Photo by Rusty Burson, 12th Man Magazine
Texas A&M Football
Manziel reacts to Davey O'Brien Award victory
On his reaction to winning the Davey O'Brien Award…
"It's unreal. This feeling I have now, and to win with all of these other quarterbacks that are here, is surreal to say the least."On winning the award on his 20th birthday…
"It's a very good way to start the award ceremony and my birthday. We've had a great day so far and got to play some golf earlier. To win any award here … what an absolute honor."On the butterflies that come with winning the first award of the night…
"The nerves were going there for a minute. I was definitely a little nervous and I didn't know how everything was going to go. But to get [this] one under my belt and for them to give me that award is unbelievable."On getting a birthday cake and a national award in about a five-minute stretch…
"A birthday cake from Luke Joeckel and then the award … it doesn't get much better than that."On his parents suddenly becoming coveted interview guests…
"It's very hard for them. I'm not sure that they expected that. They're kind of just rolling along here as we go. I know that this whole trip has kind of been like that for them. So I think that they're able to handle it and they'll be able to make the most out of the situation."On whether he's wearing the Scooby Doo socks…
"Not tonight. We'll see how things play out. We'll see."On how surprising this season has been for him…
"Very [surprising]. This whole year has been surprising for our team. We had high expectations for our team and we wanted to win every game. But the way that people doubted us … it doesn't really get to our head but we definitely tossed it around up there. But the way that we handled it every week, I couldn't have asked more from the guys."On coming into the season with high expectations for himself…
"I have high expectations for myself, for sure. I definitely want to come out and put up numbers and put points on the board, because that's ultimately what our team needs to win. I had high expectations of myself, but I never would have expected this at the beginning of the year."On whether he'll be nervous on Saturday night at the Heisman Trophy presentation…
"Sure. You're in New York with two of the best players in the country and all eyes are on you. It's the biggest award in college football, [so] I think [I will] definitely have a few butterflies."On not getting nervous before big games…
"I try not to be too nervous before a big game. I have a couple of things that I do before a game. I just try to realize that I'm here and God has put me here for a reason, to be able to play a game that I love. I'm just going out and playing the game that I've been blessed to have the opportunity to play. This is a different level."On being the first Aggie to win the Davey O'Brien…
"What an award. Look at all of the [quarterbacks] to come through Texas A&M throughout history. For me to be the first one [is great]. Any recognition and anything that I can bring back to my school, Aggieland and everybody involved in the 12th man [is] a true honor."On the recent history of O'Brien winners that have gone on to win the Heisman…
"If that's the way that things play out and if that's a pattern then I guest that's good for me. But I'm just enjoying the process and looking forward to going to New York with a group of great guys."On sharing this honor with those who have helped him get to this point…
"I can't wait to bring [the O'Brien] back to Aggieland and back to Kerrville and to Tyler … to everybody that has been involved in my life. To be on this stage and to be representing them [is] a dream come true for me."Never miss the latest news from TexAgs!
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