Eli Manning breaks down play of LSU quarterbacks

The annual Manning Passing Academy is well underway in Thibodaux, La., this weekend, with the Manning family welcoming hundreds of talented football prospects to campus at Nicholls State. Among them are several college quarterbacks, including a pair of LSU quarterbacks.

Long-time NFL quarterback Eli Manning opened up on what he’s seen from the LSU quarterbacks, beginning with starter Jayden Daniels.

“It took obviously a big step last year,” Manning said. “Played really well throughout the whole season and played some big games, so it’s exciting to see him and get to know him over the years. He’s been here before. Just a great kid, you can tell the hard work really paid off.”

Daniels won the starting LSU quarterback job and helped captain the team to 10 wins in 2022, even with a heart-breaking loss to Florida State in the season opener. The Tigers won the SEC West and reached the conference title game.

For his part, Daniels did whatever he needed to to help the team win. His dual-threat ability made that possible.

Daniels finished with 2,913 passing yards, with 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also added a team-high 885 yards rushing and 11 scores on the ground.

He’ll be counted on to take things to the next level in the fall and serve as a leader for the LSU quarterbacks.

In the event anything happens to Daniels, though, LSU also has a capable backup in Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier threw for 800 yards and five touchdowns last season, though he also threw four interceptions.

Like Daniels, Nussmeier was at the Manning Passing Academy this weekend.

“Actually got to work with Garrett this morning. We were kind of coaching the same drill with the campers today,” Manning said Friday. “Great kid and so I know he’s got a lot of talent and ability, waiting his time there and has stepped in and played well when he’s had to. But I know he’ll be ready to play if called upon this year, but he’ll hopefully have two more years after this year to go in there and step into that role.”

The Manning Passing Academy is held annually at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. It is run by the Manning family, with Archie Manning serving as the executive director and Peyton, Eli and Cooper Manning serving as senior associate directors.

The Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon contributed to this report.