Miami Central junior Donaldven Manning estimates that he began seriously watching college football around 2006 or 2007. Virginia Tech, by featuring top defensive backs and winning championships, quickly caught the Miami (FL) native’s attention. After getting to know defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, Manning’s mind was made up. He wanted to be a Hokie.

“I watched the great defensive backs coming through, like Macho Harris and Brandon Flowers,” Manning recalled. “I’ve watched Virginia Tech competing for championships. And then there is Coach Gray.

“Ever since I first started talking to Coach Gray, he didn’t ask who else was recruiting me. He just told me how he could make me better and what the Virginia Tech program can offer me. He is a down to earth guy. The majority of the others were more about the competition than socializing and interacting. I’m more comfortable with Coach Gray.”

Manning spoke with his mentor, Marlon Williams, and his mother, regarding an early commitment to Tech. The night after Signing Day 2011, he was ready to make the call to Coach Gray.

...