This hasn’t been a discussion we’ve had since early spring, but here we are again.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg revealed discussions he has had with coaches around the country about some of the conference’s most highly touted quarterbacks. The article states these conversations were held in spring and summer.
Whether it was due to all of the spring hype surrounding Arch Manning or the fact one coach just doubts Quinn Ewers this much, one anonymous defensive coordinator believes Manning will end up starting. The coach explained that Ewers has the skills, but has yet to put it all together, so he personally didn’t see him as a top quarterback in the conference.
“You can see the talent, and I hear that he’s changed,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “I don’t think he’s where those other three (Daniels, Howard, Gabriel) are yet. Could he be? Yes. He’s got talent and he’s got a hose, but you’d have to project that one.”
He also touched on the fact the Longhorns will need much more out of him this year after being able to rely on their dangerous run game a year ago.
“Damn man, it’s really hard to not be successful when you’ve got all those weapons around you,” a Big 12 defensive coordinator said. “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].
He concluded with what is now viewed as a very controversial take, expressing that not only is Ewers not as good as the fellow signal callers in the conference but there may be a better passer on the roster. The quarterback in question? None other than five-star Arch Manning.
“I would watch for the other kid (Manning) to unseat him at some point.”
Following spring and well into fall camp, Ewers has built a massive lead over both Manning and Maalik Murphy. On top of that, his improvement on the field and as a leader have been raved about throughout the process. Year 2 for Ewers in this system could be what Texas fans were expecting in Year 1.