Wednesday was a short day for Omar Manning unfortunately. The wide receiver from Lancaster that possesses freakish potential and upside was favoring a sore hammy early on in practice that kept him out of action for most of the day, so we really didn’t get to see him catch on day one.
Even though he was forced to watch most of day one, Manning was still willing to give us some time and share some thoughts on the recruiting process thus far. Omar is a pretty quiet kid in general, so getting him talk about recruiting hasn’t been the easiest thing to do, but we were able to pick his brain a bit.
HornSports: What is like to be at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon?
Manning: It’s truly a blessing and a dream come true to come out here with the top athletes and some of the top coaches. Just the experience alone is amazing.
HornSports: Which Texas coaches have you connected with? Of Charlie Williams, Jeff Traylor and Sterlin Gilbert, who have you, really connected with that gives Texas a shot?
Manning: All three of those coaches and Coach Strong. They are amazing dudes and amazing coaches, and we really hit it off when I went down there.
HornSports: There are a lot of schools that having been coming after you. Are there any schools that have separated themselves? Is there a top five or a top ten list?
Manning: There are few teams that I have narrowed it down to, but I’m keeping it to myself right now.
HornSports: When do you want to make those schools public?
Manning: Probably before the season.
HornSports: Texas is hosting their Under The Lights camp later this month and it has been said you will be attending, is that accurate?
Manning: Yes sir.
HornSports: There is a quarterback here named Sam Ehlinger that is a future Texas guy, is there any chance that you have bumped into him and he has tried to recruit you?
Manning: Yes sir, all the time. We’re close. He reminds me every day that he wants me there with him. He’s a great dude.
HornSports: When you talk to the Texas coaches what is their sales pitch?
Manning: The new system and how I would fit there, and their family environment.
HornSports: What are your thoughts on the system?
Manning: I watched the spring game and really liked it. I think when the season gets here and I get to see it more and get see it in person when I come for game I will get even more excited.
HornSports: You were there for one of the camps in June, did you get a chance to sit down and watch video with Coach Gilbert then and see how you would fit?
Manning: Yes sir I did. He let me watch video and showed me around, I liked it.
HornSports: So before the season you think you will narrow it down to a top ten or a top five?
Manning: A top five.
HornSports: Would you feel comfortable saying Texas will make that list?
Manning: They will be.
HornSports: Is it true that Coach (Clay) Jennings knows some of your coaches?
Manning: Yes sir he does, my head coach.
HornSports: Does that familiarity help Texas at all?
Manning: It does because my coach shoots me straight forward and tells me who the good dudes are and who are not.
HornSports: Are there any more schools you plan to visit aside from Texas?
Manning: Alabama and Texas A&M
I am really looking forward to see how Manning stacks up against the elite competition this week so I hope he is able to give it ago after resting most of today. Texas seems to have made up a lot of ground in his recruitment, and the new offense is definitely making an impression on him so far.
If they continue to build upon the relationship, have a good showing offensively in the fall, and get him on campus in January, you will have to like Texas’ chances of landing him come signing day. Long way to go, but there is a lot to like here.
