Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is in a very unique position as we head into the new college football season.
Despite being a star quarterback for one of the biggest brands in all of American sports, Ewers sometimes takes a backseat to backup Arch Manning when it comes to hype and hoopla.
Reporters covering the Longhorns will tell you they get just as many questions – if not more – about Manning than they do Ewers.
When you’re dealing with a quarterback whose last name is Manning, that’s to be expected. However, anybody who be foolish to sleep on Ewers.
Ewers surprised many with his decision to return to Texas.
He was a virtual lock to be drafted in the first-round of this past April’s NFL Draft had he decided to enter.
To his credit, he chose to return to Austin to finish unfinished business with the Longhorns.
Although some Manning fans were annoyed by Ewers’ surprising decision, the fact of the matter is Texas has a legitimate chance to win the national title this season with him under center.
Additionally in it for Ewers is the fact that he could end up being the #1 overall pick in next year’s draft if things turn out the way he plans.
After Ewers announced his decision, many in the college football world wondered if Manning would enter the transfer portal and find his way to a team where he could start this coming season.
However, taking the easy way out is not the Manning way.
Sure enough, Arch decided to stay in Austin and stick it out – even though that most likely means sitting another full year on the bench as he waits his turn to start.
In a recent appearance on “RG3 and The Ones,” Ewers shared his thoughts on the unique situation and offered high praise for his famous backup.
“Not being from the state and coming in, it’s obviously a little different,” Ewers said of Manning’s journey from Louisiana to Texas.
“I think he’s got more time to grow his pride and love for the university … Being able to sit back and watch, it’s different than playing. So him seeing kinda what’s going on from inside but also outside, he can gain a lot of intel from that.”
Ewers is confident that the “old school” path Manning is being forced to take will serve him good for the future.
“Obviously, another year to learn the offense and just get more comfortable within the smaller details … It’s like the best situation for him, I think,” Ewers said.
Manning entered Austin with significant hype as college football’s most talked-about recruit.
He managed to get Texas fans extra-excited this spring with his phenomenal performance in the Longhorns’ spring game.
By all accounts, he has grown and developed by leaps and bounds.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has been firm in his belief that Ewers has earned the right to be the starting quarterback this season.
Sark has also stated that the unique situation will serve both of his quarterbacks well going forward – especially Manning who will be more than ready to take the reins a year from now.
To no one’s surprise, Manning has been mature throughout the whole entire process.
Although he admitted that it’s very difficult as a competitor to sit on the sidelines and wait your turn.
“It’s tough because you want to be out there playing with your boys,” Manning told The Athletic.
“But [it came down to] just realizing there’s nowhere else I want to be, and it was my dream to play at Texas. I’m going to stick it out and play there eventually.”
He also spoke glowingly of Ewers and credited him for his strong leadership.
“It’s nice having a guy like Quinn to look up to,” Arch recently told reporters at the Manning Passing Academy.
“He was a highly-rated recruit and he’s such a good guy, so I’ve learned so much from him. We’ve become really good friends. I’m just really glad that I’m in such a good situation.”
What are your thoughts on the whole Ewers-Manning situation?
Are you surprised that Manning decided to stay at Texas rather than transfer? … Was that a mistake?
Looking ahead to the season, what are your expectations for Ewers?
Can he lead the Longhorns to the national title?
Who would you rather have as your quarterback: Ewers or Carson Beck???