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In the fiercely competitive world of college football recruiting, programs often go to great lengths to secure top talent. However, recent revelations have shed light on the extreme measures taken by the University of Alabama in their pursuit of quarterback Arch Manning.
According to Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, Alabama’s then-defensive coordinator Pete Golding employed a deeply personal and controversial strategy to sway Manning’s commitment from Texas.
Arch Manning reflects on Quinn Ewers’s NFL debut noting his determination to surpass his predecessor
During a Zoom call with Manning, Golding reportedly referenced Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s past struggles with alcoholism. He allegedly stated, “I love Sark. He’s my best friend. I hope he can stay sober.”
This comment was allegedly made while discussing Alabama’s football culture and schematics, aiming to cast doubt on Sarkisian’s long-term stability as a coach.
Manning’s high school coach, Nelson Stewart, was reportedly stunned by Golding’s remark and immediately confronted him. Golding allegedly explained that the pressure to secure Manning’s commitment was coming from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who was referred to as “Daddy” by his assistants.
This incident highlights the lengths to which Alabama was willing to go in an attempt to derail Texas’s recruitment of Manning. Despite these tactics, Manning ultimately chose to commit to Texas, citing several key factors in his decision.
Manning’s decision to commit to Texas
Manning was drawn to Texas for several reasons. He appreciated Sarkisian’s dual role as both head coach and play-caller, believing this would provide continuity and stability throughout his college career.
Additionally, Manning was excited about Texas’s move to the Southeastern Conference, viewing it as an opportunity to compete at the highest level. He also expressed a desire to contribute to rebuilding the Texas football program, which had experienced challenges in recent years.
Despite the intense recruitment process, Manning’s commitment to Texas has been met with optimism. He is set to start for Texas in the upcoming season, with the team opening against defending national champion Ohio State.
Texas is ranked preseason No. 1, though they begin as underdogs in the matchup. Manning’s decision to commit to Texas, despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the recruitment process, underscores his determination and confidence in his choice.
The recruitment of Arch Manning serves as a reminder of the intense and sometimes controversial nature of college football recruiting. While Alabama’s tactics were aggressive, Manning’s decision to commit to Texas reflects his belief in the program’s direction and his role in its future success.
As Manning embarks on his college career, all eyes will be on Texas to see if they can capitalize on the momentum generated by his commitment and return to prominence in college football.
This news was originally published on this post .
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