Interview: 2019 CB Zahran Manley Gives Insight to Cal Golden Bears Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The recruiting world can take swift turns navigating down an unknown path for both college football program and high school recruit. After Zahran Manley’s junior season with Damien High School, where he put an end to 15 plays with one pick and a forced fumble in six games played, interest was starting to trickle in for the rising star. A change in scenery this offseason to Upland High School coincided with a burst of recruiting attention seeing the 6-2, 165, ballhawk land his first offer from BYU in January. A few short weeks later, the offer tally had reached four with a scholarship extended from Cal to Manley shinning bright in the mix. Over the weekend, Manley visited the Berkeley campus with his parents getting one-on-one time with defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander and head coach Justin Wilcox leading to a verbal commitment.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Cal’s newest commitment to the 2019 class getting the inside scoop on how the Golden Bears became his perfect collegiate fit.
*Click link for Jan. 31, 2018, RNG interview with Zahran Manley
Interview
Zahran, congrats on your commitment to Cal.
“Thank you.”
Let’s get right to it. What drew you to Cal?
“I went to a summer camp there last year, I really liked the feel of the school and the program, the campus and the area then. I could see myself going there. It has been a dream school for a while. What they provide as a learning institution and athletically, that is what drew me to Cal.”
When did you visit there last?
“I visited Saturday.”
What all did you do on the visit?
“I had dinner with Coach Alexander. On my visit, I got to see what Cal would be like if I went there. I got to talk to one of the business professors at Cal. They talked with my family and me. I spoke with the director of their L.A.B. program, that stands for Life After Ball. They went over how Cal prepares players for life after college football with internships and things like that. Coach Wilcox, he talked to my family and I. We had a really good conversation. He is an amazing guy. We took a facilities tour, and then I committed after it was all done.”
Was there a point when you were on campus during this visit when you knew that was the place for you?
“I always knew that Cal was somewhere I wanted to go. I didn’t know when I would do it. It felt right during our visit. I talked to my parents the night before my visit and I talked to coaches that have helped me get to this point. They gave me their blessing, they supported my decision. I told them I was going to do it.”
Who did you commit to on the staff first?
“Coach Alexander.”
You knew in your heart that you were going to commit, but Coach Alexander did not. What was that moment like for you just before you made your commitment?
“It was really cool. Coach Alexander asked me a question. We were watching film, watching my film. He compared some of my tape to Richard Sherman and Jalen Ramsey. He said, “This is how I see you if you were to come here.” Then he asked me something along the lines of my plans for recruiting here on out. I knew I was going to commit, so I told him Cal is somewhere I can see myself going for the next couple of years with school and football. I told him, “I think I want to commit.” As I said that, it was emotional. As soon as I said it, he went crazy was super excited. The tearing up did not last too long. It was a cool moment. It was cool that my parents were there to be a part of it all.”
What does it feel like now that your recruiting process has gotten a lot easier?
“It is cool. Some people like the recruiting process, they want 30 offers. It only took me four offers. Cal is my dream school. Luckily it came early. That took a lot of stress off. I can focus on Cal now. I can focus on my new home after high school. I can start looking at early enrollment. All of this takes a lot of stress off me. I am blessed. A lot of students and student-athletes cannot say that they get to attend school or play football at Cal.”
What are you going to do to celebrate your commitment?
“There is still work I need to do with my game. Honestly, the celebration for me was seeing that my family and friends are proud of me. That is all the celebration I need.”
Do you plan to go up to Cal this spring or summer?
“I will take an official there. I don’t know if I will be back up there for the spring. I want to go back up for a couple of games and maybe one time over the summer. I might camp with them to see the staff, chop it up, and continue to build the relationship.”
Zahran, congratulations, again, on your commitment and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Manley family; Zahran at Cal