Kyle Allen: Culture at Texas A&M comes from Johnny Manziel era
Former Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen says the “culture” still present due to Johnny Manziel is one reason he decided to transfer, reports CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd.
“I think the culture was a big part of it, and I think that stems from Johnny’s era there -- the way that they let Johnny and [others] act there,” said Allen. “They [could] do that and still win games because they had Johnny … and five offensive linemen playing in the NFL right now.”
Allen added that many members of the team continued the culture despite Manziel going to the NFL.
“A lot of people were riding off that, ‘I can do whatever the hell I want and win on Saturday,’” Allen said. ”Everyone wasn’t in a straight line. Everyone was going this way, this way, this way. We had a ton of talent there. I think that, once you get all the right coaches there and get the vision right, you can do a lot of things.”
Allen announced in January his plans to transfer to Houston. Allen, a sophomore and former five-star recruit, will sit out the 2016 season under NCAA transfer rules and have two years of eligibility left, beginning in 2017.
The quarterback, who was widely considered the nation’s top quarterback recruit in 2014, threw for 2,210 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. Allen lead the Aggies to a 5–0 record before losing the starting job to freshman Kyler Murray. Murray has since transferred to Oklahoma.
Manziel, a former first-round pick, has been involved in numerous controversies during his two seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
• A history of controversies surrounding Johnny Manziel
Manziel allegedly struck his ex–girlfriend Colleen Crowley and threatened to kill her and himself, according to an affidavit filed by Crowley as part of her request for a protective order against Manziel. The quarterback also reportedly arrived at practice drunk near the end of the Browns season.
Cleveland will reportedly release Manziel in March.
