Texas QB commit flashes dual-threat ability
Although the high school football season is well underway in most states, five-star quarterback Arch Manning will not officially start his senior campaign for New Orleans Isidore Newman until this coming weekend. But Manning did take the field on Friday for a preseason “jamboree” against New Orleans De La Salle and led his team to a 20-13 win in a two-quarter tune-up before the real games start.
Manning was 6-of-12 passing for 81 yards and threw one interception, according to Christopher Dabe of The New Orleans Times Picayune. The Texas commit also ran for one touchdow.
Manning’s real games start Friday, when the Greenies travel to Boutte (La.) Hahnville for their opener.
Through three years, Manning has not won a Louisiana state title yet with Isidore Newman. That could change this season, as the Greenies have gotten close in each of the last two years and now of course have arguably the top player in all of high school football leading the way. Manning led the team to state semifinal appearances in 2020 and 2021; he ranks as the No. 1 prospect nationally heading into the fall.
Widely considered a can’t-miss talent, Manning projects as a future first-round pick in the NFL Draft, according to 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna, who was formerly based out of New Orleans.
“Displays excellent arm talent, showing the ability to make every throw on the field within the pocket,” Petagna wrote. “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 speeded 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.”
Isidore Newman will play a nine-game regular-season schedule that comes to a close in early November before the start of the postseason.