Steve Sarkisian explains why Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning returning to Texas is best for development

Steve Sarkisian will roll into the SEC with two high-profile quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Both were Five-Star Plus+ prospects coming out of high school and walked into the program with big expectations.

Ewers has been the Texas starter for the last two seasons and even so, outside whispers have said Manning could take over at some point in 2024. Sarkisian put that to bed recently though, naming Ewers the guy moving forward.

Today’s college football rarely ever sees guys like Ewers and Manning share a quarterback room for multiple seasons. One would want to get playing time and transfer out to another big-named program. But Sarkisian has preached the importance of development to the duo, thinking about more than just their college playing days.

“I’m a little bit old school on some of this stuff,” Sarkisian said via the All Facts No Brakes podcast. “I understand in this day and age of recruiting and social media, everybody wants to be the five-star and come in right away and have instant impact.

“But I’m a little bit of the belief that there’s a developmental side to our game. So that when you do play, you play great football, and that you have longevity in your career when you do play in the NFL because you are prepared for that time.”

Ewers had the opportunity to leave for the NFL after this past season. He made improvements in 2023 compared to 2022 and the numbers certainly prove it. In 12 games played, Ewers threw for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 69% of his throws.

“(Last season) was big for Quinn,” Sarkisian said on Feb. 10. “I think it was pretty easy to see from the naked eye the development that Quinn made from year one to year two.”

Ewers has 22 starts to his name, a number not big enough in Sarkisian’s eyes. Sure, injuries have been part of the story, missing multiple games in back-to-back seasons. However, coming back in 2024 will allow Ewers to continue his growth on and off the field.

“Having one more season of starting, getting his start number up into the 30s as a bonafide starter,” Sarkisian said. “Being a leader of the team, continuing to mature, staying healthy, things of that nature.”

As for Manning, he was the third-string quarterback until the Sugar Bowl against Washington due to Maalik Murphy transferring out. He saw action in the season finale against Texas Tech and Sarkisian let him run the normal offense despite it being a blowout.

Manning did admit watching from the sideline was tough. He was the starter from Day 1 at Isidore Newman (LA) High School as a true freshman. Getting out onto the field is the eventual goal but until then, mental reps have been the name of the game.

“In high school I never was a backup,” Manning said before the Sugar Bowl. “So this year being second or third string you get to kind of be behind and learn a lot from other guys and try to stay patient. I think I’ve learned a lot.

“You have to take a lot of mental reps and just try to prepare knowing that there’s a good chance you might not play but there’s also a chance you may play. So a lot of it is mental and it takes some time. But I think it’ll be worth it.”

Technically, a promotion has come with Manning taking over as the full-time backup for Ewers. Sarkisian has promised playing time in 2024 whenever possible. Continuing to watch and learn will let the redshirt freshman carry on with his develop.

“I think for Arch, what a great opportunity, as a backup now in his second season,” Sarkisian said. “Going to get some definite playing time. We’re looking forward to him doing that, watching his maturation and growth.

Both Ewers and Manning have the goal of playing in the NFL one day. Sarkisian wants to make sure each guy is prepared when the time comes. It’s what’s best for them moving forward and puts Texas in an incredible position compared to other programs.

“I think for the both of these guys, this is going to be the best for them for their futures so that they can play the best football,” Sarkisian said. “We’re fortunate. I’ve never not been anywhere where we didn’t have quarterbacks. So, we’re fortunate to have those two guys right now that can lead our offense and lead our team.”