Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning at the Manning Passing Academy, ready for SEC in 2024
Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning were in attendance for the 2024 Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La, this week. It’s been a right of passage for many of the nation’s top passers over the last two-plus decades.
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The two former No. 1 overall prospects in their classes made their way to southern Louisiana for the wildly popular passing camp. After a few days of the sweltering heat and humidity, both are ready to go back to work in Austin.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season is on Ewers’ mind.
“The fourth quarter and culture,” Ewers told On3’s Shea Dixon about what are this year’s team strengths. “We’ve done a really good job setting a standard for the whole team, even with the younger guys. I think I our leadership team does a great job of handling those types of things. Guys like Barryn Sorrell, Morice Blackwell, Cedric (Baxter) is young but does a great job. Anthony Hill has stepped up a lot. It’s a bigger group this year than it was last year.”
Ewers spoke about this year’s expectations and the first year in the SEC.
“It’s definitely a different level and always wanted to play in the SEC,” said Ewers. “I know we’re all excited to be a part of the conference, and like you said, we’re everybody’s biggest game, and we do understand that. We’re super excited.”
For Manning, this is familiar territory. He’s been attending the Manning Passing Academy since he can remember. But now he’s the backup at Texas and looking forward to the new conference.
“It’s very exciting,” Manning said, regarding Texas moving to the SEC. “I grew up going to SEC games, pretty much only following the SEC. So, I’m really excited.”
As for the field in 2024, Manning is the epitome of preparation.
“I feel like I’m getting better every day,” Manning said. “Just trying to stay ready. Anything can happen. I’m excited and I’m gonna be ready. In Year 2, I feel more comfortable in the offense. It’s nice that I’m looked at as more of a leader around the building. You know everyone’s name, you just feel more comfortable.”
Ewers and Manning came to Austin after being the top-ranked prospect in their respective classes at one point, with Manning being one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star.
“It has been great under him,” Manning said. “Just the way he goes about his business, and attacks his preparation. I’m lucky I’ve been able to learn from such a good guy that carries himself in a good manner. We’re good friends and it’s awesome.”
Ewers is returning for Year 3 in Austin as he looks to improve his NFL Draft stock, with Manning is looking at another year in reserve, but the backup for the Fall 2024.
But for now, there’s that first season in the SEC.
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“We’re going into it full speed,” said Ewers. “We want to win the SEC Championship.”
