2012 Heisman Trophy: Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel one of three finalists

Texas A&M freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel is, as expected, one of three finalists for the 2012 Heisman Trophy. Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o will make up the rest of the field for the award.

Manziel took the SEC by storm as a freshman, posting 43 total touchdowns on the season as one of the nation's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. Completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 3,419 yards, Manziel added 1,181 yards rushing with his longest scamper of the season going for 72 yards.

Behind Manziel, the Aggies went 10-2 in the team's first season in the SEC and earned a berth in the AT&T Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma on Jan. 4.

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein led the Wildcats to a 11-1 season, throwing for 2,490 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 890 yards on the ground along with 22 rushing touchdowns. The senior quarterback had a big game in the Wildcats' comeback win over Texas on Saturday to secure the Big 12 Championship and a bid to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against No. 4 Oregon.

Manti Te'o anchored a Notre Dame defense that led the Irish to a 12-0 record and the top spot in the NCAA, posting double-digit tackles in six games this season along with seven interceptions on the season. Te'o is considered to be the biggest competition for Manziel for the award, although Manziel's performance against the Longhorns could make the race even tighter.

The winner will be announced live on ESPN on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. CT.