SEC Quarterback Briefing

(Image via Eric Gay/AP Photo)

By: Lucas Kochevar

There has been a ton of discussion around the SEC quarterback landscape because of Arch Manning, Paul Finebaum’s take on Manning and the Manning passing camp that showcased many young quarterbacks around the country. There is no doubt that Arch will lead the country in terms of headlines this season. It makes sense given the family’s status as football family royalty, but when you add in the Texas and SEC factor, it multiplies the buzz ten times. 
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Manning is tabbed as the guy and is ranked number one on most lists. The conference is fascinating with new faces in big places. The returning starters to their respective schools include Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers, DJ Lagway, Diego Paiva, Marcel Reed, Blake Shapen and Taylen Green. These guys are all the day one starters in the SEC that have also played at least last season in the conference. 

The next group would be new starters and guys who waited their turn. Manning would fall in this category as he sat behind Quinn Ewers. The other guys in that category are Gunner Stockton, Ty Simpson and Austin Simmons. These guys have seen limited action, but will have so much talent around them it’ll be hard for them to truly fail. Simmons is the interesting guy to follow here because he came in against UGA when Ole Miss was down 7-0 and led them right down the field with ease. 

New starters that transferred in include John Mateer, Joey Aguilar, Jackson Arnold, Beau Pribula and Zach Calzada. Mateer is a big time name to watch as he was lured away from Washington State after a very strong season. Oklahoma has committed to their offense this offseason and looks to jump into the playoff mix. Aguilar was a part of the Nico saga and he’s coming off a good season at App State. The last guy on that list I’m excited to see as a starter is Pribula. As the backup at Penn State he only played in a gadget role. In a big time starter role he could provide a cool dual threat dynamic for the Tigers. 

The SEC quarterback scene will be closely monitored because of Manning, but it’s truly a deep position in the conference.