Georgia Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart confirms suspicion about Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning
How good is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning? I mean, we know he's good. But just how good is he? That's a question that's been asked since Manning was a high school player in New Orleans playing against some less-than-stellar competition — which led to some folks suggesting that his recruiting ranking was a bit inflated […]
How good is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning?
I mean, we know he's good. But just how good is he?
That's a question that's been asked since Manning was a high school player in New Orleans playing against some less-than-stellar competition — which led to some folks suggesting that his recruiting ranking was a bit inflated (Manning was rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class).
Manning, who is a redshirt freshman, has looked good in limited action for the Longhorns — he has 939 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 95 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns this season — but he hasn't been the go-to quarterback for Texas in a big game yet. And until we see him in that role, it's hard to know just how good Manning will be.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart comments on Texas quarterback Arch Manning
With Texas and Georgia set to meet in the SEC Championship game on Saturday, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was asked about preparing for Manning.
(Quinn Ewers will start for Texas, but Manning could also be a factor in the game.)
Smart confirmed to reporters that he thinks Manning is "what everybody thought he was" while describing the New Orleans native as a "great player".
“He’s what everybody thought he was,” said Smart this week when asked about Manning. “He’s athletic, smart, quick. Great thrower. He can run their entire offense, while at the same time creating designed runs, or off-schedule runs. Both are scary. Because designed runs, with him, are tough to defend, because you’re having to defend the whole field. And then he’s also an elite thrower and passer. I mean, he’s a great player."
“They’ve brought him along that way," added Smart. "He’s gained confidence each and every week. He had to start some games. I mean, you couldn’t write a better story for him, in terms of development, to be ready to go and be the starter.”
Smart is the best coach in college football right now. If he feels that way about Manning, then I think it's safe for the rest of us to describe the young quarterback as "elite".
Manning looks the part when he's on the field. It seems like he always makes something happen when he gets a chance. His competitiveness combined with his incredible football pedigree, his strong arm, and his sneaky athleticism is why Manning has the potential to not only be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft in a couple of years, but he also has the potential to be a superstar at the next level.
Don't listen to me, just listen to Kirby. After all, he knows an elite Manning when he sees one.
College football fans aren’t happy after ESPN’s obvious bias gets majorly exposed during Georgia’s win against Georgia Tech
They have some explaining to do
