CBS Sports made a suggestion for Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning late last month that was inspired by legendary Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.
The national sports media outlet thinks that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian should use Manning in 2024 in a similar way as Urban Meyer used Tebow at Florida in 2006.
CBS Sports noted that Texas struggled in the red zone last season, ranking No. 90 nationally in red zone scoring percentage.
Their idea is to use Manning the red zone the same way that Florida, at times, used Tebow in the red zone in 2006.
Manning runs exceptionally well. He's faster than you'd expect and he has good field vision. He could probably steal a few touchdowns for Texas in the red zone (his ability to throw the ball would make him even more dangerous than Tebow, who wasn't a renowned passer).
But this is an approach that Sarkisian absolutely can't take.
Manning is the future for Texas. And if starting quarterback Quinn Ewers suffers an injury in 2024, Manning will quickly become "the guy" for the Longhorns.
The last thing Texas can do is take a chance on Manning getting injured on a trick red zone play.
I know everyone is anxious to see Manning on the field. And it would be fun to see Texas create some packages for Manning to get him on the field early in 2024, but it's a risk that the Longhorns just can't take.
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