One of the most talked-about things surrounding Texas quarterback Arch Manning is... how much he doesn't really talk at all.
Little information leaked about Manning in his recruiting process and he wasn't a prospect constantly in front of the camera -- something that seemed to be by design of keeping things as private and as under wraps as possible.
But Manning made his first appearance in front of the media since joining Texas on Saturday ahead of the Sugar Bowl.
Here's what he had to say.
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What Arch Manning said before Sugar Bowl
Manning met with the media for the first time of his Texas career on Saturday, just two days ahead of the Sugar Bowl matchup against Washington as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Quinn Ewers. Maalik Murphy, who was Ewers' backup during the season, is now in the transfer portal.
There has been speculation Manning could enter the transfer portal, and he'd certainly have a high amount of interest there, but he seems to be waiting his turn and taking things in stride.
"I've tried to prepare like I'm the starter every week, but I guess now that you're just one play away instead of two, there's a little more to be prepared for," Manning said.
Mental reps have played a large role in his preparation as Manning has seen the field minimally, finally seeing his first in-game action during Rivalry Week in the 57-7 blowout over Texas Tech. And it was sparing, as he was 2-for-5 passing for 30 yards, carrying the ball three times for seven yards over two possessions.
"A lot of it is mental just because you're watching, you've got to get mental reps and just trying to prepare like you're the starter because there's a good chance you play. There's also a good chance you don't play, but at the end of the day, it's just football, going out there, doing what I've done my whole life. So that's what I'm trying to do."
He also took the time to denounce any rumors that he had intention to leave Texas, saying he has not currently explored the possibility.
"Obviously, there's always rumors, especially nowadays, but I haven't looked into transferring at all," Arch Manning said. "I'm just focused on developing and helping this team in any way I can. Hopefully, one day playing for the University of Texas like I've always wanted to."
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What Manning spent a lot of time talking about, though, did not have much to do with football at all, but rather more personal subjects. After all, he does come from the Royal Family of quarterbacks, including Archie Manning (grandfather), Peyton Manning (uncle) and Eli Manning (uncle), whose legacies don't require much of an explanation.
On Monday, Arch Manning will be within driving distance of Isidore Newman, the high school that started it all as he became a highly touted recruit.
"It's nice being back in town," Manning said. "(Archie) is my biggest role model, getting to practice and eventually play where he played is super special."
It's time for Manning to build his own legacy, and how that plays out from here on out whether it's at Texas or elsewhere in the future -- something that will depend a lot upon Ewers' decision and other factors -- will be a storyline to keep an eye on.
At this point, it's expected Ewers will stay another year with the Longhorns instead of declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
