Texas A&M Open Scrimmage; Manziel Shows Off Skills Despite NCAA Investigations

Thousands of Aggies fans gathered at Kyle Field Saturday night to watch their team play, says CBS Sports.

Despite recent controversies and on-going investigations, Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel was present for the exhibition game. Aggies fan or not, Manziel definitely did not disappoint.

The 20-year old sophomore showed off his skills, speed and scrambling abilities during the 90-minute open scrimmage says Fox News. His showcase did not surprise coaches though. Manziel has reportedly been doing pretty well both on the field and in the meeting room according to coaches. The quarterback has also greatly improved after spending a year with the team.

With improved footwork and offensive play skill, coaches expect that Manziel will be exceeding his debut performance. The young player was crucial to A&M's seventh rank in the AP preseason poll. According to CBS Sports, he sparked the Aggies to an 11-2 season by amassing an SEC record 5,116 yards of offense.

"He's got a lot more control of the offense now," says Jack Spavital. "His arm really is getting stronger and he's gotten a lot better fundamentally. He's so much better throwing the deep ball," he continued.

Earlier this month, news spread about Manziel allegedly receiving money for signing his autograph on piles of memorabilia. According to USA Today, NCAA Bylaw 12.5.2.1 prohibits student-athletes from accepting money for promotion or sale of a product or service.

Manziel has his school's support in the investigation. Such support was evident in an email sent by Texas A&M Athletic Director Eric Hyman.

"Everyone wants to know the status of our quarterback, Johnny Manziel," Hyman wrote according to a report by the University Herald. "As we have stated previously, our practice is to not discuss such matters publicly. Our foremost priority, regardless of the circumstances, is to protect and support our student-athletes while also upholding the integrity of the University and complying with NCAA rules and regulations."

Texas A&M hired the services of Lightfoot, Franklin and White as legal counsels while Manziel's family also hired Texan attorney Jim Darnell to represent the quarterback.