Arch trusting the process, entering year two on Texas sideline

THIBODAUX, La. ( WGNO ) — Arch Manning’s journey to becoming the Longhorns starting quarterback continues. The Newman alum enters his second season behind Texas quarterback Quin Ewers in the Burnt Orange depth chart, but both Arch and his father Cooper understand the redshirt freshman quarterback is going through a new experience.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to stay patient. Obviously, everyone wants to play right away, but right now, just taking it day-by-day, learning a lot and trying to get better,” Arch stated.

“Everybody wants to hurry up and get on the field. He’s never been a backup his life, and that’s an adjustment. it’s kind of a bit of a bruise to everybody’s ego, but you have to look at the big picture and know those guys ahead of you: been there longer, sometimes they’re bigger; they’re stronger; they’re faster; and they know where the ball’s supposed to be going. pay your dues, do the work and good things will happen,” Cooper Manning added.

While Arch waits for his moment to happen, the Longhorn has two family mentors to lean on: his uncles Peyton and Eli. Both are two-time Super Bowl champions, but before reaching the NFL, the brothers paths as starting, college quarterbacks take several turns, and both Arch’s namesake and dad remember his uncles’ collegiate processes.

“Peyton was going to redshirt, and then all of a sudden, a couple of injuries go and you’re thrown into the first game. You’re always a play or two away from you being the guy, but in the meantime, try to get better so when you are asked to be the guy, you’re ready,” Arch’s father continued.

“Eli kind of did the five-year plan, and it worked out pretty good for him. Now, Peyton got thrown in. The unbelievable injury, he gets thrown in, playing in the Rose Bowl, but I think Arch is on schedule. He is real happy where he is. No doubt he’s learned a lot, improved a lot. He had a good spring,” Archie Manning said.

Texas’s recent spring game shows the growth Archie Manning references. In the Longhorns 2023 spring scrimmage, Arch only completes five-of-13 passes for 30 yards, while playing with the team’s third string roster, but a year later, Arch finishes 19-of-25 passing with 355 yards through the air and three touchdowns, in the Burnt Orange’s 2024 scrimmage, showcasing the growth Manning has gained from last season.

“Just as time’s gone on, I think the offense has slown down for me a little bit, and just growing everyday and trying to get better. I think that’s what’s it’s all about. Felt better about my performance this spring game versus last year. It was good to kind of get out there in a game-like scenario and play. We got some good players around us so it’s going to be a fun year,” Arch said.

“Well, I was excited for him. I could tell you he had a big smile on his face. It was just fun for him to get to play. I was sitting with a lot of parents who were excited to see their sons play for the first time. That class was a bunch of superstars that have been just patiently waiting for their time, so it was fun to see him get a lot of playing time and and show up and really do well,” Cooper stated with a smile.

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