Rivals100 LB selects the Pack

Following his press conference in favor of the Wolfpack, Laurinburg (N.C.) Scotland County linebacker Terrell Manning informed the coaches of his decision. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder talked with his recruiter, Jim Bridge and head coach Tom O'Brien.

"They actually didn't know until I made my decision," he said. "Oh man, they were throwing a party there. They loved me telling them I was coming."

In the final weeks of the recruiting process, the four-star prospect claimed he was down to NC State, Clemson and Virginia Tech. How close was it in the end?

"I had thought about going to Clemson before deciding on NC State, but in the end State was the way to go," he said. "I'm going with my heart and I went with that from the beginning.

"I love the school, facilities, coaching staff and everything about them. The whole coaching staff just makes you feel like you're at home and they treat you like family. Once I leave home, I want that feeling.

"In particular, coach Bridge has been a great person. As for coach O'Brien, he came from Boston College and always teaches discipline. He's a cool laid back type of person that'll be straight with me and give me discipline. That's what I need wherever I go to school and will carry over on the football field."

It's been reported previously that the Rivals100 prospect was in close communication with fellow NC State commit Dwayne Maddox. Did he have much of an influence on Manning's decision?

"Not really," he said. "At the end of the day it's all about you and that's what you've got to look at most."

Manning is considering graduating early in hopes of competing for playing time immediately.

"I'm undecided on graduating early," he said. "I've got to look at the end of my first semester. There's definitely a chance and I'm really interested because it gives me a chance to come out early and develop as a player.

"The coaches have already told me I have a high chance of playing early since they have three senior linebackers starting this year. When I get there, they'll be gone and all the positions will be up for grabs. It's just up to me to do the things to get time at outside linebacker."