Missouri Tigers recruiting: Checking in on 4-star recruit Joshua Manning
![Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/744fba6955e07c4bcce8b75216d27076bfa0102c9c6217f20b2738bb76d849b5.jpg)
The Missouri Tigers football program added another weapon for the 2023 season in 4-star recruit, Joshua Manning.
From Lee’s Summit High school, in Lee’s Summit, MO, Joshua chose to stay home and attend the University of Missouri to the delight of Tigers fans. He made his commitment to Mizzou official on July 21, 2022.
Joshua Manning is in his senior year and soon headed to join the Tigers in Columbia. Manning was recruited heavily, with many big programs in the mix. It came down to the Missouri Tigers and Kansas State Wildcats vying for the wide receiver’s commitment. After last weekend’s tough loss to Kansas State, it is easy to see why Mizzou is excited to add a player like Manning to the team, and more importantly, why building a dynamic offense is necessary to compete in the SEC.
Joshua Manning’s physical gifts are apparent. At 6’3 he offers height and a tremendous wingspan. His size gives him an advantage on 50/50 balls. His length and vertical leap are not the only natural abilities that made him so sought after. Joshua’s background in basketball, as well as track and field help better define his athletic ability. As a Junior, he finished second in the Missouri Class 5 Championship in the long jump and triple jump. He is also quite fast, running an 11.15 100-meter dash.
Missouri Tigers Coach, Eli Drinkwitz, and staff have been adding playmakers.
So, what has Joshua Manning been up to since committing to Mizzou? Through three games played in his senior year, he has 22 receptions for 309 yards and 5 touchdowns. He has yet to put the ball on the ground during his high school career, continuing his streak of 16 games without a fumble.
National recruiting analyst, Allen Trieu of 247 Sports had this to say about Joshua Manning:
"“High-upside prospect with great tools. Has height and length. Track guy with good straight-line speed at his size. Also has a basketball background and is a good all-around athlete. Long-strider who can run past defenders on deep routes as well as after the catch and as a return man.”"
As the Missouri Tigers prep for their conference schedule, the need for playmakers on both sides of the ball is clear. The Tigers are excited for Joshua Manning to join the team. As he continues to gain experience at the high school level, the Tigers are anxious to seat him opposite Luther Burden in 2023.
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