Oregon State Football: Most Valuable Player Countdown - #26 Jeffrey Manning Jr

28 days till kickoff. The tension is palpable as kickoff draws nearer. As we inch closer towards kickoff, so do we inch closer towards our top players on the Oregon State football roster. Today’s preview brings about a promising DB for the Beaver defense.

#26 Jeffrey Manning Jr - Defensive Back

Jeffrey Manning Jr earned his way onto the field during 2018. After redshirting for one year, Manning had a breakout fall in 2018 to earn playing time during the season. His efforts during the season were rewarded, as he appeared in every game last year and started a pair as well for the Beavs at safety. While there were some growing pains with adjusting to the speed of college football, the former three-star safety displayed a ton of potential that has the coaching staff excited.

Heading into 2019, Manning is at a crossroad. On one hand, the safety room is going to be crowded for Oregon State this season, especially with the return of David Morris. Yet on the other, Manning has the opportunity to solidify himself as the every day starter on this team. Manning has impressed this offseason and is getting a lot of first-team reps which is an encouraging sign for his playing time.

One of the biggest assets Manning has going on for him is his versatility. The coaching staff loves his ability to play any role on this defense and it has earned him the additional reps this offseason. His versatility and willingness to play in new roles gives him a major upper hand and allows him to be a fit in any scheme the defense could put together. If his mental intangibles can mesh with some of his gifted physical traits, Jeffrey Manning Jr could be in for a big year with this Beaver defense.

Projected Stats

46 tackles, 2 TFL, 6 PBU’s, 2 interceptions