College Confidential

Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews will return for senior season and spend it playing LT #TAMU

Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews, an All-America performer and three-year starter, will return for his senior season and will spend it playing left tackle, Matthews and school officials announced today.

Matthews (6-foot-5, 305 pounds), projected as a first-round selection in the NFL Draft, cited the opportunity to play with his younger brother, Mike, and contend for a 2013 national championship as primary reasons behind his decision. Mike Matthews, a fellow offensive lineman, will be a sophomore next season, when Texas A&M (11-2) seeks to build on its No. 5 finish in the post-season polls and contend for the school’s first national championship since 1939.

“With our team coming back next season, I think we have the chance to be very special,” Jake Matthews said in a statement released by school officials. “I am happy to announce that I am returning … to play with my younger brother, Mike. That opportunity doesn’t come around very often.”

Matthews’ decision means A&M will return three of its five starting offensive linemen who protected quarterback Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner. A&M also will return two of its four All-American players (Matthews, Manziel), with left tackle Luke Joeckel and defensive end Damontre Moore heading to the 2013 NFL Draft.

During a Thursday conference call to announce Manziel as winner of the 2012 Manning Award, Manziel said Matthews’ return represents “a great piece of the puzzle” for a possible national title run in 2013.

A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said: “I am excited that Jake has decided to come back for his senior season. Not only because he is one of the top offensive lineman in the country, but because of his approach and his leadership in our locker room. We will move him from right tackle to the left side and I think he will have a great senior season.”

Joeckel, an Arlington High School graduate and the 2012 Outland Trophy winner, has been the Aggies’ starting left tackle the past three seasons and is projected as a top-5 pick _ possibly the first overall selection _ in April’s NFL Draft.

_ Jimmy Burch

 

 

Texas A&M QB Manziel becomes first freshman, first unanimous selection to win Manning Award #TAMU, #JohnnyFootball

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was selected today as recipient of the 2012-13 Manning Award, becoming the first freshman winner and first unanimous selection in the award’s history.

The award is given annually to the top quarterback in college football but is the only quarterback honor that also accounts for performances in bowl games. Manziel, a redshirt freshman who won the 2012 Heisman Trophy and the 2012 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, set a Southeastern Conference record with an FBS-high 5,116 yards of total offense in his first season in college. He accounted for 47 touchdowns (21 rushing, 26 passing).

Manziel finished with 516 yards of total offense (229 rushing, 287 passing) in A&M’s 41-13 victory over Oklahoma in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, which catapulted the Aggies (11-2) to No. 5 in both post-season polls, the school’s best finish since 1956. Manziel is one of only four players in FBS history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in the same season, joining current NFL quarterbacks Tim Tebow, Cam Newton and Collin Kaepernick on the elite list.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas A&M adds 9 football signees who will take part in spring drills, including Kennedale LB #TAMU

Texas A&M announced nine signees for its football program today, with all players enrolling in January to take part in spring drills. Included among the Aggies’ latest additions are four junior-college transfers, one prep school signee and four players who graduated early from high school.

Among the early graduates is Kennedale linebacker Brett Wade, a 2012 Star-Telegram Super Team honoree who finished his senior season with 152 tackles (15 TFLs) and four sacks.

A&M’s four junior-college additions all play positions of immediate need: tight end Cameron Clear, linebacker Kenny Flowers, linebacker Tommy Sanders and offensive lineman Jeremiah Stuckey. So does receiver JaQuay Williams, who played last season at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy.

In addition to Wade, A&M’s signees from the high school ranks include linebacker Reggie Chevis, defensive end Jordan Points and defensive back Alex Sezer.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas A&M OT Joeckel writes letter to Aggies' fans explaining his NFL decision in his own words #TAMU

Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, an Arlington High School graduate, distributed a letter he wrote to A&M fans to mulitple media outlets tonight in an effort to explain his decision to skip his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL Draft. Joeckel, the 2012 Outland Trophy winner, is projected as a first-round pick and possibly the first pick overall.

Below is a look at Joeckel's letter, in his own words: 

 

Dear 12th Man and Texas A&M University,

 

As you may have heard, I have decided to enter the 2013 NFL Draft and forego my senior season at Texas A&M. While I am excited about my future, I wanted you to know this was a very hard decision. To leave A&M, my brother Matt, my teammates, the coaches and the 12th Man is the toughest thing I have ever done. However, like graduating high school early to come to A&M three years ago, I feel like I again have an opportunity that I cannot pass up.

 

Before I leave, I want to take this opportunity to thank…

 

…The 12^th Man – You are a major reason I chose Texas A&M. During the recruiting process, I realized that other schools and football programs didn’t have the same spirit, support and character that we have here. Every Aggie player is lucky to represent you and I am proud of my three years playing for you.

 

…My teammates – This year, we were closer than ever. We had the season we did because we all had each other’s backs and nobody doubted that. To Jake, Patrick, Cedric, Jarvis and the rest of the guys in that room, I am proud to be a Maroon Goon and thankful to call you my good friends and teammates. I’m also thankful to have had the opportunity to block for Johnny this year. I’m positive he’s in good hands with the guys returning to the line next year.

 

…My coaches – I have been blessed to play for great coaches. Thank you for pushing me to improve in every practice and for leading us so successfully through our first year in the SEC.

 

…the Mays Business School – I am proud I am part of this great school and I have every intention to finish my degree in the near future. Thank you for equipping me to make this very difficult business decision.

 

…The Texas A&M Administration – I can’t tell you how thankful I am that you moved us to the SEC. As a result of your decision, Texas A&M has many great opportunities – but speaking for myself, your decision meant I had the chance to play against the best competition in the country. That is a major reason why I am in the position I am now.

 

As I leave College Station to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL, know that I will be back often. Also know that I will do what I can to let everyone know how great A&M is. Hopefully, you feel I have been a good friend and served the 12^th Man and University well. I know as I look back, it is you and all the great experiences I’ve had on and off the field that make me proud to be an Aggie.

 

Gig ‘Em!

 

Luke Joeckel

 

Texas A&M OT Joeckel, an Arlington HS grad, enters 2013 NFL Draft and projects as possible top pick #TAMU

Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, an Arlington High School graduate and the 2012 Outland Trophy winner, has chosen to bypass his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

In a statement released today by school officials, Joeckel called the move “a very difficult decision” but acknowledged that his soaring NFL stock made it clear “it is in my best interest to come out.”

Joeckel (6-foot-6, 310 pounds), a junior and thee-year starter, has been projected as a first-round pick and possibly the top overall selection in an April draft that is lean on skill-position talent. Two scouting services have identified Joeckel as the best available talent in the draft, regardless of position, and NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt said: “Joeckel could be like Jake Long.”

Long, a four-time Pro Bowl performer at offensive tackle, was the first overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Miami Dolphins. Because Joeckel could follow Long’s lead, A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said he supports the decision by a consensus All-American who was instrumental in helping A&M (11-2) finish fifth in Tuesday’s post-season polls _ the school’s highest placement since 1956.

“We appreciate everything he has done for Aggie football and Texas A&M and wish him well in the NFL,” Sumlin said.

 The lingering question is how Joeckel’s decision will impact Jake Matthews, A&M’s other All-America offensive tackle pondering his NFL future. Matthews (6-5, 305), also a junior and three-year starter who projects as a first-round pick, said last week that he would confer with Joeckel before making his decision.

“I’ll definitely take into account what he does,” Matthews said. “I wouldn’t say it’s dead-set that if he goes, I go or if he stays, I stay … We’re good friends. We’ll influence each other a little bit.”

Joeckel becomes A&M’s second underclassman to enter the draft, joining All-America defensive end Damontre Moore. In reaching Tuesday’s decision, Joeckel said: “I thought long and hard and visited with my family and coaches. I feel it is in my best interest to come out … It is tough to leave.”

_ Jimmy Burch

 

Report: A&M OT Joeckel, an Arlington HS grad, to enter 2013 NFL Draft

Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, an Arlington High School graduate and the 2012 Outland Trophy winner, has chosen to bypass his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL Draft, based on a report by TexAgs.com that cited sources with knowledge of the situation.

On his Twitter account, TexAgs reporter Billy Liucci wrote: “I’ve been able to confirm from multiple sources that A&M OT Luke Joeckel has made the decision to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.”

Joeckel, a junior and thee-year starter, has been projected as a first-round pick and possibly the top overall selection. A&M officials have yet to comment on the report.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas A&M climbs to 5th in final AP poll, marking best finish since 1956; Texas lands at No. 19 #TAMU, #Longhorns

Texas A&M capped its record-setting, inaugural football season as a Southeastern Conference member with another milestone today: the Aggies climbed to No. 5 in both post-season polls, the school’s top finish in the final rankings since 1956.

Only once in the history of the football program, when the Aggies won the 1939 national championship, has A&M finished higher in The Associated Press’ final rankings than Tuesday, when A&M (11-2) shared the fifth spot with Georgia (12-2). The Aggies also finished fifth in the coaches’ poll.

Both of A&M’s previous Top 5 finishes in the final polls came during undefeated seasons: 1939 (first, 11-0 record) and 1956 (fifth, 9-0-1 record). Tuesday’s placement marked the first time for A&M to crack the Top 10 in the final rankings since 1994, when the Aggies finished at No. 8, and stood as the school’s 12^th career finish in the Top 10.

A&M, a 41-13 winner over Oklahoma in last week’s AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, joined Texas as the only teams from the Lone Star State to land spots in the final polls.

The Longhorns (9-4) climbed to No. 19 in the AP poll, breaking a two-year absence from the final rankings, on the strength of a 31-27 victory over No. 20 Oregon State in the Alamo Bowl. Texas finished 18^th in the coaches poll.

No Big 12 team cracked the Top 10 in the final polls, with Oklahoma (10-3) placing 15^th in both polls and Kansas State (11-2) finishing 12^th in the AP poll and 11^th on coaches’ ballots. By comparison, the SEC had five schools ranked in the Top 10 of both polls, led by No. 1 Alabama (13-1), a 42-14 winner over Notre Dame in Monday’s BCS National Championship Game.

A&M’s season included a 29-24 victory over the eventual national champs in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Nov. 10. The Aggies finished 4-2 against Top 25 opponents this season.

Twitter: @Jimmy_Burch

 _ Jimmy Burch

 

Cotton Bowl draws 7.5 overnight TV rating, topping two of four BCS games played thus far #TAMU, #CottonBowl

Fox drew a 7.5 overnight rating for Friday’s telecast of the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic between No. 9 Texas A&M and No. 11 Oklahoma at Cowboys Stadium. That placed the Cotton Bowl telecast, which featured Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of A&M, ahead of two of the four BCS games that have been played this season (Orange, Sugar) and only slightly behind Thursday’s 7.7 rating for the Fiesta Bowl between Oregon and Kansas State. The Cotton Bowl was Fox’s lone bowl telecast of the postseason.

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas A&M will carry lots of souvenirs, momentum into off-season after dream debut as SEC member #TAMU

ARLINGTON _ As the curtain drops on Texas A&M’s dreamy debut season as a member of the Southeastern Conference, the Aggies will carry the following souvenirs into the off-season and recruiting campaign after a 41-13 rout of Oklahoma in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic:

--          No. 9 A&M (11-2) will finish with the best record of any major-college football team in Texas and is headed to a Top 10 finish in the post-season polls for the first time since the 1994 season.

--         The Aggies will welcome back the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel, who racked up 516 yards (229 rushing, 287 passing) and accounted for four touchdowns in Friday night’s romp over No. 11 Oklahoma (10-3) at Cowboys Stadium.

--          By dusting the Big 12 co-champion to end the season, coupled with a long list of impact returning starters, the Aggies will begin next year on a short list of schools as favorites to claim the 2013 national championship.

--          The Aggies finished the 2012 season as arguably the hottest team in college football. A&M did not trail in any of its final six games, a stretch that included victories over then-No. 1 Alabama, then-No. 15 Mississippi State and No. 11 Oklahoma. A&M began those six contests with a combined salvo of 175-0, seizing leads of 28-0 (Auburn), 31-0 (Mississippi State), 20-0 (Alabama), 47-0 (Sam Houston State), 42-0 (Missouri) and 7-0 (Oklahoma) before the opponent answered.

--         Against Oklahoma, an A&M team known for second-half collapses during a 7-6 campaign in 2011 finished with a 27-0 flurry in the second half that underscored one significant point to first-year coach Kevin Sumlin.

The Aggies, said Sumlin, became “a different team” as the 2012 season unfolded, erasing legions of doubters in the process.

“There was reason for people to doubt us,” said Sumlin, who inherited a program that finished 25-25 under predecessor Mike Sherman and won its lone Big 12 football title in 1998. “Moving into a new league, a .500 program over the last 10 years … One game doesn’t define your program. Your body of work does. This game (against OU) was indicative of how these guys have played all year. Our guys expected to win. That’s probably the biggest change that we’ve made over the course of the last six months.”

Manziel said the Aggies “played with a lot of heart” and showed no rust from the layoff between their regular-season finale _ a Nov. 24 victory over Missouri _ and Friday’s bowl appearance while securing only the fourth season with 11 or more wins in school history. Even better, Manziel said, was doing so against the Big 12 co-champion in A&M’s first season after moving from the Big 12 to the SEC.

“To come in and go against a Big 12 rival and do everything we wanted as a team, we couldn’t feel any better,” Manziel said. “We came out and played one of our best games all year. This is the kind of game that turned the page again. To go out and win 11 games and do what we’ve done is impressive.”

In the near future, A&M will learn whether its two All-America offensive tackles _ juniors Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews _ will join defensive end Damontre Moore in making themselves available in the 2013 NFL Draft. Joeckel, an Arlington High School graduate who won the 2012 Outland Trophy, is projected as possibly the top overall selection in April, with Matthews also pegged as a first-round talent.

Regardless of who protects him next season, Manziel will be back in 2013. After Friday’s contest, NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt, the Dallas Cowboys’ former vice-president of player personnel, posted a tweet calling Manziel’s effort the “best performance” he’d ever seen by a college football player.

On his Twitter account, Brandt wrote: “Best performance by player I’ve ever seen. @JManziel2 was unbelievable. Better than Cam vs. Bama in 2010.”

As for the future, Manziel said: “I’m not really worried about the future right now. I’m really enjoying this. It’s been crazy … how we’ve progressed as a team, how we’ve continued to get better every week.”

All the way to being the best college football team in Texas during the Aggies’ debut season as an SEC member.

Twitter: @Jimmy_Burch

_ Jimmy Burch

Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel shows post-Heisman rust no factor in Cotton Bowl

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in the award’s 77-year history, racked up 516 yards of total offense and accounted for four touchdowns in the ninth-ranked Aggies’ 41-13 rout of No. 11 Oklahoma in Friday night’s AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic at Cowboys Stadium.

Manziel rushed for 229 yards, a Cotton Bowl and FBS bowl record, and stressed after the contest that the Aggies (11-2) were far from rusty in securing what likely will be a Top 10 finish in the post-season polls.

“There is too much talk about how you perform after the Heisman and about the layoff and all that,” Manziel said. “There wasn’t anything holding us back. No rust, there was no nothing. We played as a unit and that’s all you can ask for … To go out and win 11 games and do what we’ve done is impressive.”

Manziel said the Aggies “played with a lot of heart” in breaking open a 14-13 game at the half and securing only the fourth season with 11 or more wins in school history. Even better, Manziel said, was doing so against Oklahoma _ the Big 12 co-champion _ in A&M’s first season after moving from the Big 12 to the SEC. A&M capped the season with six consecutive victories in which the Aggies did not trail, including victories over then-No. 1 Alabama, then-No. 15 Mississippi State and No. 11 Oklahoma.

“To come in and go against a Big 12 rival and do everything we wanted as a team, and send these seniors out with a win, we couldn’t feel any better,” Manziel said.

_ Jimmy Burch