Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is growing frustrated with the constant questions about giving Arch Manning the starting quarterback role over established junior Quinn Ewers.
Sarkisian, who has consistently backed Ewers as the team’s starter as long as he is healthy, made it clear in his most recent press conference that he would no longer entertain questions on the subject. Ewers is expected to start on Saturday when the No. 1 ranked Longhorns face off against the No. 4 ranked Georgia Bulldogs in an SEC showdown at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Despite Sarkisian’s previous message that Ewers would stay the starting quarterback, the media continues asking questions about Manning’s possible rise to steal the job.
Sarkisian was clear about Ewers being the starter since before the start of the season and noted that Manning has the opportunity to learn from a great player ahead of him. But the topic of the highly-touted prospect and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning getting the starting nod resurfaced again before the Georgia matchup.
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This time, when asked about the possibility of Manning taking over, Sarkisianshut down the conversation, saying: “I’m not even going to answer that. I don’t know what the question is. Next question.”
Ewers returned to action against Oklahoma after missing two games due to an abdominal strain suffered during a dominant 56-7 win over UTSA. He admitted to feeling rusty at the beginning of the game and finished with 199 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
While Ewers was out, Manning powered Texas to victories over LA-Monroe and Mississippi State, throwing for a combined 583 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He added a rushing score against Mississippi State, giving Longhorns fans a glimpse of the program’s future.
Quinn Ewers returned from injury against Oklahoma (
Getty)
Many are excited about Manning’s potential, and some are eager to see the transition happen sooner rather than later. But when Sarkisian was previously asked about playing either Manning primarily or both quarterbacks at once, he reflected on his college days at BYU in the late 90s and his Canadian Football League career for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for his decision.
“When I was a starter, I never wanted the backup coming in the game, even for a play. So I’ve got respect for a guy who’s a starting quarterback and the rhythm that is needed to play with,” said Sarkisian. “So, no, that’s not something I’ve ever entertained.
“He [Manning] wants to learn. He can learn from others. But his development, I think, has probably been the biggest key. From where he was a year and a half ago when he first got here in spring practice to the way he played. It’s a credit to his work ethic.”
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