Jones: Manziel faces tough competition; Masoli remains starter
HAMILTON — Johnny Manziel has finally signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but don’t expect him to walk in and just take the starting job.
Ticats head coach June Jones said at Saturday’s introductory press conference that Manziel faces stiff competition from Jeremiah Masoli, who has the No. 1 job going into camp.
“He’s not starting any time right now,” Jones answered when asked about Manziel’s timeline to start. “I’ll evaluate it when I get to that situation.”
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IMAGES
» First Look: Manziel’s jersey hot off the press
» Images from the introductory press conference
The Ticats announced Saturday that the team has agreed to terms with Manziel, ending a year of rampant speculation surrounding one of the biggest stars college football has ever produced. But the Ticats have other quarterbacks on the roster, and Manziel won’t be handed anything.
Masoli helped the Ticats win six of their last 10 games after taking over as the starting quarterback last season. The Ticats also added Vernon Adams Jr. in the off-season.
“I’ve made perfectly clear the possibilities we have,” said Jones. “He has his work ahead of him to beat out Jeremiah. When I was in the NFL I wanted three quarterbacks that started and played in the National Football League. You can’t have too many quarterbacks.”
Johnny Manziel and June Jones answer questions during Saturday’s press conference (Kevin Sousa/CFL.ca)
As for Manziel, the Ticats’ newest signing is ready to compete. He says he’s not setting the bar too high right away, but that he plans to soak up as much of the three-down game as he can.
“One hundred per cent,” Manziel replied when asked if he’s willing to be a backup. “[To be a starter right away], that’s not what I’m coming here for. Obviously I want to play, as any quarterback in our room would tell you. But at the end of the day, there’s talent on this roster. I respect the guys we do have in the room.
“I understand there’s a learning curve,” he added. “That this is going to take time. I’m not going to make outlandish goals. I have very realistic goals to come in and learn the offence, learn the game and hopefully my talent will show. From there, like Coach Jones said, whoever gives this team the best opportunity to win, whatever case that may be, whatever day that may be, will come to fruition.”
