Kirk Herbstreit believes Arch Manning is closer to grandfather Archie, rather than uncles

Arch Manning is an exceptional athlete, but he’s not like uncles Peyton and Eli, according to Kirk Herbstreit.

He’s more nimble footed, similar to his father Cooper who was a wide receiver. But Arch Manning is closest to grandfather Archie, if you ask Herbstreit.

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“I know everybody wants to compare him to his uncles, but he’s probably more like his grandfather,” Herbstreit said on Pardon My Take. “He’s much bigger and stronger. Look at this guy. You know, it’s one thing, you look at him on TV, then you go to the pregame, and you look at these guys in person. Some of these guys just look so different than what your perception of them is.

“And Arch is one of those guys. I mean, his legs, I don’t know if he lives under a squat rack. That dude is put together. He’s not just tall, slippery, he’s quick. He is a powerful dude who can spin it.” 

Arch Manning had to start a couple of games when Quinn Ewers went down with injury. But since Ewers came back, Manning’s had a bit of a role in the offense.

Arch Manning a unique ‘Manning QB’

Arch Manning’s threat to run is something that keeps defenses honest when defending him. It is also something that could continue for the Longhorns, starting in the first round.

“You talk about an excitement of where you want to see Texas next year with Arch having an entire offseason to build his game, but he’s nothing like Peyton, he’s nothing like Eli, he’s really nothing like his grandfather, who was a really athletic guy,” Herbstreit said. “He’s his own guy, and he’s got the size that they all have, but his strength and his athletic ability. Who knows what Sark will do in the offseason to build the offense around him, and who knows if Arch will get an opportunity here in these next potential four games.”

This year, Manning is 61-of-90 passing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, a 67.8% completion percentage, 100 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

“He’s what everybody thought he was,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said, regarding Manning, ahead of the SEC Championship. “He’s athletic, smart, thick. Great thrower. He can run their entire offense, while at the same time creating designed runs, or off-schedule runs. Both are scary. Because designed runs, with him, are tough to defend, because you’re having to defend the whole field. And then he’s also an elite thrower and passer. I mean, he’s a great player.

“They’ve brought him along that way. He’s gained confidence each and every week. He had to start some games. I mean, you couldn’t write a better story for him, in terms of development, to be ready to go and be the starter.”