Johnny Manziel: Russell Wilson 'kicked the door wide open' for short NFL QBs

Johnny Manziel won't likely throw a pass sitting down in the NFL. (Andy Hayt/Getty Images)

Measurables are a big part of the NFL combine, which begins this weekend.

Texas A&M listed Johnny Manziel at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, but he will likely be 6-0, 210 at the combine, according to George Whitfield Jr., his private quarterback coach.

But Johnny Football doesn't see his height as an issue, especially considering 5-11 Russell Wilson just won the Super Bowl.

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“I think he’s kicked the door wide open,” Manziel told John McClain of the Houston Chronicle on Sunday about Wilson opening the door for shorter quarterbacks. “You’re seeing more guys being successful avoiding that first wave of pressure — get out and do things outside the pocket."

Manziel, who rushed for more than 2,100 yards and 30 touchdowns in two seasons with the Aggies, said that while he wants to be a pocket passer, his ability to scramble and make plays — a la Wilson — will be beneficial in the NFL.

“The game’s evolving,” Manziel said. “More and more [pass rushers] like [defensive end Jadeveon] Clowney are coming out of college, and they’re big, and they can run. You have to be able to create plays.

“I want to be a pocket passer, too, and be able to pick apart defenses and beat teams with my arm. But when a play breaks down, the scrambling and running ability [take over], and we’re back to doing what I’ve been doing the past six years playing football.”

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