Texas has spent plenty of time this offseason talking about Arch Manning, and for good reason. But at SEC Media Days on Thursday, one of Manning’s teammates made sure another Longhorn quarterback got a little spotlight too.
Offensive tackle Trevor Goosby, speaking in Tampa alongside Manning and edge rusher Colin Simmons, said sophomore KJ Lacey has a style that brings Lamar Jackson to mind.
"KJ, he's electric," Goosby told Anne-Parker Coleman of KVUE. "His pocket movement, his pocket mobility is next to even like Lamar Jackson.
He's pretty electric, I can't lie. And he can sling that pill, too."
That’s a serious compliment, considering Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks the game has ever seen. Lacey isn’t being handed that kind of label as a prediction of what’s coming next, but the comparison says plenty about how Texas people view his movement and playmaking ability.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has offered his own comparison for Lacey, linking him to Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. That fit makes sense too, since both quarterbacks are shorter than most at the position but still bring quick feet and a strong arm.
For now, Lacey is expected to be the clear backup behind Manning entering the 2026 season, after turning heads during spring work. Texas coaches and teammates have seen enough to believe he could handle a bigger role if called upon.
He has not had much game action yet. Lacey appeared in just one contest last season, completing one pass for seven yards in Texas’ 55-0 win over Sam Houston.
Still, his next chance to show it in real time may come soon. Texas opens the season at home against Texas State on Sept. 5, and Lacey is likely to get snaps there as the Longhorns begin the year.
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