Barker says Manziel could be a hit in CFL

Ex-Argos coach believes Johnny Football has potential to excel in Canadian game

“It’s going to be fascinating to watch how it all unfolds.”

Those were the words of Jim Barker as he watched the Hamilton Tiger-Cats go through their paces at training camp one day this week at Ron Joyce Stadium on the campus of McMaster University.

The Canadian Football League lifer — Barker’s desire to get back into the game in some capacity remains strong after he was let go by the Toronto Argonauts in January 2017 — was, as you might have guessed, referring to Johnny Manziel and the star quality Johnny Football potentially could bring to the CFL.

As Barker watched Manziel work against the Ticats defence, he couldn’t help but recall a certain former CFL great, right down to the No. 2 worn by Manziel.

“Based on what (Manziel) did in college (at Texas A&M), he has that same magic that Doug (Flutie) did, but it’s all about being able to translate it to the field here,” Barker said. “And you’re not going to find out until he gets a chance to play.

“(Flutie) made everybody around him better. (Manziel) has a lot to learn about the game, but he has proven himself before. And that’s what you look for, is that guy who has that ability when the lights go on.”

Barker, the Argos’ offensive co-ordinator at the time, had Flutie under his tutelage in 1997, when the Argos won the Grey Cup behind a 350-yard passing performance by Flutie, earning him MVP honours.

As the Montreal Alouettes’ offensive co-ordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2002, Barker was instrumental in guiding Anthony Calvillo, who was named the Grey Cup MVP.

In 2012, Barker was the GM of the Argos when Ricky Ray helped lead the Boatmen to a Grey Cup title in Toronto.

As well as anyone involved in three-down football, Barker knows what makes CFL quarterbacks not only tick, but succeed.

Barker looks back at Manziel’s two wildly entertaining seasons in college in 2012 and 2013 and knows where the potential lies for the 25-year-old.

Manziel’s ability to think on his feet, and with his feet, give him a good head start.

“When you see him play, he fits this game much better than the NFL game, where the players are bigger and the lanes are a lot smaller,” Barker said. “Here you have bigger lanes. He can throw from every different arm angle. He has instincts.

“The NFL is a different game. This is a space game and for somebody like him, space is just going to improve all the things he is good at.”

If there is one aspect in which Manziel must be proficient, where does that lie? What’s the difference between quarterbacks who come north and excel and those who do not?

“Throwing accuracy is as big as anything, but I think (each one) has to understand this game and understand the players who play this game,” Barker said. “I have been fortunate to be with some great players in this league that led in different ways, but they all understood what the league was about. Doug, Tracy Ham, Ricky — they took the time to figure out what this league is about. It comes down to playing football, and what this guy did at Texas A&M was unprecedented.”

Barker is impressed by what he has been hearing about Manziel, that the latter is taking this opportunity seriously.

Once Manziel makes the expected progression to the point where he is playing, whether as the starter for the Ticats or entering a game in relief of Jeremiah Masoli, more obstacles could arise. Getting past those will be crucial.

“There is a learning curve, there is no doubt about that, and how he handles it when things don’t go great will be important,” Barker said.

“I hope the best for him.”