On Nov. 10, 2012, a 19-year-old quarterback led his No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies to a 29-24 victory over No. 1 Alabama. The win rocketed him into college football’s stratosphere. Eventually, though, he channeled Icarus and got too close to the sun. He let off-field shenanigans impact his on-field performance and preparation, leading his once-promising career to flame out.
No, Diego Pavia isn’t a highly heralded NFL Draft prospect like Johnny Manziel once was. He’s also older now (24) than Manziel was when he played his last NFL down (23). Regardless, Vanderbilt‘s occasionally brazen quarterback knows having someone in his ear reminding him where his priorities should lie is a good thing.
On Wednesday, Manziel described how he’s mentoring Pavia to On3’s Chris Low. The now 32-year-old former first-round pick is helping Pavia and others so they may make good on their dreams in a way he failed to do.
I’m like, ‘Learn from my mistakes, brother,'” Manziel reportedly said. “‘Learn from Johnny. Don’t be Johnny off the field.’
Vanderbilt is 5-0 for the first time since 2008 heading into a Week 6 clash at Alabama. This marks the second time ever that Vandy has been featured in a College GameDay contest. Oddly enough, the date of the Commodores’ first GameDay appearance — in 2008 — was Oct. 4, which is the same date as their upcoming showdown against the Crimson Tide. Kickoff between Vanderbilt and Alabama is set for 3:30 p.m. E.T. on ABC.
