Johnny Manziel named Heisman finalist

The city of Kerrville is filled with Heisman fever after former Kerrville Tivy quarterback Johnny Manziel was named a finalist for the 2012 Heisman trophy which is given to the best player in college football.

"Definitely the buzz in Kerrville right now is if he's going to win the Heisman or not," said Grant Messman, a former high school teammate.

"Everybody's excited that Johnny Manziel's going to be the first freshman to win the Heisman trophy award," added Lee Howard, owner of the Wing King, a restaurant that Manziel and his family often visited after games.

While many share Howard's optimism, some fans are cautiously predicting a very close race. A freshman has never won the Heisman trophy. Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson came the closest, finishing second in 2004.

"Granted, him being a freshman, he doesn't have the best odds in his favor but by the stats I think he should get it," said Messman.

Manziel set an SEC record for total offense with 4,600 yards and recent history could benefit him.

The last two players to break the SEC record for total offense were Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Both won the Heisman.

"Watching him play three years here at Tivy high school, you knew when you saw this kid play that he was something to watch," said Howard.

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