Nick Saban hasn’t put all his eggs in the Arch Manning basket and Tide fans shouldn’t either.
Like a classic TV drama of “who did it” the recruitment of five-star quarterback Arch Manning has everyone guessing how it will end. Even some of the country’s top recruiting analysts are stumped on where the generational talent will take his talents.
At the moment, On3’s recruiting prediction machine has Manning with a 38.1% chance of landing at Texas followed by Georgia (32.5%) and Alabama (27.2%). While it seems likely Manning will choose from among those three schools, it would be premature to think Ole Miss doesn’t stand at least an outside shot.
Look, I know Manning is a superior talent and Nick Saban would obviously welcome him into Tuscaloosa with open arms. But in the event Manning doesn’t sign with the Tide, ‘Bama fans have no reason to worry. The future is still very bright for the Crimson Tide at the quarterback position.
Bryce Young will obviously carry the Tide during the 2022 season before he moves on to be one of the top picks in next year’s NFL draft. But Alabama fans also have to be excited about the future at the position with both Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. Both were highly coveted prospects who can win a lot of games for Saban and the Tide.
It is also important to remember that Alabama isn’t putting all its eggs in the Arch Manning basket. Saban and the Alabama coaching staff have zeroed in on a fellow class of 2023 quarterback prospect, Eli Holsten. Like Manning, Holstein hails from the state of Louisiana.
At nearly 6 feet, 4 inches and 225 pounds, Holstein has the prototypical size that you look for in a quarterback. Holstein led his high school team to a 15-0 record and a Class 5A state championship during the 2021 season. Max Preps named Holstein the Louisiana Football Player of the Year.
It appears Alabama is in a strong position to land Holstein, and Tide fans should not consider this a consultation prize. Holstein is talented and Nick Saban and the coaching staff really like the kid. On3’s RPM heavily favors the Tide for Holstein’s commitment, giving Alabama an 81.3% chance of landing the Bayou QB.
Whether Alabama lands Manning or not, the Tide is in goods hands and the ‘Bama dynasty will continue as long as Saban is in charge.
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