Ricky Manning Jr

[y2b]

"The play I remember the most is my freshman year when I got my first start against Fresno State. At the end of the half I got my first career interception and returned it to the eleven-yard line (which produced a Bruin field goal). The funny thing is, is that my wide receiver in high school (Manning played quarterback) who was two years older than me was the one who tackled me."

How much do you think this guy can contribute this year? Is he an immediate upgrade in the secondary? He started 42 consecutive games at UCLA, how long before he starts as a Panther?

 

[magnus]

Long term, he should be our best cornerback. If he's not starting next year, that'd be surprising to me.
This year? That's harder to say, but it's not typically as hard for a corner to get going in this league compared to a lot of spots. There are, obviously, tricks and learning and getting up to speed to deal with, but hopefully he contributes quickly. I'd say that, most likely, what'll happen is that in a couple of big games we'll have a defensive breakdown, whoever gets the job in preseason will lose that job, and eventually it'll be Ricky's turn. I think he'll run with the job. Prediction is that it's before game seven.


Long term, if he can grow into the #1 or #2 corner and keep the job, and then Wesley can be at least a good nickel throughout that time, we should be in decent shape.

I don't know how long Cousin has, but he's still our best corner, and also our only man-cover guy right now. That'll be important - top defenses can't get by on just playing cover two all the time, and we won't beat Vick without playing man-on and letting our speed neutralize his.

 

[Trashman1962]

Originally posted by magnus


I don't know how long Cousin has, but he's still our best corner, and also our only man-cover guy right now. That'll be important - top defenses can't get by on just playing cover two all the time, and we won't beat Vick without playing man-on and letting our speed neutralize his.

Cousin just did turn 28 a couple months ago and is entering just his seventh year in the league. With spending his first 5 years as a backup/nickel back and now entering his 2nd season as a starting corner the hope would be that he is one of those players who turned themselves into stars by hard work over time when maybe they entered the league less physically gifted than some.

I would also agree with you and not be surprised if Manning does a rather quick leapfrog of both Howard and Wesley. If he does, that would be a great start to a deeper more talented group of corners.

 

[magnus]

I forgot he was that young. He's got more in him than I wanted to believe...that's what I get for talking without checking my files first. Or, rather, for figuring we'd simply replace him after his contract was up. I knew he had low miles, either way. After this year, we'll have two more years on him. Maybe, if Manning and Wesley both come to play, we'll be allright at corner finally.

 

[y2b]

Originally posted by magnus
Maybe, if Manning and Wesley both come to play, we'll be allright at corner finally.