For those wondering how Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Maniel has been able to take so many road trips during the spring semester, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner offered an answer tonight.
His spring class schedule consists of four online classes, all in sports management. With that approach, Manziel does not have to be on campus on a daily basis. Manziel shared his schedule during a news confernce at the Fort Worth Club, where he formally accepted the 2012 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.
Manziel, 20, said he switched to the all-online approach after his presence caused a stir in an English class when the spring semester began.
“I went one day, and it kind of turned into a little more of a big deal than I thought,” said Manziel, who swapped the English class for another online offering in sports management.
Because of the online classes, Manziel has been able to travel to a variety of events _ from the Super Bowl, to Mardi Gras, to NBA All-Star Weekend _ in recent weeks that have caused some fans to question his off-season priorities. But Manziel said he clears every trip with the A&M compliance office and huddled recently with his parents, coach Kevin Sumlin and athletic director Eric Hyman to “make sure we were on the same terms” about his spring semester plans.
“People just think that I’m going wild with it, when it’s not like that,” said Manziel, who called it “very frustrating” that his priorities have been called into question by outsiders. “You just have to have thick skin and just let it roll off your back and not take it to heart.”
_ Jimmy Burch
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