There's been plenty of speculation this offseason about what Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning's role will actually be this fall.
Manning is locked in as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Quinn Ewers.
But Manning obviously isn't your average No. 2 quarterback. He's a former five-star recruit who comes from a famous family of highly successful quarterbacks. He's expected to be a star. And his performance in Texas' spring game earlier this year did nothing to quell those expectations (Arch passed for 355 yards and three touchdowns in the Longhorns' spring game).
Manning has attempted just five passes as a college quarterback. There's no doubt that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian wants to get him some more reps during games. And not just because he needs the experience, but because he also brings a running element to the table that Ewers doesn't.
"Arch, the thing about him that I think most people probably don't give him enough credit for, he is a really good athlete," said Sarkisian earlier this spring. "He's big, he's strong, and he's fast....Sometimes he'll lean into using his legs to create explosive plays."
CBS Sports suggested earlier this spring that Sarkisian should create a red zone package for Manning, much like Florida did with Tim Tebow in 2006.
But despite the need for more reps and the explosive running ability that Manning brings, it sounds like Sarkisian won't be forcing the young quarterback into the game plan early in the season.
Sark was asked on Monday if he wants to get Manning some snaps in September.
"Of course I do," said Sarkisian .
When asked if he'll force it with Manning, Sarkisian responded simply by saying "no".
So it sounds like Manning will be treated just like any other backup quarterback in the nation. If Texas is winning in blowout fashion, we'll probably see Manning come into the game. Otherwise, it's going to be the Quinn Ewers show in Austin.
Related: How Arch Manning unknowingly helped the Tennessee Vols in a big way
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