Brent Venables on Arch Manning: “Tough kid… real weapon as a dual-threat guy”

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has seen plenty of Red River Shootouts in his career. Saturday marks his fourth as head coach of the Sooners, but he also served as OU’s defensive coordinator for 13 seasons and 13 contests between 1999-2011.

Now, as he prepares his undefeated No. 6 ranked Sooners for yet another game against the Longhorns, Venables struck a tone of respect when discussing Texas, especially head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning.

He might have even believed some of what he said.

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“A Model of Consistency”

Venables began his week praising the Longhorns across the board, calling them one of the nation’s most balanced and well-coached teams.

“Expect a really talented, explosive, dominant defense and an offense that has all the weapons — up front, in the backfield, outside, tight end, quarterback,” Venables said. “Really excellent football team. Coach Sark and his staff have done a fantastic job. They’ve been a model of consistency the last several years since they’ve taken over.”

Venables noted the overall roster construction under Sarkisian as well as some looming injuries.

“Skill guys are excellent players. I think Jack Endries was the top portal tight end. They’re really well coached. Highly recruited offensive line and running backs. They’ve been banged up at running back, but they’re getting some of those guys back now.”

“Highly recruited offensive line” simply has to be a dig at this point. The rivalry never sleeps.

Venables also acknowledged what Texas fans have come to recognize what many others still fail to see—Manning is showing growth.

“Somebody that has as much talent and all his best football in front of them in Arch Manning leading the way,” Venables added. “As I’ve been bragging on them, great schemes, great play calling, play design, running, throwing down the field, and all their screen game. They can do it all. It’ll be a tremendous challenge for us.”

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On Arch Manning: “Very Talented. Tough Kid.”

While the biggest question in Norman this week has centered on whether Heisman candidate John Mateer will play, Venables has spent plenty of time scouting Texas’ first-year starting quarterback.

“Very talented. Tough kid,” Venables said. “Loved how he battled and was able to bring his team back last week on the road in Gainesville. Very difficult place to play. They were charged up and excited to see Texas, and I just appreciate and respect the courage that I watched him play with as a young player that hadn’t been in that position really much, if at all.”

Venables also referenced Manning’s early-season tests against elite defenses.

“I thought what you saw even on tape at Ohio State — where he got them within a score, having a chance to go win there. Same thing last week. Tremendous arm talent, great athlete, really has a strong pocket presence. When he does scramble, he can run through a lot of trash. He’s got great speed and quickness as well. Real weapon as a dual-threat guy.”

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On Manning’s Toughness and “Heavy Is the Crown”

Venables, known for his defensive intensity, sounded particularly impressed by how Manning handled adversity.

“It’s getting up off the mat, coming right back and going right back at it with confidence, making plays and decisions,” Venables said. “Heavy is the crown. That position has to carry a lot of weight, and he’s done it like a champ in my opinion.”

He also noted that while Manning’s résumé is still limited, his demeanor reflects both his famous lineage and his own character.

“He’s got a small sample size, but that’s who he’s been,” Venables continued. “He comes from a lineage — doesn’t guarantee anything — but he comes from a lineage that that’s who they’ve been. So far, that’s what I’ve seen. Toughness, courage, edginess, the response, all those things are indicative of what I’m talking about.”

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Respect For Texas

Venables’ praise for Sarkisian and Manning didn’t sound empty, but you often wonder if he’s offering a backhanded compliment at times. Is he genuine, is it gamesmanship? A little of both?

Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure, he’s a lot more likable than the previous OU coach.