MANNING NAMED FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

   Though the Blue Tigers football team had a 1-8 mark on the season freshman sensation Derrick Manning (6-0, 167) has been chosen as the all-independents Freshman of the Year by D2football.com.  Manning led the Blue Tigers with 68 total tackles (51 solo, 34 assisted).  He was second on the Blue Tigers team in pass break ups (5) and tied for the top spot in forced fumbles (2).

   Manning was also selected onto the all-independents second team defense for his play this season as a defensive back (safety).  He was second in the Great Lakes Football Conference at 9.4 total tackles per game.  Manning finished third in the GLFC in solo tackles (51) and tied for third in assisted tackles (34).  He wound up third in the GLFC with an average of 0.22 forced fumbles per game and ninth in passes defended (0.67 per game). 

   Manning, who hails from Waldorf, Md. ended the season ranked 22nd in NCAA DII in total tackles per game (9.4) and 8th in solo tackles per game (5.7).  On the season Manning hauled in one interception and made one fumble recovery.  

   Manning, a Business Administration major is the son of Derrick Sr. and Glenda Manning.