While some may eagerly await Arch Manning‘s first start, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers insists he’ll benefit from one more year as a backup.
“I think that he gains a lot,” Ewers said of Manning staying at Texas on the “RG3 and The Ones” podcast. “And then, obviously, another year to learn the offense and just get more comfortable within the smaller details. It’s the best situation for him, I think.”
Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl champions Eli and Peyton, only played in one game during his redshirt freshman season.
He impressed in the Longhorns’ spring game in April, though, throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns, including two 75-yarders to wide receivers Isaiah Bond and DeAndre Moore Jr.
Manning may be tempted to transfer, considering his talent and pedigree. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has reiterated that Ewers is the starter this offseason. However, Eli told CBS Sports’ Zach Gelb he’s not going elsewhere, and Sarkisian hinted he’ll eventually receive his opportunity.
“I get a chuckle out of this, everyone praises Arch for staying at Texas … he’s going into Year 2, what do you mean,” Sarkisian told 247 Sports’ Josh Pate. “Good for Arch, he’s sticking it out for Texas in Year 2 and I’m like, yeah, that’s part of the process. We’re developing him to be a great football player and great leader and he’s going to be, but that’s where we’re at right now.”
Sarkisian doesn’t have to rush Manning’s development, either. In 12 games last season, Ewers completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,479 yards, 22 TDs and six picks, leading the Longhorns to their first College Football Playoff appearance.
As of Thursday, FanDuel gives him the second-best Heisman odds (+900) behind Georgia QB Carson Beck.
Pro Football Focus rates the Longhorns’ loaded QB room as the third best in the country. The depth at the most important position bodes well for the program, especially as it enters its first season in the Southeastern Conference.
