Texas football spring practice observations: thoughts on Arch Manning, Christian Clark, and more

Spring football is always an exciting time for college football programs. It’s a time for teams to get a head start on the upcoming season, as players work on their skills, build chemistry, and position themselves for key roles. For the Texas Longhorns, 2025 is an important year, and spring practice provides a preview of how the team will shape up and who will emerge as key contributors in the fall.

This year, Texas football fans and analysts are paying close attention to several key players as they look to develop into significant pieces of the team’s puzzle. Among the most notable names are Arch Manning, the freshman quarterback and highly touted recruit, and Christian Clark, a rising star in the Longhorns’ backfield. Both players are expected to have a major impact on the team this season, and their development during spring practice will be critical in determining how quickly they can contribute to the Longhorns’ success.

In this article, we will break down the major observations from Texas’ spring practice, focusing on the performances of Arch Manning, Christian Clark, and other notable players, as well as what we can expect from the Longhorns as they prepare for the 2025 season.

1. Arch Manning: A Freshman Who Has All Eyes on Him

The name “Manning” carries immense weight in the football world. Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback, is already under a microscope at Texas. He is the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and a top recruit in the 2024 class. Expectations are sky-high for Arch, and it’s safe to say that his spring performance is one of the biggest talking points for the Longhorns heading into the season.

So far in spring practice, Arch has shown flashes of why he was so highly sought after during his recruitment. His physicality, arm strength, and football IQ are all traits that have stood out. Manning has displayed excellent mechanics, with a quick release, an accurate deep ball, and the ability to make all the necessary throws. The comparisons to his famous uncles are inevitable, and while it’s important to avoid putting undue pressure on the freshman, there’s no denying the potential he has to be the Longhorns’ future star.

However, as expected, Manning has also had his moments of inconsistency during practice. He’s a freshman, and spring ball is the first time he’s going up against elite competition at the college level. While his physical attributes are undeniable, the mental side of the game remains a work in progress. He’s still adjusting to the speed of the game and the complexity of the playbook. Manning has shown some hesitance in making decisions quickly under pressure, which is typical for a young quarterback who is still learning to read defenses at the college level.

Despite these growing pains, Manning’s upside is obvious. He is a competitor, and his poise under pressure has stood out during several practice sessions. His leadership qualities have been praised by coaches and teammates alike. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how quickly Manning can adapt and if he earns a significant role in the rotation or if Texas will lean on an older, more experienced quarterback.

2. Christian Clark: An Emerging Star in the Backfield

While Arch Manning has generated a great deal of attention, Christian Clark, a sophomore running back, has quietly been one of the most impressive players during spring practice. Clark arrived at Texas as part of a highly touted 2024 recruiting class and, after a solid freshman season, has shown tremendous growth in his second year.

Clark’s running style is best described as dynamic — he has excellent vision, a quick burst through the hole, and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His speed and elusiveness make him a threat to break off long runs every time he touches the ball. During spring practice, Clark has been a standout during scrimmages, showing impressive footwork and the ability to hit the hole with purpose. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield has also been a noticeable improvement, adding a new dimension to his game.

One of the most exciting aspects of Clark’s development has been his ability to handle contact. He’s shown a willingness to run between the tackles, using his strength and balance to fight for extra yards after contact. This could make him a valuable asset in Texas’ rushing attack, which has been a key component of the team’s offensive identity in recent years.

The competition at running back is strong for Texas, with a deep and talented group that includes several players vying for touches. However, Clark’s ability to impact the game both as a ball carrier and as a pass-catching back gives him a clear edge in the battle for playing time. His performance this spring will undoubtedly have a major impact on Texas’ offensive plans heading into the 2025 season.

3. Offensive Line: Growing Pains and Improvement

One area of focus for Texas this spring is the offensive line, which has been a position of concern for the program in recent years. While the line has shown flashes of potential, it has struggled with consistency, particularly in the run game. For a program that wants to compete at the highest level, having a dominant offensive line is crucial, and Texas is taking a hard look at how they can improve in this area.

This spring, there has been some noticeable improvement along the offensive line. Players like Jake Majors, Cole Hutson, and Tyler Johnson have been working to build more chemistry and consistency, particularly in run-blocking situations. However, it’s clear that the offensive line is still a work in progress. The unit is young, with several underclassmen looking to earn starting roles, and they’ve struggled at times with keeping pressure off the quarterback.

One positive development has been the emergence of Triston Miller, a highly rated tackle who has impressed coaches with his technique and quickness. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side will be crucial as Texas looks to improve their pass protection.

As spring practices progress, the offensive line will be one of the biggest areas to monitor. With Manning at quarterback and Clark in the backfield, having an offensive line that can protect the passer and create holes for the run game will be essential for Texas’ offensive success. The improvements seen this spring are encouraging, but the Longhorns need to continue to develop the unit in the coming months.

4. Defensive Line: Dominant and Deep

Texas has long been known for its defensive prowess, and the defensive line is a major strength for the Longhorns in 2025. This spring, the defensive line has looked as dominant as ever, with key players like Baron Sorrell, Tavondra Sweat, and Keondre Coburn stepping up to make their presence felt. The defensive line has been a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen during spring practice, consistently disrupting plays and generating pressure in the backfield.

Sorrell, a junior defensive end, has been a standout, displaying excellent pass-rushing skills and the ability to close the pocket quickly. Sweat, a senior defensive tackle, has been a force in the middle, clogging up running lanes and causing havoc in the interior of the offensive line. Together, these two veterans are expected to anchor a defense that could be one of the best in the country.

The depth on the defensive line is also noteworthy. Freshmen like Jalen Harper and Chris Ross have shown promise and could contribute immediately as rotational players. Texas’ defensive line looks poised to dominate in 2025, and their ability to generate consistent pressure will be one of the team’s biggest advantages.

5. Secondary: Strengthening Depth and Continuity

The Texas secondary has long been a strength for the program, and this spring, the defensive backfield looks as deep and talented as ever. With players like Jahdae Barron, Ryan Watts, and Jalen Catalon returning, Texas has the makings of one of the top secondaries in the country.

Barron, a rising junior cornerback, has been a standout this spring. He has displayed exceptional ball skills and coverage ability, shutting down receivers in one-on-one situations. Watts, another veteran cornerback, has been solid as a leader in the secondary, providing stability and experience. Catalon, the transfer safety from Arkansas, has shown flashes of brilliance with his ability to cover both the pass and run.

The competition in the secondary is fierce, with several younger players like Jerrin Thompson and Terrence Brooks looking to make an impact. Texas has built a deep and talented secondary, and this unit could be a major strength as they look to shut down opposing passing games in 2025.

6. Special Teams: A Work in Progress

Special teams is often an overlooked aspect of college football, but it plays a critical role in determining the outcome of games. For Texas, this spring has been a time for experimentation and development in special teams, particularly at kicker and punter. With key players like Isaiah Neyor returning as a return specialist, Texas is hoping to shore up its special teams play, but it will need to find consistency at kicker and punter to avoid crucial mistakes in tight games.

7. Conclusion: A Promising Outlook for the Longhorns

As Texas’ spring practices continue to unfold, there is a lot to be excited about heading into the 2025 season. The development of Arch Manning and Christian Clark has the potential to shape the future of the program, while the growth of key units such as the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary gives the Longhorns a solid foundation.

While spring football is far from the final word on the team’s success, the early returns show promise. With a balanced roster and plenty of talent at key positions, Texas has the tools to compete at the highest level in 2025. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these players continue to develop over the next few months as the Longhorns prepare for what could be a breakout season.