2013 Dallas (TX) Kimball defensive tackle Justin Manning recently narrowed his list to five and set his official visit dates. The first of those five that he will take will happen this weekend, when the 6-3, 275-pounder makes his way up to Norman to watch the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Kansas State Wildcats in a big contest for both teams to start Big 12 play.
Justin Manning Set To Visit Oklahoma For Kansas State Game
The younger brother of former Oklahoma defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger, Manning was widely expected to already be in the fold for the Sooners, but a delay in his offer has extended his recruitment. Manning will also take official visits to Texas A&M, TCU, LSU, and USC, though the latter date has not yet been set.
But even though the slow offer process by Bob Stoops and staff kept Manning from committing early, he still has strong feelings for the Sooners ($):
Nothing has changed as far as Oklahoma is concerned. I have loved Oklahoma since I was in the fifth grade. I fell in love with Oklahoma a long time ago, but at the same time I feel obligated to look at some of these other schools as well. I know that Oklahoma needs some defensive tackles and needs me in their program and that means something to me as well.
There are several important things he is looking for in a school ($):
When I go on a trip, in my mind, I’m thinking the same thing on every campus. When I’m on campus - every top one looks good, every graduation rate, the main thing is the coaches, just finding out if I can trust them. Just somebody that is going to be there for me, taking me in because it’s not all about business. I mean it is kind of all about business, but that doesn’t have to be all it is. Really, if a guy is injured, I want to find a coach that isn’t going to just toss their player on the shelf. (Distance) won’t matter.With the other official visits lined up and no current timetable for a decision, it would be a surprise for Oklahoma to land the long-awaited pledge from Manning over the weekend, especially since he has that comfort level he has been talking about due to his long relationship with Oklahoma defensive line coach Jackie Shipp.
Given his connections to the school, it would not be surprising in the least if Manning eventually wears crimson and cream, just like his older brother. That has been conventional wisdom for some time, and there has been little movement there over the summer and into the beginning of fall.
For more on OU football, visit Oklahoma blog Crimson And Cream Machine.
