Established himself as one of the best defensive backs in the nation as a freshman, and should continue to enhance that reputation as a sophomore.
2003 (Freshman): Was named third team all-America at defensive back by Don Hansen’s Football Gazzette after recording 56 tackles (28 solo) and leading the Lone Star Conference in interceptions with six. He earned first team all-LSC South Division and first team Daktronics all-West region honors, and was also named the LSC South Division Freshman of the Year. Finished the season with 4.5 tackles for 24 yards in losses and one sack. He also forced three fumbles, recovered one fumble, had one quarterback hurry and four pass breakups from his safety spot. He was the LSC South Division Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 9 after he recorded 10 tackles (five solo), one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions in ACU’s 10-7 loss to Texas A&M-Kingsville. He was the LSC South Division Special Teams Player on Nov. 2 after he returned the second-half kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against Texas A&M-Commerce and picked up another 74 yards on five punt returns in ACU’s 21-7 win over the Lions. The kickoff return is the fourth-longest scoring play in ACU history. He was the only player in the conference last year to earn player of the week honors in different areas. Coaches also turned him loose offensively in the Wildcats’ final two games, and he responded with six catches for 191 yards and two scores in the final two weeks. Against Texas A&M-Kingsville (10-7 loss on Nov. 8), he had three catches for 65 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Then the next week in ACU’s 34-27 season-ending win over West Texas A&M, Manning had three catches for 126 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown catch from Colby Freeman. As a return specialist, Manning finished the season with seven kickoff returns for 251 yards and one score, and 23 punt returns for 211 yards. If he had qualified for the NCAA statistics in kickoff returns (1.2 returns per game), his average of 35.8 yards per return would have been No. 1 in NCAA Division II.
High school: Originally signed with Nebraska in February 2001 as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. However, he never enrolled at Nebraska, instead enrolling at ACU in January 2002. A three-year starter at Corsicana, he led the 9-4 club to a regional final appearance as a senior in 2000 by recording 67 tackles, three interceptions (two returned for scores), five fumble recoveries (one for a touchdowns), 10 pass breakups and three blocked kicks. He was named second team all-state by both the Associated Press and Texas Sports Writers Association. He was ranked the 117th-best player in the Southwest by SuperPrep, and as the 16th-best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com. He was recruited by Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State, Purdue, Arkansas and Alabama. He was also an outstanding performer on the track at Corsicana. As a senior he finished second in both the triple jump and 100 meters at the Class 4A state meet with marks of 48 feet, 11.75 inches and 10.34 seconds, respectively. He was also fourth in the 200 meters at 21.28. He finished second in the triple jump at the 2001 Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays with a mark of 49-3. He had the fourth-best 100 meter time in the nation as a high school senior (10.34) and the 12th-best triple jump mark. Has been clocked at 4.3 seconds in the 40.
Personal: His brother, defensive back Jonte Manning, and his uncle, wide receiver Tyjuan Manning, both signed with ACU in February 2004. Born 09 August 1982. 2001 graduate of Corsicana High School.