Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Details Recent Practice Impressions of QB Arch Manning

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has had to stay ready as Maalik Murphy's backup the past two games.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns have had to deal with endless questions about their quarterback room since the offseason, something that obviously took an even bigger jump when starting quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered an injury to this throwing shoulder against Houston on Oct. 21.

This quickly thrust Maalik Murphy into the spotlight, which by default put Arch Manning into the backup role. With football being an injury-waiting-to-happen sport, Manning has had to stay ready over the past two weeks with Murphy starting. He'll have to keep steady in this regard as the Longhorns (8-1) visit the TCU Horned Frogs (4-5) on Saturday.

But in the event he has to take his first-career snaps, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has tons of faith in Manning based on what he's seen in practice. He shared the latest of what he's seen from the young quarterback when speaking to the media on Monday.

"One thing I've been really impressed with him is his conviction and ability to throw the ball down the field with a great deal of accuracy," Sarkisian said. " ... The second part about his game I'm really encouraged about is he is very athletic."

Arch Manning / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Should Manning have to take snaps as soon as this Saturday, his athleticism and scrambling ability would certainly add an element to the offense that Murphy hasn't provided.

Texas fans have briefly seen Manning in action from April's Orange-White game. He went 5 of 13 passing for 30 yards. Though he finished with -8 rushing yards in the box score, he showed a willingness to run with seven rushing attempts.

Ewers is "day-to-day" ahead of the tilt vs. TCU, meaning Murphy could be making his third straight start. If the Longhorns are able to win in a blowout, maybe Sarkisian gives Manning his first-career snaps.