Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning shines in SEC Media Days spotlight
It was quite a day for Texas' new starting quarterback. From the largest media throng of any player at SEC Media Days to shaking the hand of a starstruck Paul Finebaum, Arch Manning handled his day in Atlanta like a seasoned pro.
Manning handled every question thrown at him with ease. He showed off his knowledge of the game, his humble but competitive mindset and his dry humor. Even though it was Manning's first huge press event, the redshirt sophomore has been watching his uncles handle the press his entire life. He learned at the feet of pros.
"I think I've had a lot of role models to look up to and how they deal with the media," he said. "I think Quinn did a really good job handling the media. But I'm here to play ball. This is very much so secondary."
Talking ball 🎙️ @ArchManning pic.twitter.com/q0WyY6o4Ch
The New Orleans native talked about how he hasn't earned any of the attention he's getting. "It's weird," Manning told ESPN. "I really haven't deserved any of this, so just trying to play along and play ball."
Arch Manning is Becoming a Real Leader for Texas! 🤘'I'm Trying to Walk the Walk, and Do the Work… I Feel Like You Need to Have a Good Relationship with Everyone Before You Lead.'That's Our Quarterback!pic.twitter.com/n9quXHeCcX
He spoke several times about becoming a leader and a great teammate, a lesson he says his grandfather, former New Orleans Saints QB Archie Manning, instilled in him. "I get a lot of advice," he said, "but I think the one thing that I kind of keep coming back to is my grandfather always tells me to be a good guy and be a good teammate, so I think I'm going to do that."
A powerful moment inside the College Football Hall of Fame — @TexasFootball QB @ArchManning with his grandfather Archie Manning's @OleMissFB jersey, honoring a legacy that runs deep here. 🏈 #CFBHALL #SECMD25 pic.twitter.com/vRfAd1bg3h
Manning was asked about the renewal of the rivalry between Texas and A&M, "It was a privilege to have that rivalry back. I'm glad I got to impact the game a little bit. They're a really good team. That was a big-time atmosphere. I'm looking forward to that game."
He was asked about growing up in Louisiana, but going to school in Texas. "I try to bring as much New Orleans style to Texas," Manning said. I learned a lot growing up in New Orleans. Been around a lot of good players. We have some other guys from the state of Louisiana with me at Texas.It's been fun. Going back every year to Thibodaux, the New Orleans culture and Louisiana culture is second to none. So it's always fun going back."
Arch Manning talks about doing commercials with his dad Cooper, and his grandfather Archie Manning.#HookEm pic.twitter.com/kvTK910DG7
Manning was still very deferential to Quinn Ewers and says they still communicate. "I learned so much from Quinn in my two years behind him. I think he handled it like a pro. It's definitely not easy having me as the backup with all the media. I'm forever grateful for him. I actually texted him the other week for advice on two-minute, what kind of plays he likes to start with."
He even gave ESPN's Paul Finebaum, who has become a huge fan, a thrill by shaking his hand on his way to the press conference.
Easily the best handshake since Tim Tebow... 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EU3eQ6rhPM
Handling the media part of starting quarterback job is important. It's not as important has how he plays, but it's still a key part of the job. If this was Manning's first big test, he passed with flying colors. Arch Manning is going to be popular because of his nameNow the nation and his family. But America is starting to get to know Arch and they love what they see.
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