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.