Longhorns QB Arch Manning Could 'Unseat' Quinn Ewers, Says Big 12 Coach
Despite how enticing the narratives and story lines would look if Arch Manning was the starting quarterback this season, Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that Quinn Ewers is the QB1, as he looks to live up to some of the Heisman talk that has surrounded him this offseason.
Manning, who enters his freshman year as arguably one of the most talked about college football prospects ever, is currently the third-string quarterback behind Ewers and Maalik Murphy. But one anonymous Big 12 defensive coordinator thinks that it won't be long before Manning could leapfrog both guys and become the starting quarterback, maybe even as soon as this season. However, Manning getting redshirted and having to watch from the sidelines this year remains a possibility, which would make this argument null and void.
"I would watch for the other kid (Arch Manning) to unseat him (Ewers) at some point," the Big 12 coach told Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.
The unnamed coach said that he doesn't view Ewers on the level of other quarterbacks in the Big 12, and sees this as a reason for Manning to eventually rise up.
"Damn man, it's really hard to not be successful when you've got all those weapons around you," the coach told ESPN. "Last year, they were really solid at running back, so you don't put a lot of pressure on your quarterback. They're going to be finding their way a little bit. I know he's going to get a lot of hype and all that, but I don't think he's as good [as other Big 12 QBs].
But while Manning is talented and played well in the Longhorns' recent scrimmage, he remains a raw prospect in development. Additionally, he's yet to play in a real college game, having only gone 5 of 13 for 30 yards in April's Orange-White Scrimmage. Meanwhile, Murphy showed off his cannon of an arm and impressive size in that game while also having an extra year of knowledge under his belt in Sark's offense.
Manning is likely headed toward big things at Texas and could certainly fight to be the starter next season, especially if Ewers declares for the NFL Draft. But if both Ewers and Murphy are healthy this season, it's a big long shot that Manning would suddenly jump past both on the depth chart given his current inexperience.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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