Texas Bowl appearance against Kansas State is a major buzz kill. The Aggies had visions of more prestigious and important postseason destinations, so a short drive to Houston isn’t much of a consolation prize.

But the fact remains the Texas Bowl is likely an Aggie’s last chance to see Myles Garrett play in a Texas A&M uniform.

Few players have given A&M such a combination of intensity and integrity. Garrett kicked ass on Saturday and went to class Monday through Friday.

He made A&M’s defense better. He made Aggies proud. He’s been a perfect representative for Texas A&M on and off the field.

Therefore, his final appearance in maroon and white should be sufficient motivation for the 12th Man to attend Texas A&M’s matchup with the 8-4 Wildcats in Houston.

True, Garrett technically hasn’t announced he’ll skip his final collegiate season to enter the 2017 NFL draft.

Indeed, if anybody would postpone the riches of professional football, it’s Garrett, a free spirit who approaches life from a different direction than his peers.

Indeed, last week at the College Football Awards in Atlanta he even teased that a return for his senior year isn’t out of the question.

“I feel like I have some unfinished business,” Garrett told reporters there.

So, you can hope Garrett and his powerful pass rush stay in College Station for “one more year, one more year.”

But, really, Aggies should be content with Garrett’s three years of magnificence and encourage him to take the millions of dollars that await him.

Sometimes players will remain in college for an additional season to enhance their draft status. A&M receiver Ricky Seals-Jones and safety Armani Watts, who announced on Tuesday that he’ll return next season, should take note.

However, Garrett cannot enhance his draft status. He’s already projected to be at least a top-five pick. ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. rates Garrett as the best player on his Big Board.

The winless Cleveland Browns, who are expected to get the first pick in the draft, have made no secret that they’re enamored with Garrett.

ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter recently reported:

“The Browns have what one source close to the situation described as an 'astronomical grade' on Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett, a blue-chip prospect who could dramatically upgrade Cleveland's defense.”

Other than wanting to avoid Cleveland, what does Garrett stand to gain by eschewing the draft? Plus, there is no guarantee Cleveland wouldn’t be picking first again next year.

Either way, Garrett could become the first Texas A&M player to be the top selection in the draft. But his chances to be the top selection could diminish next year because the quarterback class after the 2017 season is strong. UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Washington State’s Luke Falk and Washington’s Jake Browning figure to be available.

Also, Garrett has to consider the high ankle sprain that slowed him in the second half of this season. In fact, he already indicated he is.

“You also don’t want to come back and re-injure it,” he said in Atlanta. “So, that also comes into play.”

Garrett shouldn’t risk injury. He should announce he’s entering the draft. He should collect his millions. And Aggies should be happy for him and wish him well.

But first they should make the trip to Houston to see him play for Texas A&M one last time.