Who is KJ Lacey Jr.? What to know about Arch Manning's backup at Texas

Over the last two weeks, Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns have suffered back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Florida. In those losses, Manning's play has been questioned as key turnovers in each game led directly to the final result.

Will Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian make a quarterback change given the circumstances?

A change looks like it could be on the way if Manning's play doesn't turn around. ESPN Senior College Football reporter Pete Thamel reported that redshirt freshman KJ Lacey Jr. will receive an up-tick in first-team reps this week during practice.

Sarkisian denied that report but if it were to happen, just who is Lacey? Here's everything you need to know about the former four-star standout from Alabama.

A consistent winner alongside Ryan Coleman-Williams

Lacey began his high school career at Daphne (AL), playing six games as a freshman and had mixed results. He finished the year with eight touchdown passes and 1,234 yards but also threw six interceptions.

Entering his sophomore season, Lacey transferred to Saraland (AL) and it's there where he paired alongside five-star receiver and future Alabama Crimson Tide star Ryan Coleman-Williams, forming one of the country's deadliest duos over the next two seasons.

Lacey had a sophomore season to remember, leading Saraland to a 14-1 record and the Class 6A state championship. He started all 15 games for a Spartans offense that averaged 43 points per game and beat Mountain Brook (AL) 38-17 in the championship game. On the year, he completed 64% of his passes for 3,177 yards and 40 touchdowns.

The next two years the Spartans came up short in back-to-back championship appearances, but Lacey put up video game-like numbers in both seasons.

As a junior, he completed 70% of his passes for 3,448 yards and 42 touchdowns, leading Saraland to a 14-1 record. In a 31-28 championship loss to Clay-Chalkville (AL), Lacey threw for 391 yards and two touchdowns.

In his final season and first without Coleman-Williams, Lacey won Alabama's Mr. Football award and led the Spartans to another 13-1 year. That year he threw for 3,042 yards and 40 touchdowns, completing 62% of his passes.

For his career, the Spartans were 41-3 with Lacey under center and made three straight championship appearances. He completed 65% of his passes during that three-year stretch for 9,667 yards and 122 touchdowns to only 20 interceptions.

Lacey didn't have to run much during his high school career but did add 20 rushing touchdowns.

On June 3, 2023, Lacey announced his commitment to the Longhorns and remained steadfast to the commitment even with pushes from other notable Power Four programs, including Auburn.

Last season, Lacey made a single appearance for Texas, completing his lone pass for seven yards. This year he's already appeared in two games, going 6-of-7 passing for 55 yards against Texas State on Sept. 5 and completing his lone pass against UTSA on Sept. 19 for eight yards.

Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is KJ Lacey Jr.? What to know about Arch Manning's backup at Texas