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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Another Manning as Starting QB Brings National Attention
9/5/2001 | Football
Sept. 5, 2001
By Tobie Baker
University Communications
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss football players believe starting quarterback Eli Manning's spotlight in the national media is warranted.
"We're all excited," said preseason All-SEC center Ben Claxton, a junior from Dublin, Ga. "We've seen glimpses of what Eli can do, and we all know what kind of player he is. I mean the guy's been around great quarterbacks all his life, and he's been playing that position his whole life. It's definitely something he knows a little about."
It's that sentiment that has sports writers across the country buzzing. Even before he started his first game as an Ole Miss quarterback last week against Murray State, Manning had already received wide spread national media attention from north, south, east and west. Sports writers from the Chicago Tribune, Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Boston Globe and the Los Angeles Times were on The University of Mississippi campus this summer to interview the redshirt sophomore quarterback from New Orleans, La. ESPN and CNNSI also made the trip to Oxford.
The interest is validated in part to Manning's lineage. His father, Ole Miss legend and New Orleans Saints star Archie Manning, is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks in school history. Then there's his older brother, Peyton, who played quarterback for the University of Tennessee before gaining star status with the National Football League Indianapolis Colts. His oldest brother, Cooper, a wide receiver, signed with Ole Miss, but a spinal condition ended his career after his freshman season.
Teammates, however, are impressed with Eli's own ability. According to Claxton, Manning has a work ethic like no other Rebel player.
Sophomore wide receiver Chris Collins of Gloster, Miss., agreed, saying Manning arranged his own voluntary practice drills with receivers over the summer. "Everybody loves Eli," Collins said. "He's a talented guy, and he's smart. I think he's going to be a great quarterback."
After throwing three touchdown passes against West Virginia in the fourth quarter of the 2000 Motor City Bowl, Manning made his first Ole Miss start last Saturday against Murray State one that Rebel fans will long remember. In just under three quarters of play, Manning completed 20 of 23 passes for 271 yards and a school record five touchdowns, including three to Collins. He completed 18 straight passes at one point, which also established a new Ole Miss record.
"Eli's going to have some learning sessions out there on the field," Ole Miss head football coach David Cutcliffe said. "He's going to have to ride some of those experiences out."
Helping Manning overcome obstacles is the Rebel offensive line, which last year gave up the fewest sacks in the SEC despite using four different starting rotations. Returning 6-5, 290-pound offensive lineman Belton Johnson of Coffeeville, Miss., said Manning helped motivate players during summer workouts.
"We're going to protect our butts off for Eli," Johnson said. "He's going to be the man, so we're going to give him time."
New Ole Miss head strength and conditioning coach Ruben Mendoza said Manning worked extremely hard over the summer in preparation for his starting role at quarterback. Mendoza, who joined the Rebel staff last January, said Manning has added muscle mass to his 6-4, 212-pound frame.
"Eli's feeling confident about what he's doing in the weight room," Mendoza said. "That confidence will transfer out onto the field.".
When asked to comment on the significance of having a Manning return to Ole Miss as a quarterback, Cutcliffe said it's a tribute to Archie and his career. Manning, who played three seasons for Ole Miss from 1968-1970, was a two-time All-America selection, finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1969 and third in 1970. He continues to hold several school records, including total offense in a single game when he racked up 540 yards against Alabama in 1969.
"People haven't forgotten what Archie accomplished, and I think that's great for the Ole Miss family," Cutcliffe said.
Adding to the buzz is the fact that Cutcliffe was the offensive coordinator when Peyton Manning played at Tennessee. He said Eli is similar to his older sibling, describing both as competitive athletes with a great ability to think.
"Eli and Peyton are both good decision makers," Cutcliffe said. "The thing is that Eli is Eli, and I think Eli will remain Eli. He's not trying to be Peyton. He just wants to have fun playing the game."
