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2023 Longhorns Football Offseason News and Notes

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Longhorn signees, targets set for action in the All-American Bowl

Bobby Burton•  about 2 hours ago

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Tausili Akana (Chad Simmons/On3)

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If you want to watch a few future Texas Longhorns in action today, make sure you tune in to NBC or Peacock starting at noon. At least five, and potentially six, Longhorns will be playing in the All-American Bowl.

Texas signees in action

No. 71 Payton Kirkland, OL, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips
Team: East
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 415
On3 Consensus Ranking in Florida: No. 77
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 370 pounds

No. 10 Tausili Akana, EDGE, Lehi (Utah) Skyridge via Laie, Hawaii
Team: West
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 102
On3 Conesnsus Ranking in Utah: No. 1
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 220 pounds

No. 6 Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Denton (Texas) Ryan
Team: West
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 15 (five-star)
On3 Consensus Ranking in Texas: No. 4
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 230 pounds

No. 52 S’Maje Burrell, LB, Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley
Team: East
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 283
On3 Consensus Ranking in Texas: No. 52
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 220 pounds

No. 15 Ryan Niblett, WR, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower
Team: West
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 73
On3 Consensus Ranking in Texas: No. 14
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 165 pounds

2023 decisions to watch

No. 8 Jelani McDonald, LB/ATH, Waco (Texas) Connally
Team: West
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 137
On3 Consensus Ranking in Texas: No. 30
Height: 6-foot-2.5
Weight: 190 pounds

McDonald is expected to announce his decision between Texas, TCU and Oklahoma State. Listed as an athlete and recruited to Texas as a linebacker, he has worked primarily at cornerback this week in practice. That’s an unusual combination.

What’s more, he has drawn rave reviews.

**

Burrell is playing for the East because he was a late addition to the roster following an injury to another player.

**

I’ll be most interested to see just how Hill plays in this contest. With the loss of DeMarvion Overshown, the Horns are going to need a linebacker to step into a starting role.

And Hill, along with senior-to-be David Gbenda, are the two most likely candidates.

Joe Cook contributed to this article

 

How to watch the 2023 All-American Bowl:

Where: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas

When: Saturday, January 7

Start Time: 1:00 PM ET

TV Channel: NBC

Stream live: Watch live on Peacock or with the NBC Sports App

 

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LTtxfan

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Reoccurring theme for 2023 might be more three-wide sets on offense...

What Jordan Whittington's return means for 2023 Texas

Eric Nahlin•01/06/23

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It finally came out that senior wide receiver Jordan Whittington would return for one final year. This news will resonate with those who appreciate his multifaceted impact, even if that impact didn’t always resonate in the box score.

Wide receiver is the de facto diva position of the sport, but Whittington’s selfless and physical blocking style couldn’t differ more from that reputation. His perimeter blocking this season was nothing short of stellar. It was physical, intentional, and, most importantly, legal.

After losing Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson to the draft, Texas was going to have an even bigger leadership void if Whittington departed with them. In the past I’ve likened Whittington’s style of play to Johnson’s, calling Whittington the receiver version of the cult hero Johnson.

Whittington is now on the cult hero track if he wasn’t already.

As important as his impact is to year-round program culture, the real exciting thing is we may not have seen the best of him on the field yet. Whittington is a pure slot, but Steve Sarkisian often did not deploy someone at that position this season, preferring to run two tight end sets. Whittington was somewhat miscast as a receiver due to scheme but if the Alamo Bowl is any indication, we’re going to see more three-wide looks next season.

Above was his lone touchdown of the 2022 campaign. It was the result of a RPO they probably should have ran more frequently.

Along with his 365 day influence on the program, Whittington has more raw ability to reveal as a tackle breaker, and as a short and intermediate receiving threat. Texas has a lot of upside at the position, but it lacks reliability, experience, and chain-movers.

Thanks to Whittington’s return, the position has considerably more stability and leadership than it would otherwise, and Whittington has one additional season to showcase more of the glimpses of big-play upside we saw this year.

 

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Sgt Hulk

Sgt Hulk 13792

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4 minutes ago, Catdaddyhorn said:

All of those screen plays out of 2 back sets like the one to start the Bama game came from Marion's Go-Go offense concepts.  Our most productive personnel package this season was out of 2 back sets, which again was due to his influence.  

And we never saw it again after lol

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horn4life

horn4life 3767

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Whitttington can usually at least catch the ball. But if you want him to make the yards after carry he is clearly so capable of, you need to get him the ball while on his feet.  Once he leaps to catch a high throw, two things happen because he is usually coming across the middle.  You give the DB or LB a clean shot to spear the poor guy, while at the same time greatly limiting the potential for y.a.c.  Hell if we can ever get a QB that can hit this kid in stride, he might be amazing and be able to stay healthy!  Happy he's coming back!

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LTtxfan

LTtxfan 49283

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1 hour ago, Don Hornleone said:

Any of the 9.95ers list any possible replacements yet?

This from TFB found by @closetohumping 

323692113_5985642231474508_2871153035029

 

I really hope Sark finds a WR coach with more "coaching experience" than Samples...

 

-----------------------------------------

EDIT:  This from @OB3

"IT poster who has some insider info said he’s heard Emmett Jones for right now "

 

 

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billfromlaketravis

billfromlaketravis 11519

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6 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

This from TFB found by @closetohumping 

323692113_5985642231474508_2871153035029

 

I really hope Sark finds a WR coach with more "coaching experience" than Samples...

 

-----------------------------------------

EDIT:  This from @OB3

"IT poster who has some insider info said he’s heard Emmett Jones for right now "

 

 

Jones checks a lot of boxes. I'd prefer Kelly, but Jones is fine. 

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LTtxfan

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Previewing Texas' early enrollees on offense ahead of spring semester

ByTAYLOR ESTES     

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Texas football will soon welcome a load of talent to the Forty Acres as the Longhorns are set to have 15 signees from the 2023 recruiting class enroll early in time for the spring semester.

Among the group of early enrollees scheduled to join the program include some of the highest-rated prospects to sign with Texas during the early signing period, with all four five-star recruits — QB Arch Manning, LB Anthony Hill, RB Cedric Baxter Jr. and WR Johntay Cook — and several other Top247 prospects from the nation’s No. 3 ranked signing class in the 2023 recruiting cycle making the move to Austin next week.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian gave his thoughts on the Longhorns' 2023 signing class during the early signing period in December, and believes the Longhorns addressed a number of needs in he and his staff's second complete recruiting cycle since being hired at Texas.

"We feel really good about the class we signed," Sarkisian said last month. "I thought we addressed a lot of the needs that we felt like we had, but also we kind of addressed the progress of our program and where we wanted to head.

"We felt like we needed to really solidify the linebacker position, and I thought we did that really well in this class. I thought we recruited two really good runners, we got a quarterback, got two good receivers, got three really good DBs, got big up front on the O- and D-line again, got two good tight ends — and so from a balance standpoint, I thought the class definitely did that. I'm proud of the work everybody did — our coaches, our staff did to make this thing come to life."

As the Longhorns prepare to welcome the next wave of athletes to the future of Texas football, Horns247 takes a look at the eight players on offense who are set to make the move to the Forty Acres in time for the start of the spring semester and winter offseason conditioning.

ARCH MANNING

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(Photo: Scott Clause, USA TODAY Sports)

Position: Quarterback

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 215 pounds

High school: New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman

As a recruit: Five-star (0.9999 rating), No. 1 overall prospect, No. 1 quarterback, No. 1 recruit in Louisiana, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary, secondary recruiters: AJ Milwee, Terry Joseph

247Sports scouting evaluation: "Possesses an ideal frame at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds and growth potential to add additional 10 to 15 pounds to his frame at the next level. Displays above average athleticism and adequate mobility as a runner, increasing his rushing totals every season over the last three years.

"Appears to have good pocket awareness / presence and the ability to extend plays with his feet. Has enough mobility as a runner to have to respect him in situational down and distance areas. Exhibits clean feet in the pocket while demonstrating good foot quickness and play tempo in his drop.

"Displays excellent arm talent, showing the ability to make every throw on the field within the pocket. Shows the ability to drive the ball down the field and play with velocity. Excels as an intermediate passer, displaying the ability to consistently deliver the ball accurately and on time while playing with anticipation. Throws an exceptional deep ball, flashing outstanding touch and ball placement allowing him to throw his receivers open. 

"Can play rushed under duress at times, affecting his accuracy in decision making in the short to intermediate part of the field. Will need to continue to improve on making the 'right' decision when facing pressure, as he can force himself into making unnecessary passes when his clock is sped up. 

"In addition to possessing all the physical tools desired at the quarterback position, Manning plays the game with exceptional intuition and awareness, showing the ability to command and navigate the game at a very high level. Entering his fourth season as a starter as a senior at Newman, Manning figures to be prepared to make an immediate impact at the next level. Projects as an All-American prospect at the next level with the potential to have his name be one of the first called in the NFL Draft." — 247Sports National recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna

CEDRIC BAXTER

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(Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports)

Position: Running back

Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 215 pounds

High school: Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater

As a recruit: Five-star (0.9893 rating), No. 21 overall prospect, No. 1 running back, No. 5 recruit in Florida, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary recruiter: Tashard Choice

247Sports scouting evaluation: "A potential workhorse on both Saturdays and Sundays. Looks the part with his big, muscular 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame. Should only add more mass once lifting in a college weight room. The type of running back that most defenders dread trying to tackle, especially when he’s got a full head of steam.

"Quick to pick a lane and get to work as he cuts up field in search of greener pastures. Up-right run style and impressive contact balance allows him to power his way through arm tackles and extend plays. Not necessarily a track star, but can win his fair share of foot races. More impressively, has a laser-timed 4.5 in the 40-yard dash on the ledger. Hasn’t been asked to catch a ton of passes on Fridays, but has shown on the offseason camp and 7-on-7 circuit that he’s more than just some check-down option as he can shake linebackers or even safeties and make contested catches.

"Should be viewed as one of the nation’s top ball carriers in the class of 2023 given size/speed combo and body of work having totaled 1,728 yards and 26 touchdowns on the grounds as a junior while averaging 8.3 yards per carry in the Sunshine State’s second-highest classification. Will need to master some of the nuances when it comes to being an RB1-type for a College Football Playoff contender, but has the skill set to emerge as a multi-year contributor, and eventually a star. Likely to be successful in a variety of different offensive schemes, but should eat in a power-based rushing attack that has plenty of screens and swing passes on the call sheet. Day 1 or Day 2 of the NFL Draft potential if everything comes together." — 247Sports Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins

JOHNTAY COOK

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(Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports)

Position: Wide receiver

Height/weight: 6-foot, 175 pounds

High school: DeSoto (Texas) High

As a recruit: Five-star (0.9836 rating), No. 35 overall prospect, No. 6 wide receiver, No. 6 recruit in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary, secondary recruiter: Brennan Marion, Jeff Banks

247Sports scouting evaluation: "Lean, sinewy build with height in the 6-foot range that accompanies versatile play style outside or in the slot. Will need to add mass and strength to combat bigger, stronger corners in press and in cluttered contested situations.

"Elite feel for the position with ahead-of-his-age technical acumen. Great ball-tracking ability. Adjusts to the ball in the air as well as just about any receiver in his class. Displays outstanding body control and mid-air adjustment skill. Acrobat in single coverage or traffic.

"Dangerous run-after-catch threat with very good functional athleticism and field speed. Shows top-tier foot quickness with virtually limitless potential as a route runner. Highly productive across three varsity seasons with almost 2,900 receiving yards and nearly 50 TD catches.

"Possesses a strong athletic profile that includes encouraging track and field data in the long jump and triple jump categories. Also a member of a Texas 6A regional-qualifying 4x200 relay team.

"Has occasional concentration lapses that can produce surprising drops considering generally sticky strong-handedness and trapeze artist-like difficult-catch flare. Again, needs some time in the weight row to continue developing physically.

"Early questions about top-end speed quieted based on repeated live exposures and what we have seen from functional field speed. Could provide early snaps in the right role with long-term potential to develop into a true impact player. Projects as a high-major multi-year starter with a developmental ceiling in the early round of the NFL Draft." — 247Sports Midlands region recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks

DEANDRE MOORE

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(Photo: Michael McCammon, 247Sports)

Position: Wide receiver

Height/weight: 6-foot, 185 pounds

High school: Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco

As a recruit: Four-star (0.9555 rating), No. 95 overall prospect, No. 17 wide receiver, No. 8 recruit in California, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary, secondary recruiter: Brennan Marion, Jeff Banks

247Sports scouting evaluation: "Moore is a two-way player and a legitimate high-major prospect at receiver and safety. He has a solid frame, well muscled but isn’t stiff and is fluid in how he moves. At receiver, he has very good body control, strong hands and is excellent in jump ball situations.

"As a safety, he’s a smart, high IQ player with a lot of range. He’s a physical kid who is always around the ball. He’s a willing hitter and solid in coverage as well. He has good ball skills and ball awareness on both sides of the ball and although he prefers receiver, he might have more long term upside in the secondary. He runs well but can continue to improve athletically in both his short area quickness and long speed but has all the tools to be an impact player at the next level and has NFL upside as well." — 247Sports National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins

JAYDON CHATMAN

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(Photo: Andrew Hattersley, 247Sports)

Position: Offensive lineman

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 300 pounds

High school: Harker Heights (Texas) High

As a recruit: Four-star (0.9253 rating), No. 192 overall prospect, No. 9 interior offensive lineman, No. 35 recruit in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary recruiter: Kyle Flood

247Sports scouting evaluation: T"he Killeen (Texas) Harker Heights standout moved up to four-star status on 247Sports following his stellar Spring 2022 track and field season, which coupled with an encouraging junior year in Fall 2021 and multiple live exposures for 247Sports staff over the course of the spring.

"Chatman owns a verified 6-foot-4, 300-pound build with above average length via a plus-4 wingspan. Chatman has hit the 100-inch threshold in the broad jump, impressive considering his size, and also posted a 4.71-second shuttle, another strong marker relative to his position projection.

"In addition to those data points, Chatman possesses the desired multi-sport profile. His junior season shot put efforts included a District 12-6A championship with a throw of 48 feet, 6.5 inches. That joined two throws of 48-3, plus additional throws of 47-6.5 and 47-3.

"Why does that matter? Repeatedly in recent NFL Drafts, multi-sport participation — and more specifically throws competition — pops up repeatedly among offensive line draftees, whether tackles or interior players. That sudden power needed to succeed in shot put and/or discus translates to punch on the gridiron.

"Chatman plays mad. His run-game conviction should please Texas fans as he's a mauler in that capacity and regularly finishes blocks to the ground. His strength allows him to manhandle and twist defenders into submission even when his hand placement and engaging angle are not ideal. Chatman's foot quickness is good enough to typically keep him on schedule with pull targets and second-level blocks, which perhaps best display his punch power.

"Chatman uses encouraging nimbleness in most pass-pro reps, where his length should also aid his continued development, regardless of alignment. He is often more catcher than puncher in pass pro, a common issue for young offensive linemen, and his trademark run-game mauling sometimes results in playing more as a leaner than a bender, resulting in overcommitting, getting out over his feet too far, and compromising body control." — 247Sports Midlands region recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks

PAYTON KIRKLAND

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(Photo: Mike Roach, 247Sports)

Position: Offensive tackle

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 345 pounds

High school: Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips

As a recruit: Three-star (0.8844 rating), No. 517 overall prospect, No. 40 offensive tackle, No. 90 recruit in Florida, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary recruiter: Kyle Flood

247Sports scouting evaluation: "A big body with some functional athleticism. Owns a wider base. Believed to be just under 6-foot-6, 350 pounds coming out of junior season. Blessed with some length in the arms. Power-based player that is a solid drive blocker.

"Packs a strong punch and has won with his upper body plenty of times on Friday nights as he pushes would-be tacklers and pass rushers to the side. Has shown that he can get to the second level and find a linebacker when needed. Has worked through a different pass sets over the years and has an effective quickstep for someone his size. However, must keep improving as a pass blocker, especially if he’s going to be tasked with trying to fend off the twitched-up front seven players that call the SEC home these days.

"Likely will need a few years to rework the body and add strength in the core, but has the makeup of someone that can be molded into a multi-year starter at a Power 5 program with the right coaching. Will be viewed by some as a tackle at the next level, but could also find a home at one of the guard spots, which isn't a bad thing as position versatility is always valuable. Rare measurables could eventually have him on the radar of NFL scouts." — 247Sports Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins

CONNOR STROH

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(Photo: Mike Roach, 247Sports)

Position: Offensive tackle

Height/weight: 6-foot-6.5, 345 pounds

High school: Frisco (Texas) Wakeland

As a recruit: Three-star (0.8794 rating), No. 602 overall prospect, No. 47 offensive tackle, No. 95 recruit in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary recruiter: Kyle Flood

247Sports scouting evaluation: "They say everything is bigger in Texas and that is indeed the case with Connor Stroh who tips the scales at 6-foot-6.5, 345 pounds. Stroh is another Lone Star State-based power-lifter with solid technique. He owns some impressive numbers for a teenager: 575 back squat, 515 deadlift and 415 bench press.

"One other thing that separates Stroh from others? His size-19 shoes. For a quick point of reference, Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ben Cleveland only wears size-17 shoes while Los Angeles Charges offensive lineman Zion Johnson (a first round pick in 2022) only wears size-18 boots. Stroh is a multi-year starter at Frisco Wakeland that could become one of Arch Manning’s best friends in Austin if he keeps the pocket clean." — 247Sports Southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins

ANDRE COJOE

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Andre Cojoe (Photo: Andrew Hattersley, 247Sports)

Position: Offensive lineman

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 345 pounds

High school: Arlington (Texas) Mansfield Timberview

As a recruit: Three-star (0.8711 rating), No. 796 overall prospect, No. 64 interior offensive lineman, No. 134 recruit in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite

Primary recruiter: Kyle Flood

247Sports scouting evaluation: "With his 6-foot-6 frame, 84.25 inch wingspan and good movement ability, Andre Cojoe already has a pretty high physical ceiling, but when you consider that he will be an early enrollee at the next level and will start college as a 16 year old, the ceiling gets that much higher. Cojoe is already extremely mentally mature for his age and with a full year in a college strength and conditioning program before he even turns 18, his physical gains are likely to considerably improve." — Horns247 recruiting analyst Hudson Standish

 

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Vito Andolini

Vito Andolini 9126

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That attack on Bohls seems rather random. But ok.

By the way, Christian Jones will have the opportunity to play more than 60 games in college. I think that’s a lot. He seems like a really good guy who’s improved greatly under Flood.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnPcIJUOkxF/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=759f19c9-727d-40aa-a338-a2c3cfc4b599

Looks like that’s not opening on its own, if someone would like to isolate the Insta, please do. Thank you.

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Vito Andolini

Vito Andolini 9126

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4 minutes ago, Laxtonto said:

 

image.thumb.png.fb06a4f4a1695ef41199a670546af77e.png

Fuck him for ranking UTSA over us on his AP ballot

Ok, good to have the context of what pissed off “QueenieB.” It wasn’t offered in the post I referenced, and I wasn’t aware Bohls left us off his ballot. He obviously thinks the role of Contrarian Non-Homer gives him street cred with the ink-stained masses, but the J-World knows he’s a nobody, just read his pedestrian takes. 

Thanks for the context.

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cochamps

cochamps 1879

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2 hours ago, Vito Andolini said:

Ok, good to have the context of what pissed off “QueenieB.” It wasn’t offered in the post I referenced, and I wasn’t aware Bohls left us off his ballot. He obviously thinks the role of Contrarian Non-Homer gives him street cred with the ink-stained masses, but the J-World knows he’s a nobody, just read his pedestrian takes. 

Thanks for the context.

Kurt has no street cred; a guy named Vito should know that.  Fuck Kurt and his AAS jive turkey cohorts.

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LTtxfan

LTtxfan 49283

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Texas signees and targets speak on Arch Manning's influence and personality

ByMIKE ROACH 11 hours ago

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Landing Arch Manning was a major moment for Texas in the modern recruiting era.  Not only did Texas earn the cache that comes with snagging the nation’s top-rated player, but Manning’s last name and family history added an extra layer of sizzle to that recruitment. Throughout his time as a high school prospect, Manning and his family handled the process with a professional approach only choosing to talk with the media at certain times.

While that strategy kept the recruitment from turning into a circus, it also kept Manning’s personality in the dark. Those that spoke with him in person were able to get glimpses into who he was, but his fellow recruits were the ones who knew him best.

We spoke with a number of Texas signees and targets over the last two weeks about how Arch Manning affected their recruitments and how he came off to them during the recruiting process.

The Longhorns had a plan when it came to assembling offensive talent, and matching Manning with an elite running back in Cedric Baxter was a big part of that plan. Baxter said he loves the competitive energy Manning brings to the group.

“He’s a great person,” Baxter said. “But he’s also a competitor. He texts us every day asking what we’re doing to get better. You can tell he just wants to win.”

Baxter said that despite his family name, Manning never came off as anything other than a normal person.

“People get it confused because his name is Arch Manning. That last name carries a lot of weight,” Baxter said. “He’s a regular teenage kid just like the rest of us. He lives like we do. He’s got to go to class like we do. He’s a regular kid. Even though that’s his last name, he carries himself regular. If his name was Arch Smith or something, you wouldn’t even know. He’s the same person.”

Manning and Texas wide receiver signee Johntay Cook first started talking before their junior seasons. Both met at the Texas Elite Camp and Cook loves his skillset regardless of his last name.

“Honestly, me and Arch have a great relationship to date,” Cook said. “It started like a year or two years ago at that camp or whatever it was at Texas. Honestly, I feel like if Arch wasn’t Arch, I’d still want to play with him just because of the passes I caught from him. Yeah he’s Arch Manning, big name, but he can throw the ball. He’s cold. For the simple fact he has uncles and a grandad that played at the top level, he knows the knowledge. He knows how to read coverages and he knows everything. It’s just a great opportunity to play with a trigger man like that.”

Aside from his ability on the field, Cook said that Manning’s personality would fit in any setting.

“If you took him to a country that don’t watch high school football, he’d be great,” he said. “He’s relaxed and he’s just down to earth.”

Texas safety signee Derek Williams played in the state of Louisiana with Manning, and he said Manning was constantly in his ear to join the class in Austin.

“He committed before me, so he was on my butt,” Williams said. “He told me I had to make this happen.”

Phoenix (AZ) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson is one of the top targets still on the board and one of the only remaining targets for the Longhorns in this class. They are in the race fro Robinson thanks to his relationship Manning, and Robinson said the two talk often.

“For the most part, we just text about life and how we’re doing,” Robinson said. “Every once in a while he’ll ask where I’m at in the process, but we text consistently. Probably once or twice a week. Any time we’re together, we really enjoy spending time with each other and I think it would be really fun to catch passes from him.”

Texas EDGE signee Tausili Akana joined the class late in the cycle announcing on Signing Day. During his recruitment, he was able to speak to Manning a few times and came away surprised with how he came off.

“He’s a real good kid and real humble,” Akana said. “I kind of thought he’d be really stuck up because of his last name, but he’s actually a really good guy.”

Five-star linebacker Anthony Hill was a headliner for the 2023 class alongside Manning. Hill said he’s been talking to Manning about playing together since they were sophomores.

“He was big and pretty consistent,” Hill said. “Ever since we were sophomores, he was recruiting me to Texas. I’m not going to lie, he was recruiting me for a long time there. Just having him as a factor there kind of helped persuade me a little bit. He’s real normal. He almost acts like he grew up in the country. He’s real cool.”

Texas wide receiver signee Ryan Niblett said that he and Manning stayed in touch throughout the process. Knowing the history of his family, Niblett said he’s excited to play with him.

“We texted from time to time,” Niblett said. “We called each other sometimes and just talk about what we’re doing to get better so we can come out this season and just ball. It excites me a lot to play with him. From his background to his uncles. It excites me a lot that I could just be able to catch a ball from him.”

Aside from his skill at quarterback, Niblett feels that Manning is a good person who cares about his teammates.

“I just feel like he’s a good person,” Niblett said. “He’s got a good heart. He likes to check up on his teammates and he’s really well-rounded when it comes to talking to his teammates, so I like him a lot.”

Payton Kirkland will block for Manning at Texas and hope to keep hiim upright and healthy. When asked about Manning, Kirkland said that Manning’s personality is much different than what the public sees.

“He’s a character,” Kirkland said. “To everyone else, Arch is pretty black and white but there’s a lot more to him than everybody would know.”

 

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LTtxfan

LTtxfan 49283

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11 minutes ago, Cairn Horn88 said:

When do we find out about the 2023 Football schedule?  I know a few of the early games have been posted, but many others.

Still quiet about this since October.  Feels like some bargaining and leverage tactics from new B12 commissioner.

Here's October article...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/big-12-football-schedule-details-for-2023-and-2024-are-starting-to-emerge/ar-AA12WsFs

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Reese Bennett

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27 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

Texas signees and targets speak on Arch Manning's influence and personality

ByMIKE ROACH 11 hours ago

Those that spoke with him in person were able to get glimpses into who he was, but his fellow recruits were the ones who knew him best.

 

Did Arch die?

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