The Kickoff Classic may only be a preseason game, but defending 6A state champion Miami Central (FL) made a statement last week with a 33-14 win over a talented Dwyer squad. In this latest update, Central senior cornerback Donaldven Manning reflects on last week’s performance and also talks recruiting, which is not over despite the pledge he gave to the Hokies last February.

Beginning with last Friday night’s contest, Manning, said, “I played pretty good. I had six tackles and a two pass break-ups. Our coaches were most pleased with the way I played on special teams, me being good at the gunner. I know for sure I could help [Virginia] Tech out there early on. I also came down and made a couple of great tackles.”

The offseason has been a busy one for Manning, who played for Miami Edison the first three seasons of his high school career.

“When [the offseason] first started up, me and some of the local players, we first took the approach of us all working out together,” Manning said. “We did that to get an early competition level with each other. Then there were practices and two-a-days in the spring. I worked in track a lot too, to get my speed better. I worked at the beach and in the sand to improve my footwork.”

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