Quotes & video from Manziel media day

Texas A&M Quarterback Johnny Manziel

Johnny what will you remember most about this special season?

"First of all I just want to thank all of y'all for coming out and getting to know who I am. First of all I will remember that this is the first season in the SEC, and for all these seniors knowing we did not lose a game on the road, that will really stick out in my mind."

When you were named the starter in the QB battle what did you do to gain the trust of your players?

"It’s something that kind of came on its own and in the first reps, and getting to be into that group of linemen and receivers. There was a point where it just clicked and it’s really paid off."

We’ve been asking Coach Sumlin and your teammates about you, describe yourself for us.

"I really don’t see myself as the Johnny football craze that everyone else and the nation sees, I see myself as Johnny a normal college student just like everyone else."

Have you started writing an acceptance speech for next week? Have you talked to anyone about it?

"I haven’t really thought about it yet. I was thinking about the 10 wins first and doing something that’s never been done before. But now it’s something that yeah I have to prepare for. It would be a dream come true."

There’s so much talk about a freshmen winning the Heisman, what are your thoughts?

"It's so surreal, and its crazy for me to be mentioned in the same sentence as a Heisman candidate. It would be a dream to go sit on the first row with those guys."

Has there been a point in the season where you had to change your lifestyle?

"There has been times where I thought about changing my phone number. You had to change everything, I kind of became a homebody. Its been a dream come true."

Who besides Oregon recruited you? Did you ever get frustrated with process?

"I never got frustrated. Whether it was receiver, QB, or safety I just wanted to play college football. Obviously not kicker. I went to QB camps and a long list of schools I had offers but majority QB."

We’ve all obviously have seen how great you are on the field, we’ve heard about your character and the trust with your teammates, I want to know why you are so good?

"I think first and foremost that the individual success I’ve had it wouldn’t of happened with out my teammates, coaches, support staff, and that’s the biggest key…our success is because we are a unit and really there could be other guys up here because they deserve just as much credit."

I believe Rice was the first school to offer you a scholarship. Tell us about it?

"Once you get one offer the rest start rolling in. It’s like some of the other guys who get recruited, once one offer came in I started getting more and more. I talked to some guys around the state. I ended up being in the place I wanted to be and I couldn’t be happier."

"It’s a mix of both parents. My dad still thinks he can beat me anything. Ping pong, golf..but I think I get it from both. I’m very fortunate and blessed to get to play."

If the bowl projections go as expected, a&m and Texas how do you feel about how the game would be?

"I think it would draw a rather large crowd. Its been a thanksgiving game and watched on TV, I think it would be fun. We would prepare like we would for any other team."

Advice for QBs in high school? Legend of Johnny football.

"I don’t think I’m a legend quite yet. If you want to play football you have to play with all your heart. It doesn’t matter how big you are, just play with your heart."

After the SMU game Coach Kingsbury said you were still making adjustments. When did things start slowing down for you and becoming natural?

"Week by week it got easier, even right now we are on a bye week and we watch film. I want to help this team out and that’s all I really want to do."

Heisman favorite? Maybe even win two?

"I haven’t thought about it. I’m fortunate enough to even go to New York, I'm going to let the situation play itself out. My goal is to bring a national championship to A&M and win in the SEC, I’m going for team goals more than anything individual."

How did you feel when you first started being mentioned for Heisman?

"Seeing your name on ESPN, and other websites was crazy. The Heisman is the most prestigious award you can win in college football. The talk really started after the Alabama game, and it’s because that was our first complete game, on both offense and defense. Everyone did their jobs. That’s as complete as you can get."

How are you trying to live a normal life as possible here at A&M?

"My friends have done a great job. I think they love other college players more than me … they talk about other players and I’m like, 'Do y'all even like me?' It is different driving around town and people waving at me…I’m like, 'Me?'"

As competitive as you are, how do you feel when you hear other players be so complimentary of you? In the Alabama what did you tell the players in the huddle after the fumble?

"Second part because I don’t remember the first … I told them lets go we’re going to win this game. We’re going to take this game and put some more points on the board and secure this game. I didn’t think it would happen as quick as it did. That was two great plays and an awesome wheel route by Ryan Swope. Malcome Kennedy’s catch is one I’ll never forget."

Have you ever watched yourself and been like how did I do that?

"There have been times…like once I jumped and threw the ball for a touchdown and was like whoa. But there have been times where I watch film and realized that I should have done something different. I would rather play in the system and make it easy."

I saw that you and Showers are strong for quarterbacks? How is y'all's relationship?

"I don’t think I could ever catch Jameill’s record he’s a work horse and we are good friends and will remain friends. I enjoy being around him and we’ve developed a friendship and mess around on the field. He’s one of my favorite guys on the team and I love being around him."

What’s the craziest thing a fan has done?

"I did see some fans wearing Scooby Doo outfits at the game."

Jersey number change from 15 to 2? You played multiple sports, was your dream always football?

"The jersey number was thrown on me when I got here. I was always a big baseball guy and I thought I would play pro baseball, and that I would play shortstop for the Rangers. I didn’t think I would play pro golf, but baseball was something I always thought I would do but then football came along."

Johnny can you talk about your relationship with Kliff Kingsbury and how much you feed off of him and his mentality?

"I’ve learned a lot from his so far. He’s one of my favorite people to be around and his energy. He was a great football player at Tech and our relationship has grown tremendously and he trusts me a lot more. He knows what he’s talking about."

Everyone saw your highlights from high school, did you ever think it would transfer to this level, did you have any doubt?

"I never doubted myself and I’m confident in my ability. I'm a competitive guy. I never thought all my free lancing in high school would transfer to college. I’m trying to play more within the system and do what coach Kingsbury and coach Sumlin want."