Louisiana Football: Interview with Airline 2021 LB Fred Manning Jr.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Airline High School, located in Bossier City (LA), made a huge jump in 2019 as the Vikings finished 10-3, after a 3-7 run the year before, making it all the way to the state quarterfinals. One of the leaders of the team who will be returning for his final season in 2020 will be linebacker Fred Manning Jr.
Manning had a monstrous junior campaign as he racked up 84 total tackles including seven for a loss, five quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. After the season, this junior star received numerous individual honors including first team All-District. The 6-1, 190-pound, tackling machine has a nose for the football and he uses his athleticism to make big tackles in the backfield and anywhere from sideline to sideline.
This Class of 2021 prospect currently has one college offer and it’s only a matter of time before more come his way with interest from several schools including Stephen F. Austin and Yale.
Manning is looking to build off his junior season by working hard this off season to help lead the Vikings to another double-digit win season and a long playoff run.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru, I sat down with Fred to discuss his junior season at Airline and his recruiting process.
Interview
Fred, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“The 2019 season was amazing winning district, taking a trip down to New Orleans in the second round, and playing the No. 1 team in the state on our field for quarter finals.”
How would you grade your individual performance in your junior year?
“I will grade myself with a B-plus.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the field being able to perform while I’m tired and run the ball carrier down.”
What was your most memorable moment?
“My most memorable moment was playing Acadiana at home in the third round.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“First team All-District, first team All-Parish, and first team All-City.”
Do you have any college offers at this time?
“Arkansas Baptist.”
Are there any other schools showing you interest?
“Liberty, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Southern, and Yale.”
What are you working on the most this off season?
“This off season I’m working on being faster and more explosive.”
What do you like most about playing linebacker?
“Being one of the people to make the big tackles.”
Which is your favorite NFL team?
“The Dallas Cowboys.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.6.”
What is your max bench and max squat in the weight room?
“My max bench is 265 and my max squat is 450.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I run track.”
What is your GPA?
“3.0.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“History, because I like learning about things before my time.”
What do you want to study in college?
“Sports Medicine.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My family because I want to pay them back for everything.”
What do you like most about playing at Airline?
“The tradition and support system.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“If you want to look good in front of thousands, you have to outwork thousands in front of nobody.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter; Airline LB Fred Manning Jr
Photo credit: Twitter; Airline LB Fred Manning Jr makes a tackle against Southwood