Jared Cohen
Just two days after Kyle Allen announces ASU is not in his top five schools, the number five quarterback in the nation decided his future is in Tempe playing for Todd Graham, Mike Norvell and the Sun Devils.
Manny Wilkins, the 6-3, 185 pound quarterback from San Marin high school in Novato, CA, was just offered by ASU back on Monday the 27th.
“I was super excited,” Wilkins said. “I think it the biggest thing was talking football with Coach Norvell. When he offered it was where I wanted to be.”
He visited Tempe over memorial day weekend and left without an offer. It was not long after that ASU reached out and offered the quarterback which is an ideal situation in his eyes especially after sitting down with Norvell. Wilkins announced his commitment to the Sun Devils just three days later.
“Him (Norvell) wanting to push his quarterbacks to a level they have never been before is what stood out to me,” Wilkins said. “Taylor Kelly is a perfect example. People had their thoughts on him and he is on the Heisman watch this season. they are doing some great things.”
It was not so long ago that Wilkins didn’t have any college offers. He had none going into a seven on seven passing league tournament in Las Vegas. After playing outstanding in the tournament, he saw his recruitment blow up. He was offered by the University of Arizona, Utah State, Wyoming and Colorado State all over the past month during spring evaluation period.
“I had a really good showing in vegas,” Wilkins explained. “I played with Michiah Quick who’s the number one receiver by scout.com. He’s the number one receiver in my eyes too. He was a real big threat and we had a real good chemistry. Im going to work my butt off to get him to come down too. We have a good relationship.”
The U of A was one of the first schools to offer Wilkins. But now he is looking forward to going up against them in the Territorial Cup.
“In my eyes i still think U of A of eye is a great school,” Wilkins said. “They have great coaches there but in my eyes I think ASU is a better fit for me. I am happy with the decision I made and I am looking forward to playing them for the next 4 or 5 years.”
It was a very quick commit for the 2014 player. He wanted to end it early and is relieved to do so.
“I just fell in love with it,” Wilkins mentioned. “I want to be a Sun Devil and that’s what it comes down too. I think if I wasn’t in athletics, I would still want to be going there for academics and the campus. Its a great time to be a part of this and we are going to work our way up to a national championship.”
ASU faithful are familiar with quarterbacks committing to them early since Todd Graham took over the program. Josh Dobbs from Georgia did so last year but then on signing day he bolted and signed with Tennessee. Wilkins has different plans.
“Not gonna happen,” Wilkins stated. “I know where I want to go to school and I think its a new chapter of my life. Him (Dobbs) doing that only made it better for myself. Its going to be an amazing time.”
ASU now has four commitments from the 2014 class. The other three are four-star corner back Jaleel Wadood from Bellflower, CA, three-star defensive end Korey Rush from Salt Lake City and three-star outside linebacker Michael Farmer from Edmond, OK.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngzht0C1p3c]
