JD PicKell: Discussing Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning ahead of Texas spring game

The conversation at Texas is dominated by their quarterbacks in Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. They’re as highly touted as a pair of former recruits come and, because of that, the Longhorns should be very excited to see more of both in the future. That starts this weekend as they try to make an impression during Texas’ spring game.

Ahead of that outing, On3’s JD PicKell highlighted what he wanted to see when it comes to both on a recent episode of ‘The Hard Count’. First, he started with the one with college experience in Ewers. PicKell said he wanted to see a comfortable version of the sophomore and, additionally, for him to show his stuff by leading Texas into the endzone.

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“For Quinn Ewers? I just want to see him rev the engine a little bit…You want to see him look comfortable, you want to see him look in command…And I want to see him lead some scoring drives,” PicKell said. “I would love to see my QB1 for the Texas Longhorns get us in the paint a few times. Show me what you’ve been working on behind closed doors, show me that you have had some more aha moments.”

“I just want to see that in the spring game. Is that too much to ask for?,” asked PicKell. “So, Quinn Ewers, the new and improved version of him? I’d love to see him sling it around.”

Ewers had an up-and-down first campaign on The 40 Acres. He threw for 2,177 yards on the season. Still, at times, it wasn’t spectacular as he threw only 15 touchdowns and six interceptions on a 58.1% completion rate. Injuries played a part in that but, even so, Ewers could be much better as he continues to grow.

Then, naturally, the conversation shifted to Manning. Considering his namesake and his ranking as the top player in On3’s Industry Rankings from 2023, excitement around him is sky-high for him down in Austin. PicKell says the expectations need to be reasonably tempered this weekend, though, regardless of what he shows inside DKR Memorial.

“I would just say this with Arch Manning. Let’s just hold our opinion of what he’s going to be as a starting quarterback at Texas. Because that’s not going to be in 2023,” said PicKell. “Arch Manning is the future at Texas. I wholeheartedly believe that…Arch Manning could be generational. I’ll say this though – just let him progress, just let him get his feet under him.”

“If he makes some great plays in the spring game? Awesome. That means he’s adjusting well and living up to his billing,” PicKell said. “But let’s not make absolutes on Arch Manning just yet. Let’s let that thing bake just a little bit.”

Every offensive snap should be must-watch during Texas’ spring game with these two taking snaps. With that in mind, PicKell has laid out what he’ll be taking notes on while watching when it comes to both Ewers and Manning this weekend.