Arch Manning has to attend.
Manning, a top college football recruit and the nephew of Eli Manning and Peyton Manning, won’t replace the injured Quinn Ewers as Texas’ starting quarterback Saturday against BYU, in keeping with head coach Steve Sarkisian.
The No. 7 Longhorns are as a substitute going with redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy, who will make his first profession start.
Sarkisian has yet to come to a decision whether Manning, who has yet to play a snap this season, will make his collegiate debut against the Cougars.
“I do think there’s some precious experience for him in that,” Sarkisian said of Manning potentially playing. “But I even have to be sure that that’s in one of the best interest of the team.”
That the Longhorns are choosing Murphy over Manning – a minimum of in the meanwhile – shouldn’t be a surprising development.
Murphy has an additional yr of experience in Texas’ system.
It’s also uncertain how long Ewers will probably be sidelined, and it will potentially create an argument for a team with championship aspirations if Manning shines while Ewers is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Manning is taken into account the heir apparent for the job, and that would come as early as next season with Ewers considered a possible top NFL draft pick.
Sarkisian praised each Murphy and Manning for the way they’ve prepared for the sport, and noted the rapport they’ve with their teammates.
“They each had good weeks of preparation. … I’d say (Wednesday) was Maalik’s best practice since he’s been here,” Sarkisian said. “That’s a great thing for us that because the week has gone on, his game has elevated, his understanding of the sport plan has elevated, his comfort level managing all of the things we do with the road of scrimmage has elevated, and I believe his confidence is elevated due to it.”