On The Trail: Justin Manning
Texas A&M's second junior day of the year has gotten better as the hours have passed.
After scoring two commitments in the afternoon, a third 2014 player is on board in the form of Nederland (Texas) High School defensive tackle DeShawn Washington. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Washington is the 10th commitment in the Aggies' 2014 class and the first defensive tackle.
On his Twitter account, Washington posted "It's official, I'm going to be a Aggie," and also confirmed his commitment via text message to GigEmNation. He was one of several prospects in attendance at Texas A&M's junior day on Saturday in College Station, Texas. He joins Dylan Sumner-Gardner and Armani Watts as prospects who gave their pledge to the Aggies on Saturday.
After scoring two commitments in the afternoon, a third 2014 player is on board in the form of Nederland (Texas) High School defensive tackle DeShawn Washington. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, Washington is the 10th commitment in the Aggies' 2014 class and the first defensive tackle.
On his Twitter account, Washington posted "It's official, I'm going to be a Aggie," and also confirmed his commitment via text message to GigEmNation. He was one of several prospects in attendance at Texas A&M's junior day on Saturday in College Station, Texas. He joins Dylan Sumner-Gardner and Armani Watts as prospects who gave their pledge to the Aggies on Saturday.
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With the recent staff changes and the promotion of running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Clarence McKinney to offensive coordinator, it seemed fitting that the person who inherited the recruiting coordinator title from McKinney was receivers coach David Beaty.
Beaty and McKinney are two of a kind when it comes to recruiting. Both are former high school head coaches in major metropolitan cities (Beaty in Dallas, McKinney in Houston). Both have been in coaching for more than 15 years.
And both played huge roles in helping the Aggies compile the 2013 recruiting class by scouring their former stomping grounds.
Beaty and McKinney are two of a kind when it comes to recruiting. Both are former high school head coaches in major metropolitan cities (Beaty in Dallas, McKinney in Houston). Both have been in coaching for more than 15 years.
And both played huge roles in helping the Aggies compile the 2013 recruiting class by scouring their former stomping grounds.
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GigEmNation recently solicited questions from fans via Twitter for ESPN 150 defensive tackle and Texas A&M commitment Justin Manning. Then GigEmNation's Sam Khan Jr. visited with Manning to ask him the questions the fans wanted answers to. Here's the Q&A with the nation's ninth-ranked defensive tackle, who chose the Aggies over Oklahoma and TCU:
@mikey_esquivel: What made you choose A&M?
Justin Manning: "Just the whole recruiting class. It couldn't have been better timing and a better school. I just felt like everything was perfect. I love the coaching staff and the whole recruiting class."
@mikey_esquivel: What made you choose A&M?
Justin Manning: "Just the whole recruiting class. It couldn't have been better timing and a better school. I just felt like everything was perfect. I love the coaching staff and the whole recruiting class."
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Team needs: There are three key need areas for Texas A&M in this recruiting class: defensive tackles, linebackers and receivers. The defensive tackle need stems from the Aggies' scheme switch. The 2010 and 2011 seasons were spent in a 3-4 alignment, and recruiting was tailored to that. Once Kevin Sumlin arrived and hired Mark Snyder as his defensive coordinator, the Aggies switched to a 4-3, meaning another defensive tackle on the field, meaning more were needed. At linebacker, the Aggies say goodbye to a pair of senior leaders, Sean Porter and Jonathan Stewart, both of whom were starters. The other starting linebacker, Steven Jenkins, will be a senior this season. At receiver there are several contributors leaving as well. Ryan Swope, Uzoma Nwachukwu and Kenric McNeal were all seniors. Thomas Johnson, a true freshman who appeared in 10 games and was one of the gems of the 2012 recruiting class, withdrew from school and might not return. There's another scholarship spot at the position in the form of Brandal Jackson, who was on scholarship but not part of the 105-man roster at the start of fall camp.
Help is on the way: At defensive tackle, A&M scored commitments from ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning and ESPN 300 defensive tackle Isaiah Golden. Three-star prospect Hardreck Walker and three-star Jordan Points (who is already on campus) round out that group. There are six linebackers in the class, led by ESPN 300 ILB Jordan Mastrogiovanni. Three are already on campus and enrolled: Brett Wade, Reggie Chevis and Tommy Sanders. At receiver, the Aggies have plenty. Ricky Seals-Jones tops the list, prep school standout Ja'Quay Williams is already in school, and there's a pair of three-star receivers as well. Not to mention, No. 1 tight end prospect Derrick Griffin would be a receiver at A&M if he makes it in, and athlete LaQuvionte Gonzalez likely would be an inside receiver.
Other key commits: A pair of Under Armour All-Americans, guard Joas Aguilar and cornerback Noel Ellis, plus a U.S. Army All-American, safety Kameron Miles, round out a group 10 prospects that are among ESPN's top 300. Two quarterbacks are in the class (Kohl Stewart and Kenny Hill), but it's worth keeping an eye on them as Stewart is a potential high MLB draft pick and Hill took official visits to Baylor and Kansas State. Eight early enrollees in the class are already on campus (Chevis, Points, Sanders, Wade, Williams, Cameron Clear, Alex Sezer and Jeremiah Stuckey), and there are plenty of promising three-star commits, including guys like cornerback Tavares Garner and outside linebacker Darian Claiborne.
Other key targets: There aren't a ton of targets left for the Aggies at this point. Their focus is on a small handful of guys. Adding a defensive end would be ideal for the Aggies, and they're pursuing Washington commit Daeshon Hall and USC commit Torrodney Prevot in that regard. Hall visited recently, and Prevot could soon. They are also still looking at another receiver. Former USC commit Sebastian LaRue is one of those targets, and he was in on an official visit recently. They are also looking at Florida State commit Levonte Whitfield, who said he plans to officially visit Feb. 1.
Help is on the way: At defensive tackle, A&M scored commitments from ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning and ESPN 300 defensive tackle Isaiah Golden. Three-star prospect Hardreck Walker and three-star Jordan Points (who is already on campus) round out that group. There are six linebackers in the class, led by ESPN 300 ILB Jordan Mastrogiovanni. Three are already on campus and enrolled: Brett Wade, Reggie Chevis and Tommy Sanders. At receiver, the Aggies have plenty. Ricky Seals-Jones tops the list, prep school standout Ja'Quay Williams is already in school, and there's a pair of three-star receivers as well. Not to mention, No. 1 tight end prospect Derrick Griffin would be a receiver at A&M if he makes it in, and athlete LaQuvionte Gonzalez likely would be an inside receiver.
Other key commits: A pair of Under Armour All-Americans, guard Joas Aguilar and cornerback Noel Ellis, plus a U.S. Army All-American, safety Kameron Miles, round out a group 10 prospects that are among ESPN's top 300. Two quarterbacks are in the class (Kohl Stewart and Kenny Hill), but it's worth keeping an eye on them as Stewart is a potential high MLB draft pick and Hill took official visits to Baylor and Kansas State. Eight early enrollees in the class are already on campus (Chevis, Points, Sanders, Wade, Williams, Cameron Clear, Alex Sezer and Jeremiah Stuckey), and there are plenty of promising three-star commits, including guys like cornerback Tavares Garner and outside linebacker Darian Claiborne.
Other key targets: There aren't a ton of targets left for the Aggies at this point. Their focus is on a small handful of guys. Adding a defensive end would be ideal for the Aggies, and they're pursuing Washington commit Daeshon Hall and USC commit Torrodney Prevot in that regard. Hall visited recently, and Prevot could soon. They are also still looking at another receiver. Former USC commit Sebastian LaRue is one of those targets, and he was in on an official visit recently. They are also looking at Florida State commit Levonte Whitfield, who said he plans to officially visit Feb. 1.
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U.S. Army Bowl: Tuesday notebook 
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
7:52
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
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DT Kerrick Huggins flips commitment to OU
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
4:36
PM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Three-star defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline) has flipped his commitment from the Aggies to the Sooners, according to a Dallas Skyline coach.
Huggins, who is 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, decommitted from Texas A&M and committed to OU on Thursday, according to Dallas Skyline recruiting coordinator Jason R. Garrett.
The change in commitment is a major boost to OU, which has been desperate to find a defensive tackle for its 2013 class.
The Sooners and Aggies have battled it out four times for defensive tackles in this class, and the scoreboard read 4-0 for the Aggies in terms of recruits that had offers from both schools.
The biggest blow was last week when ESPN 150 tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) picked A&M over OU despite all of his OU connections and the fact his older brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners.
Huggins was among Texas A&M’s first commits for the class, pledging to the Aggies in February. Since then, A&M has racked up three more tackle commits and had five commits at the position coming into the week.
OU, which is hoping to have three commits at the position, had zero entering the week. It has come close with several top prospects but has not been able to seal the deal. Until now.
OU didn’t initially offer Huggins. It wasn’t until September that the Sooners extended that honor. Huggins said then he was flattered by the offer, but he was solid with A&M.
The Sooners didn’t stop, though, continuing to recruit him even if it didn’t look like it was going to pay off.
The persistence did pay off. Huggins is OU’s 15th commit and second of the week, joining three-star defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Houston/Alief Taylor). Like Huggins, Okornkwo was a flipped commitment, too, going from Bedlam rival Oklahoma State to OU on Wednesday.
Huggins, who is 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, decommitted from Texas A&M and committed to OU on Thursday, according to Dallas Skyline recruiting coordinator Jason R. Garrett.
- Kerrick Huggins
- Defensive tackle
- 2013
- Committed: Oklahoma
| Pos Rk | Stars | Grade | Hometown |
| 36 | 79 | Dallas, TX |
The Sooners and Aggies have battled it out four times for defensive tackles in this class, and the scoreboard read 4-0 for the Aggies in terms of recruits that had offers from both schools.
The biggest blow was last week when ESPN 150 tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) picked A&M over OU despite all of his OU connections and the fact his older brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners.
Huggins was among Texas A&M’s first commits for the class, pledging to the Aggies in February. Since then, A&M has racked up three more tackle commits and had five commits at the position coming into the week.
OU, which is hoping to have three commits at the position, had zero entering the week. It has come close with several top prospects but has not been able to seal the deal. Until now.
OU didn’t initially offer Huggins. It wasn’t until September that the Sooners extended that honor. Huggins said then he was flattered by the offer, but he was solid with A&M.
The Sooners didn’t stop, though, continuing to recruit him even if it didn’t look like it was going to pay off.
The persistence did pay off. Huggins is OU’s 15th commit and second of the week, joining three-star defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Houston/Alief Taylor). Like Huggins, Okornkwo was a flipped commitment, too, going from Bedlam rival Oklahoma State to OU on Wednesday.
It was actually before the weekend began that Texas A&M got its most significant recruiting news that Aggies' fans are still buzzing about as Thursday brought the commitment of ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning.
The No. 8 tackle in the nation and the No. 88 player in the ESPN 150, Manning's acquisition was significant, especially considering that he is ranked as the top defensive tackle in Texas. It's a need position for the Aggies and with Manning on board, they now have five commitments at the position.
Thursday was also the day that ESPN 150 athlete Ricky Seals-Jones finalized his announcement date, which is Monday. Texas A&M fans are expecting good news when he reveals his choice to the world.
The No. 8 tackle in the nation and the No. 88 player in the ESPN 150, Manning's acquisition was significant, especially considering that he is ranked as the top defensive tackle in Texas. It's a need position for the Aggies and with Manning on board, they now have five commitments at the position.
Thursday was also the day that ESPN 150 athlete Ricky Seals-Jones finalized his announcement date, which is Monday. Texas A&M fans are expecting good news when he reveals his choice to the world.
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Scouts: Aggies fill DT need with Manning
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
8:59
PM ET
By
Craig Haubert | ESPN.com
Defensive tackle was an area of need for Texas A&M in its 2013 class, but the Aggies now have verbals from a handful of prospects at the position.
Earlier in the process, Texas A&M did a nice job of addressing the spot with pick-ups like the promising Isaiah Golden (Carthage, Texas/Carthage) and Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline), but Thursday the Aggies made arguably their biggest pick-up at the position.
In what can be considered a bit of an upset, the Aggies landed a verbal from in-state D-Tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball), and he really strengthens what was already a pretty good haul.
Earlier in the process, Texas A&M did a nice job of addressing the spot with pick-ups like the promising Isaiah Golden (Carthage, Texas/Carthage) and Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline), but Thursday the Aggies made arguably their biggest pick-up at the position.
In what can be considered a bit of an upset, the Aggies landed a verbal from in-state D-Tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball), and he really strengthens what was already a pretty good haul.
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DT Justin Manning commits to Texas A&M
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
5:14
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Damon Sayles/ESPN.comESPN 150 prospect Justin Manning is Texas A&M's fifth defensive tackle commit for the Class of 2013.He officially became his own identity -- and decided against continuing a legacy.
The Kimball High School auditorium in Dallas’ Oak Cliff community erupted as Manning, one of the nation’s best defensive players, announced to family, friends and school representatives that he would play college football at Texas A&M. With the move, Manning became the Aggies’ 33rd overall commit of the 2013 recruiting class and the fifth defensive tackle of the class to give his pledge.
Ranked No. 88 in the ESPN 150, Manning chose Texas A&M over Oklahoma and TCU. Manning, recruited by wide receivers coach David Beaty, chose against following the footsteps of his older brother, DeMarcus Granger, a former Kimball star who played on Oklahoma’s defensive line from 2006-09.
“I can trust [A&M], and I feel like it’ll be a challenge,” Manning said. “I feel like I’m challenging myself to be better.
“Oklahoma has been my dream school since Day 1. The only doubts I had about them was when I arrived, would I feel too comfortable?”
Manning has gone on the record several times to discuss how difficult his process was. All three schools were very much alive in the race, but he said the decision ultimately came down to trust and potential success. The Aggies, under coach Kevin Sumlin and led by quarterback Johnny Manziel, have been outstanding in their first year in the SEC.
What added to Manning’s decision is how this year’s team is relatively young on both sides of the ball. Manziel is a redshirt freshman. One of the Aggies’ primary defensive players, defensive lineman Damontre Moore, is a junior.
“They have a lot of talent there, and I feel like I can get a national championship at least three years,” Manning said. “I’ve gone through my high school career trying to get to state, and when I think about it, it’s almost impossible to get to state if you don’t have talent at each position.”
Manning thanked the coaching staffs at Oklahoma and TCU for recruiting him and expects big things from both programs in the future. Oklahoma is an established Big 12 competitor that is in the running for a conference title every year. TCU has established itself as a Big 12 power in its first year.
“It was close; it was always close,” Manning said. “With TCU, it’s just a great school. The thing that stuck out is [cornerbacks] Coach [Clay] Jennings. Just the way he is, I feel like I’m back at high school with them. It’s a comfortable feeling.”
For Manning, the most comfort, however, relies in College Station, Texas. He expects to come in and be an immediate impact player for a program he has high expectations for.
“Bring your popcorn,” he said. “You’ll see.”
It feels like the Sooners have been playing catchup for most of the year on the recruiting trail. The OU coaches have preached patience with the class offers, and it has put OU in a tough spot.
This time, though, it wasn’t OU’s fault. With the Sooners playing Saturday at TCU, they couldn’t utilize the first week of in-home visits, so they will have to make up some ground.
OU will get started in a hurry. Three big names scheduled to have in-home visits are ESPN 150 defensive tackle Maquedius Bain (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School), ESPN 150 safety Tahaan Goodman (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Ranch Cucamonga) and ESPN 300 athlete and Florida State commit Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna).
This time, though, it wasn’t OU’s fault. With the Sooners playing Saturday at TCU, they couldn’t utilize the first week of in-home visits, so they will have to make up some ground.
OU will get started in a hurry. Three big names scheduled to have in-home visits are ESPN 150 defensive tackle Maquedius Bain (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School), ESPN 150 safety Tahaan Goodman (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Ranch Cucamonga) and ESPN 300 athlete and Florida State commit Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna).
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DT Manning moves up announcement date
December, 2, 2012
12/02/12
1:12
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
It’s been quite a journey, but ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) now knows where he wants to play college football.
In fact, he’s so confident that he moved up his announcement date from Friday to Thursday.
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Justin Manning confirms decision date
November, 28, 2012
11/28/12
1:01
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) has confirmed that he will announce where he will play college football on Dec. 7.
Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound tackle, said the announcement most likely will take place at his high school between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. CT. He is expected to choose among Oklahoma, Texas A&M or TCU.
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SEC success opening doors for Aggies
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
12:07
PM ET
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
There's one thing that's clear about Texas A&M's quick success in its first Southeastern Conference season. It has gotten the attention of recruits.
The Aggies already had 28 commitments before the season started but have added three 2013 commitments plus a 2014 commitment.
Mesquite (Texas) West Mesquite safety Kameron Miles, a 2013 prospect who on Wednesday decommitted from Tennessee and switched his commitment from Texas A&M that night, was the first pledge the Aggies have landed since their landmark victory over then-No. 1 Alabama. Four days later, they added City College of San Francisco offensive tackle Jeremiah Stuckey.
The Aggies already had 28 commitments before the season started but have added three 2013 commitments plus a 2014 commitment.
Mesquite (Texas) West Mesquite safety Kameron Miles, a 2013 prospect who on Wednesday decommitted from Tennessee and switched his commitment from Texas A&M that night, was the first pledge the Aggies have landed since their landmark victory over then-No. 1 Alabama. Four days later, they added City College of San Francisco offensive tackle Jeremiah Stuckey.
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OU hasn't made big impression on trail
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
12:01
PM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It’s going too far to call Oklahoma’s 2012 season a disappointment at this point. The Sooners are 8-2, 6-1 in Big 12 conference play. Goals of winning the conference championship and playing in a BCS bowl game remain within reach.
OU has only lost home games to No. 2 Kansas State and No. 4 Notre Dame, two of the best teams in the country. So why does it feel like a lackluster fall in Norman, Okla., on the recruiting trail?
The Sooners simply haven’t made that huge impression to nab big-time recruits. OU has hosted them, a slew of top-ranked recruits in the ESPN 150 and ESPN 300. But the Sooners haven’t earned a commitment from any of them since the season began.
OU has only lost home games to No. 2 Kansas State and No. 4 Notre Dame, two of the best teams in the country. So why does it feel like a lackluster fall in Norman, Okla., on the recruiting trail?
The Sooners simply haven’t made that huge impression to nab big-time recruits. OU has hosted them, a slew of top-ranked recruits in the ESPN 150 and ESPN 300. But the Sooners haven’t earned a commitment from any of them since the season began.
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Justin Manning: Decision 'after the season'
November, 16, 2012
11/16/12
12:59
AM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
To all the Sooners, Aggies and Horned Frogs fans, do not expect an answer from Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) until after the playoffs.
The ESPN 150 defensive tackle on Thursday night said that his primary focus is to help keep Kimball in the Texas Class 4A playoffs for as long as possible. The Knights opened the postseason with a 38-13 win against Dallas Bryan Adams.
“I won’t make any decisions until after the playoffs,” said Manning, who reconfirmed that Oklahoma, Texas A&M and TCU are in his final three.
The ESPN 150 defensive tackle on Thursday night said that his primary focus is to help keep Kimball in the Texas Class 4A playoffs for as long as possible. The Knights opened the postseason with a 38-13 win against Dallas Bryan Adams.
“I won’t make any decisions until after the playoffs,” said Manning, who reconfirmed that Oklahoma, Texas A&M and TCU are in his final three.
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