Arch Manning’s first season at Texas was relatively quiet, as the freshman spent most of the year as the third-string quarterback for the Longhorns behind starter Quinn Ewers and backup Maalik Murphy. It was a new role for Manning, who spent his entire high school career at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans as a starter.
Manning addressed the media Saturday morning in his hometown ahead of Monday’s Sugar Bowl matchup in the College Football Playoff semifinals, and he explained how he approached his freshman season.
“There were a lot of tough days. I’m not going to lie,” Manning said, via Inside Texas. “I was never a backup in high school, so there are some days when you graduate early and you’re alone in your dorm room. You’re like, it’s just another day of fighting for a third-string job. My family, they’re supporting me. Coaches are pushing me. I’m glad I had this year to develop, learn, and grow as a person and a player.”
