4-Star WR Joshua Manning Discusses Iowa Football Junior Day
Missouri Wideout Feeling Good About Hawkeyes
Joshua Manning was interested in getting a feel for what it was like being an Iowa Football player. Saturday, at the team’s junior day, the Lee’s Summit (MO) High receiver went right to the source for that information.
Current Hawkeye student-athletes met with recruits visiting campus, answering questions and painting a picture on their day-to-day lives.
“I loved the player panel,” Manning told HF. “Those players did a great job.”
Manning (6-3, 190) visited Kinnick Stadium for Iowa’s game against Minnesota in November. Saturday’s stop provided more perspective on the program.
“I got to spend a lot more time with the coaches and got in-depth with touring the facilities,” he said.
Receiver coach Kelton Copeland spent time explaining what he looks for at the position.
“I learned more about coach Copeland and his coaching style and philosophies. I talked to coach Copeland the most (during the visit), and we honestly talked a little football but mostly got to know each other more,” Manning said.
There’s a saying that the way to a person’s heart is through his stomach. Iowa is in good shape in that regard.
“This might be kind of funny, but the food impressed me. Best food I’ve had on any visit,” Manning said.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz made Manning feel welcome.
“Coach Ferentz surprised me by the fact that he knew about my family. He really pays attention to detail,” Manning said.
When visitors broke out into position meetings, he saw himself fitting into Iowa’s offensive scheme.
“I feel like I can help out in many ways, not just on the outside, but wherever the team needs me to help them win. I actually got all my questions answered there,” Manning said.
Manning reports scholarship offers from Iowa, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Washington and Wisconsin.
“I’m getting close to a Top 8, but I have many visits to still go on before I cut my list,” he said.
Rivals ranks Manning as a four-star recruit. It sees him as the No. 51 receiver nationally in the 2023 class and the No. 9 player overall in Missouri for the cycle.
In 10 games as a junior, Manning accumulated 1,194 yards and 12 touchdowns.