New Orleans’ Isidore Newman High School began spring practice on Monday.
With 5-star quarterback Arch Manning the center of attention as he started his final spring football season, he caught up with On3 national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman regarding his recruitment.
The Georgia Bulldogs, who have solidified themselves as a major contestant for the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, were heavily discussed by Manning.
“Athens is probably the best college town I’ve ever been to,” Manning said.
“I love coach Kirby (Smart) and he’s a real normal guy, a great coach. Georgia, the takeaway from practice there, is that they have athletes all over the field, especially on the defensive line. They have some studs and it shows: they had 15 players drafted.”
Georgia has received multiple visits from Manning, most recently in mid-March. He was also in attendance for Georgia’s victory over South Carolina in the fall.
Manning has also visited Alabama and Texas this spring. It’s looking like it will come down to Georgia, Alabama and Texas, however, Florida and LSU are also trying to become bigger players in the Manning sweepstakes as well.
Regarding Florida, Manning said:
“I’ve had a few conversations with Florida,” Manning said. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about Coach (Billy) Napier, so I might want to go check and see what they’re all about.”
Manning also said he would like to visit LSU:
“Coach (Brian) Kelly knows how to win … He’s won everywhere he goes pretty much. I have a former teammate, Bo (Bordelon), so he’s going up there this summer. I want to check him out, see how he does in practice and I’ll probably go up there for a game.”
As for when Manning will make his commitment, well, he did not provide too much on that front. He’ll let us all know when he’s ready.
“I’m looking forward to (making a decision) either before the season or during the season or after the season. If I was ready I’d probably commit right now, but I’m not, so I’m just waiting.”
