Texas football safety extols Arch Manning’s confidence, saying, “He’s got some swagger.”
The Texas Longhorns have one of the most anticipated quarterback battles in the nation, and while all eyes are on Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, teammates are beginning to take notice of Manning’s presence on the field. One of the latest voices to weigh in is a Texas safety, who recently praised Manning’s confidence, saying, “He’s got some swagger.”
Manning’s Arrival in Austin
Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, arrived at Texas with enormous expectations. As a five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 class, his commitment to Texas was a statement that the Longhorns are building for national championship contention. Despite initially being projected as the backup to Quinn Ewers, Manning’s attitude and work ethic have stood out to his teammates and coaching staff.
A Confident Young Leader
Texas safety Jerrin Thompson recently spoke about Manning’s demeanor in practice, noting that the freshman quarterback carries himself with the poise of a seasoned veteran.
“He’s got some swagger, man. He doesn’t back down from competition. He’s confident in his ability, and you can tell he’s been around football his whole life,” Thompson said.
That kind of confidence is essential in a program looking to establish itself as a powerhouse in the SEC. Manning’s ability to command respect in the locker room and on the field could be a significant factor in his development.
How Manning Compares to Ewers
The battle between Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about quarterback competitions in college football. Ewers, a former No. 1 recruit in his own right, has already shown flashes of brilliance, but Manning’s presence has added a new layer of intensity to practices.
While Ewers is known for his elite arm talent and deep-ball accuracy, Manning brings an element of polish and pedigree. His mechanics are refined, and his ability to read defenses is already at an advanced level. Though Ewers holds the edge in experience, Manning’s rapid development has led many to wonder if he could challenge for the starting job sooner rather than later.
Steve Sarkisian’s Perspective
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that Texas will field the best player at every position, including quarterback. While Ewers remains the presumed starter, Sarkisian has been impressed with Manning’s approach to the game.
“Arch is as competitive as they come. He’s not just here to sit back and learn; he’s here to compete. That’s what we want in this program,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian’s system is designed to maximize quarterback play, and Manning’s ability to process information quickly has already drawn praise from the coaching staff. If he continues to develop at this pace, the coaching staff will face a difficult decision when it comes to playing time.
What Teammates Are Saying
Manning has already earned the respect of his teammates, and his confidence is contagious. Offensive lineman Kelvin Banks noted that Manning brings an energy to practice that makes others step up their game.
“He’s a leader, even as a young guy. You can see it in the way he carries himself,” Banks said. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor.”
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Manning’s ability to make quick reads and deliver accurate throws in practice.
“He’s got a great feel for the game. He’s confident in the pocket, and he doesn’t panic. That’s what you want in a quarterback,” Worthy said.
The Future of Texas Football
With the Longhorns set to transition into the SEC, having a confident, talented quarterback will be crucial for their success. Whether it’s Ewers or Manning leading the charge, Texas appears to be in a strong position for the future.
Manning’s swagger and confidence are exactly what the Longhorns need as they prepare to take on the nation’s best. If he continues to develop at this pace, Texas fans could be witnessing the rise of their next great quarterback.
