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3 freshmen who have impressed for Texas in the first 3 weeks

Texas has seen freshmen rise up into big roles on both sides of the ball early this season during the non-conference portion of the slate this fall.

By Andrew Miller

Colin Simmons, Texas football
Colin Simmons, Texas football / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Arch Manning, Texas football
Arch Manning, Texas football / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arch Manning, QB

Manning stepped up when he needed to for the Texas offense last weekend in the win over the Roadrunners at home when redshirt junior starting quarterback Quinn Ewers got hurt early in the second quarter of the game. After Ewers went out due to an abdominal strain in the first half, Manning looked really impressive leading the Texas offense with his arm and his legs to make plays.

Manning was efficient and explosive for the Longhorns' offense against a helpless UTSA defense last weekend, completing 75 percent of his passing attempts and rushing for over 70 yards. One of his big plays of the day in the win over UTSA last weekend came on an explosive 67-yard rushing touchdown within his first couple of minutes of taking over for Ewers for the Longhorns in the second quarter.

Through the air, Manning was on-time and accurate with his throws to get the ball out to his playmakers on the outside. Manning was about as good as you can be through the air in the situation he was thrust into against UTSA early in the game last weekend, completing nine passes for over 220 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and no turnovers.

For those who have followed Manning's progress and development in practice and camp for the Longhorns since he first arrived on campus last offseason, it's not very surprising to see Manning look so confident and proficient leading this offense in a situation like this one.

"He’s done a really good job with all the reps that he’s gotten. I think that Arch has got a really good understanding of what we’re trying to do. Even though we’re putting in a new game plan, I think he understands the premise of the plays that we have in our system."

- Steve Sarkisian on Arch Manning

Manning's transition to taking first-team reps with the offense for the Longhorns in practice this week has looked natural and seamless. He's well prepared for this situation and should be able to lead this offense at a very high level until Ewers is able to return for the abdominal injury, likely in the next few weeks as he's currently listed as a status of "questionable" entering Week 4.

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