Georgia 2016 DB Cole Mannion Discusses Commitment to Holy Cross

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

From the outside looking in, the tough part of the college football experience is now over for Cole Mannion. The Class of 2016 recruit entered his senior season fighting for next level attention attending camps at Lehigh, Elon, Davidson, and Mercer but came out on the other side with an offer and a commitment to Holy Cross. Now all Mannion has to do is make his grades, which should not be hard for him after carrying a 3.4 GPA and scoring a 29 on his ACT, and just play college ball like he has always dreamt.

The path forward maybe easy, or easier, but the road there was far from it for the 6’1”, 190 pound, cornerback/safety. Mannion had a great junior season for Wesleyan High School (Norcross) coming up with 41 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three pass breakups, and three interceptions. Teams opted not to test him at corner as much during his senior year, but for a corner, he still put up great stats. In the end, Mannion had 30 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and five interceptions helping the Wolves to a 9-3 record.

Down the backstretch of the recruiting process, Holy Cross was pushing hard for the Georgia prospect’s commitment as was Mercer, Samford, and Rhodes. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Mannion after his commitment to get the background story on his verbal pledge to Holy Cross and an update on how his senior season ended.

Interview

Cole, congratulations on your commitment to Holy Cross.

“Thank you.”

Before we get into how the commitment went down with Holy Cross, I’d like to catch up on your senior season. Overall, how did 2015 go for you on the field?

“It went well. We went 9-3 and lost (23-21) in the playoffs (second round). I had five picks which was second best in the county. I think that was pretty good. I thought we could go further into the playoffs but we came across a good team in Jefferson County team.”

What were some of the areas you improved upon as a corner from your junior to senior year?

“I thought I did a lot better job of playing the ball in the air. My footwork, one-on-one, and man skills got better too. I had a lot more opportunities in games this year and came through.”

Have you already started your offseason workouts?

“Oh yeah. I’ve continued working on my footwork and ball skills. I’m trying to get faster and bigger.”

When did you take your official to Holy Cross?

“I visited Jan. 23-25.”

The trip obviously went well. Walk me through your visit weekend.

“We toured the campus a lot and met with the players a lot. The coaches impressed me with their knowledge of the game. I really like their defense. I think it will be a good fit for me. The school is working on a really big project renovating the athletic center. That really impressed me too. It looks really cool.”

What are your thoughts about the campus and surrounding area?

“I loved it. I loved every part of it. The campus was beautiful and it is close to Boston. Boston is a great city too.”

You mentioned the defensive scheme Holy Cross will run. How will they use you in their schemes?

“They said they don’t know yet because I could be at a couple of position. I could play corner, free safety, or strong safety if I get bigger.”

You committed on Thursday, Jan. 28, just three days after your visit. Did you have the urge to commit during your visit?

“I did but I wanted to make sure about my decision and think about it. They told me they would give me some time and then they followed up with me on Thursday and I committed.”

Who did you commit to on the staff?

“The defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for my area, Coach (Charlie) Noonan.”

What was Coach Noonan’s reaction when you committed?

“He was very excited. He was really happy for me. He thinks I’ll be a great player for them.”

Did you get to talk to the head coach, Coach (Tom) Gilmore about your commitment?

“Yes. He called me a little bit after I committed. That was a good conversation as well.”

You had it in your head that you were going to commit, but once you were in that moment how did you feel?

“I was very excited, but I was very glad to get it over with. Once I committed all the stress and weight was off my shoulders. Recruiting is a strenuous process.”

Have you done anything yet to celebrate your commitment?

“Not yet. That’ll come after I sign.”

Cole, again, congratulations on your commitment to Holy Cross and good luck at the next level.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Mannion family; Cole with Coach Noonan

Photo credit; Mannion family; Cole at Holy Cross