Young-gun quarterback will challenge for Aggie starting job
One thing was apparent when Andrew Manley took the field for the New Mexico State Aggies football team last season.
The kid can gun it.
Outside of that he was indicative of most freshman quarterbacks, particularly those playing on a losing team.
The game was fast - too fast at times.
He appeared rushed.
He looked good one possession, then like a rookie the next three.
He was thrown into the fire and wasn't entirely ready.
Still, now in the 2011 spring season season and about to enter his sophomore year, Manley has the potential to be one of the all-time great passers to put on an Aggie jersey.
He was the highlight of the team's 2010 signing class, a legitimate three-star recruit from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
On the prep level Manley threw for over 3,000 yards and over 30 touchdowns in each of his final two seasons.
And last year, despite the struggles, his skill set was apparent - a 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback who could grip it and rip it.
"With his quick release and arm strength, he's going to have a a chance to put it on," NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said.
He also has a chance to start for the Aggies this year, as Manley and senior quarterback Matt Christian compete for playing time under center.
On a team with questions throughout its lineup, the quarterback position provides depth and upside.
With Christian - a steady player, average-to-decent at most, fans and teammates know what to expect from this veteran leader - and Manley - a young gun with untapped potential, providing followers with a ray of hope for the future.
You could do worse at the most important position on the field and if Manley happens to hit his ceiling, it could make a big difference for the program as a whole.
"He's making me better, I'm making him better," Christian said.
"That's a talented man right there. You saw that."
Manley continues to work on feeling the college game this spring. Play around him will have to slow down as he develops better field vision and an understanding of varying fronts, blitzes and coverages that are thrown his way come game day.
"The overall concept of defenses," said Aggie offensive coordinator Doug Martin.
Manley is also a drop-back thrower, making his mobility in and around the pocket critical to avoid the inevitable pass rush.
"I've been doing footwork all offseason, that's big for me," he said. "I'm not the fastest."
Which is fine.
Manley just needs to be the best he can be.
He could make a difference for the Aggies.
