Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has had a busy December.
This is no secret to Aggies fans or anybody who follows the 20-year-old redshirt freshman quarterback on Twitter. Manziel, who became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 8, has been all around the country since the regular season ended, from award shows in Orlando and New York City, a talk show in Los Angeles and NFL and NBA games around the state of Texas.
He started the month attending TCU's season finale against Oklahoma in Fort Worth, followed by the Cowboys-Eagles game the next day at Cowboys Stadium. The next week was full of award-show festivities in Orlando and New York then on Dec. 10 he read the "Top 10" list on The Late Show with David Letterman.
After attending Texas A&M's annual football awards banquet on Dec. 14, he headed to Los Angeles for a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Then came back-to-back NBA games at Toyota Center (Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers) and American Airlines Center in Dallas (Mavericks vs. Miami Heat).
He capped off the whirlwind with another appearance at Cowboys Stadium for the Saints and Cowboys, then played golf the next day with the Jonas Brothers.
"I have been enjoying it," Manziel told reporters at AT&T Cotton Bowl media day on Sunday. "I have been enjoying all the stuff that has come with it. I am a big sports fan. All of you know about going to the basketball game and the football game. It is just something that I enjoy. People just didn’t know I went before, but I still went but people didn’t care to write about it."
This is no secret to Aggies fans or anybody who follows the 20-year-old redshirt freshman quarterback on Twitter. Manziel, who became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 8, has been all around the country since the regular season ended, from award shows in Orlando and New York City, a talk show in Los Angeles and NFL and NBA games around the state of Texas.
He started the month attending TCU's season finale against Oklahoma in Fort Worth, followed by the Cowboys-Eagles game the next day at Cowboys Stadium. The next week was full of award-show festivities in Orlando and New York then on Dec. 10 he read the "Top 10" list on The Late Show with David Letterman.
After attending Texas A&M's annual football awards banquet on Dec. 14, he headed to Los Angeles for a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Then came back-to-back NBA games at Toyota Center (Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers) and American Airlines Center in Dallas (Mavericks vs. Miami Heat).
He capped off the whirlwind with another appearance at Cowboys Stadium for the Saints and Cowboys, then played golf the next day with the Jonas Brothers.
"I have been enjoying it," Manziel told reporters at AT&T Cotton Bowl media day on Sunday. "I have been enjoying all the stuff that has come with it. I am a big sports fan. All of you know about going to the basketball game and the football game. It is just something that I enjoy. People just didn’t know I went before, but I still went but people didn’t care to write about it."
Five-star corner to wait until signing day 
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
8:12
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By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO - - It varies with each recruit, but coaching staffs and how a prospect relates with them always factors heavily into the decision-making process.
Trouble is, those coaching staffs don’t always end up at that school when it’s time for recruits to make their decisions. That makes picking a school increasingly difficult these days with how much coaching turnover there is these days.
One high-profile recruit who has felt the impact of coaching change is five-star cornerback Mackensie Alexander (Immokalee, Fla./Immokalee).
Trouble is, those coaching staffs don’t always end up at that school when it’s time for recruits to make their decisions. That makes picking a school increasingly difficult these days with how much coaching turnover there is these days.
One high-profile recruit who has felt the impact of coaching change is five-star cornerback Mackensie Alexander (Immokalee, Fla./Immokalee).
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U.S. Army Bowl: Monday notebook
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
7:51
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) isn’t big on speaking publicly. He’d rather let his game do the talking -- and it speaks volumes.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -– Team Nitro and Team Highlight took to the fields at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports on Monday for Day 1 of practice for Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game (5 p.m. ET, ESPN). Two powerhouse programs in the Southeastern Conference look to battle it out for one of the standout running backs, and one of the top uncommitted offensive linemen is out with an injury.
Tide and Dawgs at top for RB Kamara
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Hot Button: OU's Jones vs. A&M's Manziel
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
7:30
AM CT
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
USA TODAY Sports, AP PhotoLandry Jones is 3-0 in bowl games while Johnny Manziel is fresh off a Heisman-winning campaign.Oklahoma's Landry Jones has the experience. Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel has the spunk. But which quarterback will play better in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night? Jake Trotter of SoonerNation and Sam Khan Jr. of GigEmNation debate here.
Aggies have options in replacing DE Moore
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
10:51
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
The news of Texas A&M junior defensive end Damontre Moore's decision to declare for early entry into the 2013 NFL draft wasn't entirely unexpected.
After a strong junior season in which he earned first-team All-American honors from several publications and organizations and compiled some of the best statistics in the nation for his position (80 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss) in the Southeastern Conference, Moore's draft stock was as high as it has been. It could be argued that he wouldn't be able to elevate his stock higher than it is now.
So where do the Aggies go from here?
The good news is, there's another young defensive end on the roster, one who showed a lot of promise this season: freshman Julien Obioha. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound New Orleans Brother Martin product won the starting job at defensive end opposite Moore and showed flashes of his ability this season, with four quarterback hurries, six pass breakups, a forced fumble, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
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Ray Carlin/Icon SMIDefensive end Damontre Moore had 12.5 sacks for the Aggies after moving from outside linebacker.
So where do the Aggies go from here?
The good news is, there's another young defensive end on the roster, one who showed a lot of promise this season: freshman Julien Obioha. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound New Orleans Brother Martin product won the starting job at defensive end opposite Moore and showed flashes of his ability this season, with four quarterback hurries, six pass breakups, a forced fumble, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Savaiinaea eyes signing day decision
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
6:59
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By
Mitch Sherman | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Former Stanford commit Isaac Savaiinaea (Honolulu/Punahou School), down to Texas A&M and UCLA, will likely wait until signing day to reveal his decision, the linebacker said today after his arrival here for Under Armour All-America Game.
The Aggies’ initial season in the Southeastern Conference impressed Savaiinaea.
“They went to the No. 1 team’s place and beat them,” he said. “You see that they actually do have a shot at a national championship. That’s appealing to me.”
The Aggies’ initial season in the Southeastern Conference impressed Savaiinaea.
“They went to the No. 1 team’s place and beat them,” he said. “You see that they actually do have a shot at a national championship. That’s appealing to me.”
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DL Williams leans on officials for decision
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
6:39
PM CT
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- As ESPN 150 defensive end Tim Williams (Baton Rouge, La./ University Lab) nears national signing day, all that remains between him and choosing a school is a few official visits.
Up first is a trip to Alabama on January 11, Miami on the 18th and Florida State on the 25th. Williams will decide whether or not to take an official to LSU or Texas A&M at some point, too.
Among his finalists, it seems all have a common thread.
Up first is a trip to Alabama on January 11, Miami on the 18th and Florida State on the 25th. Williams will decide whether or not to take an official to LSU or Texas A&M at some point, too.
Among his finalists, it seems all have a common thread.
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Two stand out for Chris Williams
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
4:51
PM CT
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
ATLANTA -- Defensive lineman Chris Williams (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek) will end up with more than the two offers he currently holds from Ole Miss and Texas A&M, but there was no greater feeling than when he received that first scholarship offer from the Rebels early in his junior season.
“It was amazing,” Williams said. “It was just a dream come true. They offered me on the phone, and he asked me how I felt about it. I told him I was speechless because it was random. It just came out of nowhere.”
Whether or not Ole Miss was on his radar before, it is now. The Rebels will always be in consideration because they were the first school to offer.
“It was amazing,” Williams said. “It was just a dream come true. They offered me on the phone, and he asked me how I felt about it. I told him I was speechless because it was random. It just came out of nowhere.”
Whether or not Ole Miss was on his radar before, it is now. The Rebels will always be in consideration because they were the first school to offer.
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ESPN.com bloggers Chris Low and Edward Aschoff preview the SEC bowl games, highlighting LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Georgia in the Capital One Bowl, Texas A&M in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl and Alabama in the Discover BCS National Championship Game. Listen here 
Watch: Under Armour game approaching
December, 28, 2012
12/28/12
8:17
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By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert discuss what the Under Armour All-America Game -- and preceding week of practice -- will teach fans about the top recruits.
Sumlin: Draft-eligible juniors face decisions
December, 28, 2012
12/28/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Three Texas A&M juniors will be faced with a decision in January: stay or go.
Offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews and defensive end Damontre Moore will have to decide whether to apply for early entry into the 2013 NFL draft or stay in Aggieland for one more season of college football.
Some projections have all three going in the first round of the draft and even have Joeckel and Moore going in the top five of the draft. ESPN's Todd McShay had Moore going No. 2, Joeckel going at No. 4 and Matthews at No. 15 in his first mock draft. While their decisions aren't yet made, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin assumes a role of assistance to the three -- as well as all of his seniors -- by providing information to help them along the way.
"My role is to provide them with as much factual information as I can get my hands on," Sumlin said. "Not stuff you read on -- now don't take this wrong -- not stuff you read in the paper or see on ESPN, but actual factual information that will be presented by the NFL. We've sent those requests in to the NFL, what the situation would be for insurance policies if they decided to stay, present everything that's out there. I've told all three of them, 'It's my job to provide you with as much information as I can get my hands on for you and your family, and then if you want my opinion I will tell you.'"
Sumlin dealt with the situation at Houston after the completion of quarterback Case Keenum's junior season, when Keenum considered whether to enter the draft before electing to return for a senior season. When Sumlin was an assistant coach at Oklahoma, it was something the Sooners dealt with annually, giving Sumlin experience in these situations.
"At Oklahoma this was an every-year deal when I was there, between Mark Clayton who played himself higher into the first round and decided to come back," Sumlin said. "Tommie Harris -- it was time to go. Adrian Peterson -- time to go. Other guys played themselves from low first-round picks or the television projection was not the projection that you got back from the NFL, so guys played themselves solidly into certain positions."
Sumlin said the talks with his juniors about their situations are ongoing.
"Those discussions are ongoing at this point and what we're doing is providing the families and these guys with as much information as possible, and I think that's our role," Sumlin said. "And as I've said before, what that means is, to have that discussion as a junior means that you're playing at an extremely high level and that means that you have really helped us thus far and now the decision is 'What do I need to do?' There is the college experience, the collegiate experience factor that's involved because from here on out, it becomes a job. It's work."
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Brett Davis/US PresswireLuke Joeckel is one of three Aggies juniors that are projected to be first-round picks in the 2013 NFL draft.
Some projections have all three going in the first round of the draft and even have Joeckel and Moore going in the top five of the draft. ESPN's Todd McShay had Moore going No. 2, Joeckel going at No. 4 and Matthews at No. 15 in his first mock draft. While their decisions aren't yet made, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin assumes a role of assistance to the three -- as well as all of his seniors -- by providing information to help them along the way.
"My role is to provide them with as much factual information as I can get my hands on," Sumlin said. "Not stuff you read on -- now don't take this wrong -- not stuff you read in the paper or see on ESPN, but actual factual information that will be presented by the NFL. We've sent those requests in to the NFL, what the situation would be for insurance policies if they decided to stay, present everything that's out there. I've told all three of them, 'It's my job to provide you with as much information as I can get my hands on for you and your family, and then if you want my opinion I will tell you.'"
Sumlin dealt with the situation at Houston after the completion of quarterback Case Keenum's junior season, when Keenum considered whether to enter the draft before electing to return for a senior season. When Sumlin was an assistant coach at Oklahoma, it was something the Sooners dealt with annually, giving Sumlin experience in these situations.
"At Oklahoma this was an every-year deal when I was there, between Mark Clayton who played himself higher into the first round and decided to come back," Sumlin said. "Tommie Harris -- it was time to go. Adrian Peterson -- time to go. Other guys played themselves from low first-round picks or the television projection was not the projection that you got back from the NFL, so guys played themselves solidly into certain positions."
Sumlin said the talks with his juniors about their situations are ongoing.
"Those discussions are ongoing at this point and what we're doing is providing the families and these guys with as much information as possible, and I think that's our role," Sumlin said. "And as I've said before, what that means is, to have that discussion as a junior means that you're playing at an extremely high level and that means that you have really helped us thus far and now the decision is 'What do I need to do?' There is the college experience, the collegiate experience factor that's involved because from here on out, it becomes a job. It's work."
S Jamal Adams talks Buckeyes offer
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
6:07
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPN Watch List safety Jamal Adams (Carrollton, Texas/Hebron) has a dozen offers, and every offer makes him smile, but even he had to admit there was something a little different after picking up an offer from Ohio State on Thursday.
Adams’ 12th offer came after speaking with Buckeyes offensive coordinator Tom Herman. Adams adds the Ohio State offer with ones from Florida, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and several other heavyweight programs.
“It’s big,” Adams said of his latest offer. “It’s a big program, like Florida or Alabama, and it’s a great D-1 school that I’m very interested in. I think it can put me where my dreams want me to go."
Adams’ 12th offer came after speaking with Buckeyes offensive coordinator Tom Herman. Adams adds the Ohio State offer with ones from Florida, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and several other heavyweight programs.
“It’s big,” Adams said of his latest offer. “It’s a big program, like Florida or Alabama, and it’s a great D-1 school that I’m very interested in. I think it can put me where my dreams want me to go."
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Hardreck Walker talks TAMU pledge, visits
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
5:56
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- Houston Westfield defensive tackle Hardreck Walker remembers seeing his former high school teammate, Desmond Jackson, go through the All-American game experience. It was something he wanted to experience for himself.
The 6-foot-2, 281-pound three-star prospect is getting that opportunity now, participating in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl festivities this week, leading up to Sunday's game at Reliant Stadium.
"I just am looking forward to comparing myself to some of the top talent in the country and just getting to know different people," said Walker, a Texas A&M commitment. "I was real excited to get invited. All my high school career I got to see Desmond Jackson go to an All-American game. I said, 'I want to be there. I want to do that.' Being here is just amazing."
The 6-foot-2, 281-pound three-star prospect is getting that opportunity now, participating in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl festivities this week, leading up to Sunday's game at Reliant Stadium.
"I just am looking forward to comparing myself to some of the top talent in the country and just getting to know different people," said Walker, a Texas A&M commitment. "I was real excited to get invited. All my high school career I got to see Desmond Jackson go to an All-American game. I said, 'I want to be there. I want to do that.' Being here is just amazing."
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TAMU WR commit Parker ready to compete
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
5:51
PM CT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
HOUSTON -- Texas A&M has plenty of pass catchers in its 2013 class.
As one of the points of emphasis for the Aggies in their current recruiting haul, as many as eight different commitments could wind up as receivers for the Aggies (four receivers, three athletes and a tight end).
Manvel (Texas) High School receiver Kyrion Parker is not concerned about the numbers game. He said so this week at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, where he and high school teammate and fellow Texas A&M commitment Tavares Garner are participating for the American team along with four other Aggies commits.
As one of the points of emphasis for the Aggies in their current recruiting haul, as many as eight different commitments could wind up as receivers for the Aggies (four receivers, three athletes and a tight end).
Manvel (Texas) High School receiver Kyrion Parker is not concerned about the numbers game. He said so this week at the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, where he and high school teammate and fellow Texas A&M commitment Tavares Garner are participating for the American team along with four other Aggies commits.
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ABOUT GIGEMNATION
Sam Khan Jr.
Sam Khan Jr. joined ESPN.com in 2012 after nearly seven years with the Houston Chronicle, covering the University of Houston, college sports and high school sports. Khan lives in Houston with his wife. He can be reached at skespn@gmail.com.