Texas quarterback Arch Manning has publicly stated he feels "100%" following offseason foot surgery. This assertion comes as Manning prepares for an upcoming season, acknowledging past difficulties and expressing a desire for improved performance.
Manning indicated a shift in mindset was key to his team's successes, stating, "The first half of the season, I was pissed. I wasn’t playing well and it wasn’t fun for me." He suggested that a more relaxed approach contributed to positive outcomes.
Manning's comments, made on Wednesday, follow a period of limited participation this spring due to the surgery. He previously played in games, including an opening against Texas State and a second game against the Buckeyes. His performance last year included 403 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Health and Performance
Earlier reports had raised questions about Manning's physical state. In September of last year, speculation surfaced regarding a potential shoulder injury, citing new throwing mechanics and instances of wincing. One game saw Manning account for five total touchdowns, yet concerns about his health persisted. Some analyses suggested that if injuries were affecting his play, he should not have been on the field, or alternatively, that his performance indicated underlying issues regardless of injury status.
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Manning, who has previously expressed satisfaction with his college choice and affirmed he never considered transferring, has alluded to limited experience. He noted in August of last year, "I’ve only played what, two games?"