Photo By Cpl. David Flynn | Defensive back Donaldven Manning, a Miami, Fla., native returns a punt during the...... read more read more
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PHOENIX- Throughout 2011, Junior Rank and Marine Corps Recruiting Command conducted 17 Diamond Flight football camps. During these camps, players displaying the greatest combination of football talent, focus on academics and outstanding moral character received invitations to play in the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, scheduled for Jan. 3 at Chase Field here.
One Miami football player did not have to look far to find a Junior Rank Diamond Flight camp in his area.
“The Junior Rank camp in Miami was at my high school,” said Donaldven Manning, a defensive back for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl East team. “It was a great experience. I had a chance to meet new people and compete at a high level with the other players.”
Among those people present both at the Miami camp and throughout the events of Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl week are Marines from across the country.
“I think highly of the Marines,” said Manning. “I feel great to represent them, and am honored by everything they have blessed us with.”
Few players can match Manning’s skill on the field and even fewer possess the same leadership capabilities.
Manning led an effort along with his coaches to keep teammates in Miami out of trouble during the summer by encouraging them to attend summer classes. Manning led by example, attending summer school on his own free will.
“I get along with everybody. I communicate well. I always try to be a vocal leader, both on and off the field,” said Manning. “I carry myself very diligently and never let myself slip. I keep in contact with everybody and make sure they are all on the same page with me.”
Manning will be taking his skills and positive attitude to Virginia Tech next fall.
“It’s a school that has a history of great defensive backs and the coaching staff has been together for 25 years,” said Manning, explaining why he chose Virginia Tech. “You get to compete at a high level and have a shot at a BCS bowl each year.”
Once his football days are over, Manning hopes to become a sports journalist or broadcaster.
| Date Taken: | 01.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.01.2012 17:24 |
| Story ID: | 81962 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, AZ, US |
| Web Views: | 328 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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