Diego Pavia is getting advice from an unusual source.
With hopes of getting drafted in April, the Vanderbilt quarterback is receiving guidance from Johnny Manziel, a former first-round pick who flamed out in the NFL.
“He’s giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process,” Pavia said of Manziel at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. “And, you know, he’s given me some good advice, for sure. And he always reaches out, too, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he just, like, he’s just a friend to me, you know?
“And so he’s giving me some mentorship. He’s been around me, he’s been around my family. He’s just a great person for those that really don’t know him.”
Manziel, who starred for the Texas A&M Aggies in two seasons, winning the 2012 Heisman Trophy, was drafted No. 22 overall by the Browns in 2014.
It was essentially all downhill from there for Manziel, who played in just 15 career NFL games, going 2-6 in his starts with just as many touchdown passes as interceptions (seven).
Pavia is all but certain to go outside the first round and would likely be happy to be drafted at all.
He’s projected to be a late-round pick or go undrafted, and is ranked well outside the top-tier of quarterbacks by most experts.
Pavia has spent the last two seasons with the Commodores after transferring from New Mexico State.
He had his big breakout last season, throwing for 29 touchdowns and just eight interceptions while leading 10-3 Vanderbilt to their best season in school history en route to a second-place Heisman finish.