SEC quarterbacks weigh in on Arch Manning committing to Texas

THIBODAUX, La. — The center of the college football world is in Thibodaux this week.

Not only is it the site of the Manning Passing Academy — where many of the top SEC and college quarterbacks from around the country have come to instruct over 1,200 campers over the weekend — but it’s also where five-star quarterback Arch Manning is this week following his commitment to Texas on Thursday.

© Tim Warner, Getty Images Arch Manning committed to Texas on Thursday.

Manning was not available for comment and could not be spotted practicing with the rest of the campers on Friday. But The Advertiser, part of the USA TODAY Network, was able to catch up with these six SEC quarterbacks and ask about their thoughts on Manning’s decision to go to Austin.

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Will Levis, Kentucky

Levis didn’t hear the news of Manning’s commitment until he got off the plane on Thursday.

“It was cool,” Levis said. “I hadn’t really been tracking it all that much, but I was talking to (his dad) Cooper (Manning) yesterday and I’m just excited for their family.”

Given Manning’s public stature, Levis is impressed by the composure he has possessed while being in the center of the public eye, despite only being in high school.

“I know how stressful that recruiting process can be and for a kid like that to be in that spotlight was probably that but to like the 10th power,” Levis said. “But I’m excited for him and I’m excited to meet him as well.”

Will Rogers, Mississippi State

Like Levis, Rogers also congratulated Cooper Manning on his son’s commitment and noted how the attention surrounding the young Manning quarterback is something that he has trouble fathoming.

“I actually saw that like Kevin Durant tweeted at him or something. I was like ‘Wow, dude.’ But it’s crazy to be 18 … 17, 18, 19 years old and to have that much attention on you,” Rogers said.

Rogers said he doesn’t keep close tabs on any news from the recruiting trail. But despite that, he’s noticed how Manning has handled the noise surrounding his recruitment and has been impressed.

“I think he does a really good job. From what I can see, he does a really good job on social media not having social media or really tweeting anything out,” Rogers said. “I think he does a really good job of keeping the main thing the main thing.”

Myles Brennan, LSU

Manning’s commitment reminds Brennan, a sixth-year senior, of his own recruitment process.

“I’m excited for him,” Brennan said. “I remember going through my recruiting process. It’s a super stressful process. I don’t know what all went into it for him, but Texas is a top-notch school and I wish him the best.”

Anthony Richardson, Florida

Richardson was surprised that Manning decided to go to Texas.

“That was crazy,” Richardson said. “I didn’t think he was going to go to Texas, I thought he was going to go to the south. But hey, congrats to him.”

When it comes to how Manning has handled the attention he’s received, Richardson notes how his family has likely helped him manage the level of publicity around his recruitment.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t know how to react,” Richardson said. “But he’s a part of a fantastic family so he’s probably used to all of that attention and stuff just by his last name. I think for him … it’s normal for him now.”

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

Rattler is confident that Texas was the right spot for Manning.

“I think it’s a good spot for him,” Rattler said. “I don’t know him personally, but I talked to his dad (and) he said he was comfortable with the decision.

“I think he’ll do good at Texas.”

Rattler, who transferred from Oklahoma to South Carolina, also understands what Manning is heading into when it comes to the Big 12.

“The Manning tradition usually runs through the SEC so for him to make that move to the Big 12, obviously, I know they’re moving to the SEC, but yeah, it’s good for him and I hope to see him do well,” Rattler said.

Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

Hooker kept his thoughts on Manning’s decision short and sweet.

“Congrats to him,” Hooker said. “(He’s) a Longhorn, hats off to him.”

1/2 SLIDES © Eric Boynton/Spartanburg Herald-Journal Arch Manning, the top-rated quarterback for the Class of 2023 participated at Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Football Camp on Saturday, June 5, 2021. 2/2 SLIDES © Isidore Newman School Arch Manning is humble, authentic and laid back, said his coach Nelson Stewart.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: SEC quarterbacks weigh in on Arch Manning committing to Texas