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Eli Manning compares Arch Manning's traits to family members

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh08/10/22griffin_mcveigh
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High School Football: Isidore Newman School Arch Manning (16) with teammates during game vs Cohen School at Pan American Stadium. New Orleans, LA 11/2/2019 CREDIT: David E. Klutho (Photo by David E. Klutho /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X163043 TK1 )

Arch Manning is already the most talked about prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, having Five-Star Plus+ status with his No. 1 overall On3 Consensus ranking. The quarterback shut down his recruitment this summer, opting to commit to Texas over the likes of Alabama or Georgia. It’s been a widely discussed recruitment and now, one of his uncles is getting in on the action.

Eli Manning compared Arch’s traits to not only himself but also his brother Peyton and father Archie. He said of the three of them, Arch is most similar to the eldest of the group. Size and athleticism is a place Arch has over the two former SEC quarterbacks, specifically when it comes to mobility.

“He’s more athletic than Peyton or I,” Eli said via the New York Post. “Maybe a little bit bigger than Peyton or I, and so I think he’s got the ability to scramble around and run around — probably more similar to my dad (Archie) than Peyton or I.”

Arch is listed at 6-4, 215 pounds heading into his senior year of high school. Both Peyton and Eli were 6’5 but the former was around 230 pounds toward the end of his career. As for the athleticism, he has shown it off on the football field and basketball court. Arch won a basketball title with Isidore Newman this past season.

Because of the last name, Arch will always get compared to his two uncles and to an extent, his grandfather. But if you ask Eli, there’s already two places the high school senior has an advantage over the two former NFL legends.

Eli happy Arch Manning can focus on high school football after Texas commitment

Eli also talked about Arch’s recruitment and decision to play for Texas. He said making an early decision was crucial, wanting the soon-to-be Longhorn to enjoy his senior year. Steve Sarkisian will be waiting there on the other end, where Eli will be “excited” to watch his nephew play college football.

“Now he can just go enjoy his senior year,” Eli said. “Go play football and try to win some football games and be a great teammate and don’t have to worry about the next step. He’s going to a great spot, great history of football in Texas, and excited to get to watch him.”

There’s a scenario where Eli will watch Arch go up against his own school, Ole Miss, in an SEC showdown at some point. By the 2025 season, when Texas is currently expected to join the Big 12, Arch will be entering his junior season. Depending on how the schedule falls, Eli will have to figure out his loyalties for a Saturday.