Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold held his Pro Day on campus Wednesday and likely solidified himself as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Less than 24 hours later though, a former first round pick seemed to draw just as much attention a few hours south of Los Angeles.
That’s because Heisman Trophy winner and ex-Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel was down at FCS powerhouse San Diego’s Pro Day throwing passes and helping out a few of the Toreros’ NFL hopefuls in decidedly un-Southern California type conditions.
Johnny Manziel throwing at USD’s Pro Day. Threw 38 passes in the session this morning. pic.twitter.com/161LsDrXAP
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 22, 2018
Kind of a cool thing that Johnny Manziel agreed to throw at San Diego Pro Day. He’d been training with 2 of their late-round prospects and they asked him to be QB for their workouts for scouts. Manziel agreed yesterday to do them a favor. Benefitted all sides, as he looked sharp.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2018
The University of San Diego & @USDFootball are excited to welcome 10 NFL teams to campus tomorrow, including:@ChicagoBears @Browns @Chargers @Chiefs @AtlantaFalcons @Giants @nyjets @Patriots @RAIDERS @Titans#ProDay2018 #USD2NFL #Whosnext? pic.twitter.com/qBY8Val6Tz
— Tyler Mariucci (@TylerMariucci) March 22, 2018
Few players had a more buzzed-about Pro Day than Johnny Football did back at Texas A&M and while he’s not throwing passes for a team just yet, at least it was cool to see the former superstar return to a campus with a football in hand Thursday. No word on if this gets Manziel closer to a comeback at the next level but it sounds as though it certainly didn’t hurt one of the most excited college football players in recent memory.