3 big standouts for Texas in final week of spring practice

Arch Manning, QB

After a rocky performance, including a couple of interceptions thrown, in simulated live-game action and the two scrimmages in the last couple of weeks, Arch Manning was looking to get back on track with his progression in practice this week.

In Texas's first spring practice of this week on April 16, it sounds like the redshirt freshman signal-caller had one of his best days of camp thus far. Sarkisian praised Manning for the timing and composure he showed in the pocket in quarterback and team drills during Tuesday's practice.

"The one thing that Arch did really well today is he did a good job of stepping up in the pocket and keeping his eyes down the field and delivering the ball accurately under duress."

If you sort through some of the noise, you can see some of the ample growth Manning has shown this spring. He's gotten bigger and more athletic in the pocket, giving him more confidence to get through his progressions and deliver throws on time and quickly.

"The one thing that I don't think people give him enough credit for is he's a really good athlete. He's big, strong and fast, and sometimes he'll lean into his legs to create explosive plays and we like that. But we almost want that to be the last resort. I want him to have a real sense of the field in stepping up in the pocket and making these throws and he's grown."

All eyes from the national media will obviously be focusing on Arch's performance in the spring game this weekend.

Regarding Arch's progression, it will be important to see how he is connecting with his wideouts in the passing game. We've heard about Arch getting the ball out quicker this spring as his understanding of the offense has developed in his second full year at Texas, which can be dangerous in combination with how he can extend plays and evade the pocket.