Name: EJ Manuel
School: Florida State
Position: QB
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 237
What the Numbers Say: Manuel led the Seminoles to an impressive 12-2 record in 2012, and then captivated the year by beating Northern Illinois in the Discover Orange Bowl by a score of 31-10. In that game, Manuel went 26-38 for 291 yards and a touchdown. Manuel’s stats do not stop there however, one thing that separates Manuel from other prospects in this year’s QB class is the fact that EJ is a dual-threat in the backfield. Against Northern Illinois Manuel also ran for a touchdown, capping a season in which he confused the defense by using his legs to complement his arm. Manuel ended the year completing 68% of his passes for 3,392 yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 310 yards and two touchdowns, although those numbers are deceiving as sacks count negatively for a quarterbacks rush yards in college. A big chunk of those rush yards came in the huge win at home against Clemson this season, where Manuel ran for 102 yards, along with throwing for 380 yards and two touchdowns.
What Manuel is Saying:
On what he showed to scouts during the Senior Bowl, as he took home the game’s MVP.
“I think I showed consistency. Consistency with my reads, and consistency with my accuracy. Really it was all week, I’m happy I got the game MVP, but I felt I was consistent from Monday all the way through, which was big.”
On what words he would use to describe his game.
“Leadership, Winning, and being a Playmaker.” I think I showed the ability to create plays.”
On being in a pro style offense at Florida State, how that has helped him, and if he could run the read option in the NFL.
“It has helped me a huge deal. I really saw that when I got down here because I felt like I already knew a lot of what was being taught. We ran some read option packages this season, so I most definitely feel I could succeed at that.”
On where he ranks among the other quarterbacks in this draft class.
“I think I should be at the top. I’m very confident in my abilities. I mean no disrespect to the other guys, but it is how I truly feel.”
Projection: Manuel is kind of a sneaky prospect in this year’s crop of QB’s where there is no lock to be the first overall. I feel as if his stock is rising more than others, and the fact that the read option is the new “hip” thing in the NFL gives him an advantage. For now Manuel looks like a second rounder, but keep an eye on him.
