Former college teammates of Browns rookie Johnny Manziel believe he’ll silence criticism of off-field behavior
...two of his high-profile former teammates from Texas A&M rolled through town and went to bat for him because they think he’ll be a home run in the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews...
...“He’s a great quarterback. I think he’s the best quarterback prospect in this draft, and I think he’ll change the program here in Cleveland."
Added Evans: “I loved him [as a teammate]. A lot of teammates at A&M loved him. I can’t speak for the Browns, but I loved him at A&M.
...Evans and Matthews aren’t among the skeptics.
“The NFL hasn’t seen anything like him I don’t think,” Evans said. “He’s a better passer than most people give him credit for and he can adapt.
“He’s the smartest guy I’ve been around so far. I haven’t been around the Bucs that much, but so far, he’s the smartest guy.”
Matthews thinks Manziel’s intangibles are conducive to winning in the league.
“His determination, his attitude, his work ethic — he gets after it,” Matthews said. “When he’s on the field, he’s got the mindset that no one’s better than him. I really enjoyed blocking for him. I’m proud to say I blocked for him and I blocked for a Heisman Trophy winner, and I think he’s going to do a lot of really good things here.
“When we’re in the huddle, he’s in control. When he talks, everyone listens and that was one of the things I really picked up from him. His determination, man, he was not going to take no for an answer. That’s what I loved about him the most. He’s one of truest competitors I’ve ever seen.”
...“He’s 21 years old and living his dream,” said Clinton-Dix, the 21st overall pick in this year’s draft. “I can’t fault him for anything he’s done [off the field]. He comes to work and he works hard. That’s for sure. Playing against him for two years in the SEC, he always comes prepared and ready to play, so as long as his play matches his ability off the field and what he does, it shouldn’t matter.
“It’s very tough preparing for a guy like him, going through the week of practice, just with all the things he can do. He can throw the ball and he can also run it. He’s very athletic and good on his feet, so you don’t know what to expect from him.”
