BYU QB Zach Wilson Responds To ‘Mormon Manziel’ Nickname

By Kyle Ireland, KSL Sports
September 18, 2019 at 9:17 pm

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) runs for a touchdown during a game between the USC Trojans and the BYU Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Boyd Ivey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

PROVO, Utah – On Wednesday afternoon, Zach Wilson responded to a question regarding his thoughts on people calling him “Mormon Manziel.”

He responded, “that’s funny.”

Wilson was unaware that people were likening him to former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Johnny Manziel.

“I dunno how I feel about that,” continued Wilson during his post-practice interview.

More from Zach Wilson on the Mormon Manziel nickname: “I would love to be someone who’s looked at as someone who plays within the offense, someone who scrambles when necessary.”

He said he has more work to do before he can have that kind of nickname. pic.twitter.com/Akdr8Ikuu5

— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) September 19, 2019

“I would love to be someone who’s looked at as someone who plays within the offense, someone who scrambles when necessary,” said the BYU quarterback.

Wilson is coming off a big performance in which the Cougars upset 24th ranked USC 30-27 in overtime.

Matt Bushman on Zach Wilson being compared to Johnny Manziel: “Props to him if he’s the next Mormon Manziel. He’s an athlete, he knows his stuff and he has this sixth sense when there is a pass rusher coming up on his backside.” #BYU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 19, 2019

BYU tight end, Matt Bushman said that Wilson is “an athlete. He knows his stuff and he has this sixth sense when there is a pass rusher coming up on his backside.”

The BYU QB scored a spectacular touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the Cougars up 27-24. On the run, Wilson eluded defenders as he rushed up the middle for a 16-yard TD.

Inject the Mormon Manziel comparisons into #BYU fans veins.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 14, 2019

Wilson finished the game 280 yards passing and 2 touchdowns, one through the air and the other being the 16-yard QB draw.

MORE ON MANZIEL:

Manziel played for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2012-13. He was known for his ability to scramble and run the football.

He was recognized as college football’s best player in 2012 when he was awarded the Heisman Trophy. Manziel was given nicknames like “Money Manziel” and “Johnny Football.”