Josh Manning not taking SEC opportunity for granted
LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. (BVM) — Anyone that has attended a Lee’s Summit game this fall has likely seen one player stand out more than most. That would be the speedy 6-foot-3, 190-pound, four-star receiver committed in-state to the University of Missouri.
Josh Manning is one of the very best playmakers in his area and has been a dynamic, reliable target for the Tigers throughout his prep career.
But even before he made it to the high school level, there were already wonders of how far he could go, carrying the genes of his NFL-caliber father.
Brian Manning, who spent time with the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers, not only passed along freaky athleticism but also the professionalism needed to go a long way in the game of football.
“He knows what it takes,” Josh said. “He would give me tips and tricks along the way. Overall, he taught me how to be prepared for games.”
For Brian, prepping Josh was not his first rodeo. He did the same for his oldest son, Micah, who is a current member of the Missouri football team and who will be joined by Josh next season.
Micah was a high school senior during Josh’s freshman year, but Josh remained with the junior varsity squad at the time. Next year in Columbia, they’ll get the opportunity to finally be teammates.
“He’s been a big help,” Josh said. “He already knows what to do, so he can tell me what to expect.”
One thing that Josh already knows is the amount of work needed to be put in to not only make it to a professional level, but just to stay at the college level. Growing up, he was able to rely on his talent, but over the years he’s adjusted his work ethic to really flourish.
“Over the last couple of years, I’ve definitely built that up,” Josh said. “Ultimately it’ll continue on that incline, because in college it’ll obviously take more.”
Having the opportunity to play college football is not something that Josh takes lightheartedly. Not only from an athletic standpoint but also for the chance to further enhance his education.
“That’s a big deal I feel like,” Josh said. “Some people take that for granted. There are people who might not have the money or that are not in the right circumstances to do that. I feel like that is always a blessing.”
Josh has his goals set high to make it to the NFL, while also becoming an All-SEC player at Mizzou, but he realizes that does not come overnight. Those are the long-term aspirations, but his first objective is to show the coaches that he can help the team with good reps in practice.
