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Matt Joeckel Announces He Is Transferring From Texas A&M; 2 Passers Left to Compete for Starting Job

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Johnny Manziel may have thought he had a tall order replacing Ryan Tannehill, but it turns out the next Texas A&M quarterback will have it even tougher.

According to ESPN, Matt Joeckel has made it a two-QB race after he announced his plans to transfer out of Texas A&M. Now Kenny Hill and Kyle Allen are the last two passers standing.

"Matt is a great Aggie and he has decided to transfer," coach Kevin Sumlin said in a news release on the Aggies football team's website. "We wish him all the best."

Sumlin has not specified when he would officially name a starter, but replacing Manziel will be much tougher than replacing Tannehill. Sumlin's first year as the Aggies head coach was Manziel's first season as the starter and the team's first year in the Southeastern Conference.

Manziel became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy and followed it up with an even better sophomore season, but could not win the award back-to-back. Tannehill ended up being a first round pick but did not put up the explosive numbers Manziel did.

Despite facing an indefinite suspension from the team, Kenny Hill is favored to win the starting quarterback job. Hill was arrested late last month for public intoxication, but his team suspension could be lifted whenever Sumlin sees fit. Allen, the top passer in the ESPN 300 list of high school recruits, was able to compete for the starting position throughout the Aggies' spring practices.

Joeckel completed his undergraduate degree in December and will pursue his final year of athletic eligibility elsewhere. The brother of former Texas A&M offensive lineman, Luke Joeckel, Matt has not yet indicated where he will transfer.

"I have loved my 4 and a half years at Texas A&M," he said in the release. "I am glad I had the opportunity to play for Coach Sumlin, Coach [Jake] Spavital and the rest of the coaches. I am proud to have my degree from the Mays Business School and I'll always consider myself a member of the Aggie family."

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