Texas A&M Aggies Gain Commitment from DT Justin Manning

Top ten DT Justin Manning announced at a packed Kimball High School auditorium Thursday that he has committed to play for the Texas A&M Aggies. With the addition of Manning, the Aggies are shaping up to have a great 2013 class.

Manning had a “who’s who” of college programs vying for his commitment, but ultimately the Aggies won out over the Oklahoma Sooners and TCU Horned Frogs. 

Manning had a chance to follow in his brother’s footsteps, former Sooner defensive lineman DeMarcus Granger, but wanted to be more challenged and not feel too comfortable, a doubt he had with the Sooners and their program. The Sooners were actually the “dream school since day one” for Manning.

All three teams were very much in the running. What it came down to for Manning was the recent success of the Aggies, especially playing this season for the first time in the SEC. Head coach Kevin Sumlin has done wonders with the Aggies this season as has quarterback sensation Johnny Manziel, leading the team to a 10-2 record overall and 6-2 in the tough SEC.

And that’s another reason Manning chose the Aggies, not just talent but how young the team still is. Manziel is a redshirt freshman and Damontre  Moore, one of the teams top defensive players, is a junior. The talented youth on the team means the Aggies look to be contenders for the foreseeable future.

And the Aggies class of 2013 is going to be a big part of their future success. The Aggies have received 33 commits for the 2013 recruiting classs. Players such as top wide receivers JaQuay Williams and Derrick Griffin, top five inside linebacker Kenny Flowers and another top defensive tackle Isaiah Golden have all given verbal commitments to the play for the Aggies next fall.

This class for the Aggies and the talent on the team right now is the reason why the Aggies will start to solidify themselves as a new power in the SEC.

Oh and did I mention that the Aggies and Sooners will meet January 4 to play in the AT&T Cotton Bowl? Talk about family bragging rights between Manning and his brother.