Michigan fans had written off the return of wide receiver extraordinaire Mario Manningham before the season even started, and then Manningham ripped off 72 catches for over 1100 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing a tomato-can game against Eastern Michigan and having to deal with Ryan Mallett's inaccuracy for much of the year. So, yeah, this is weird:
''We're 85 to 90 percent sure (that he'll) return to Michigan, unless something spectacular happens,'' [Manningham's grandfather Jerry ] Simpson said. ''He has every intention to return for his senior year unless something spectacular happens.''"Something spectacular," you say? Like Oklahoma imploding in BCS game? Or, say, the NFL telling Manningham what everyone expects the NFL to tell Manningham?
''If someone comes to you and says that you're a first-round draft choice, that weighs a lot,'' Simpson said. ''No one has said that to us, yet.''Ah, okay. I suppose there's a chance the NFL will find Manningham to small for its liking, too reminiscent of epic Vikings bust Troy Williamson, -- though to be fair Manningham has actually caught some passes as a collegian -- and too dogged by rumors of immaturity to give him a first-round grade.
But it doesn't seem like a major chance.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Never fear, Mario will stay at Michigan because he doesn't want to risk being drafted by Millen and the Lions.
Posted at 9:04PM on Jan 7th 2008 by Steve
2. PRYOR QB==MCGUFFIE RB===MANNINGHAM,ARRINGTON RECEIVING -== NATIONAL TITLES AS LONG AS THEY STAY.
Posted at 3:33AM on Jan 8th 2008 by BILLBLUE47
3. Arrington is a senior and can't stay. and I'm 100% certain that they won't win a national championship if Pryor and McGuffie choose Michigan. Heck, they didn't even do it with Henne, Hart, Manningham, and Arrington. Michigan's going to switch to the spread option most likely and I doubt two freshman and a bad defense would be enough to make a title run. Michigan needs good defensive recruits. I'll still be rooting for my team though, Go Blue! And on the other topic, what ever happened to Detriot's "receiver of the future? What was his name...oh yeah, Calvin Johnson. Should've stayed in school another year or two!
Posted at 8:54AM on Jan 8th 2008 by DMG
4. DMG, Arrington is not a senior even though they always listed him as such on television broadcasts. There were several errors this year, including Schilling being listed as a sophomore even though I'm pretty sure he redshirted last year after being sick. Arrington was a fourth year junior this year and has one year of eligibility remaining. Even before the Capital One Bowl I was telling everyone I could that I'd rather have Arrington back than Manningham. Arrington is strong, has great hands, and doesn't quit on the play like Manningham is prone to do.
Posted at 9:43AM on Jan 8th 2008 by SouthernFriedWolverine
5. mario manningham will come back next year i know this for sure he told me he wants to
Posted at 12:22AM on Jan 13th 2008 by rrxlv
6. Let me say this to you, my Nephew has the potential to do great things, and he is going places in the NFL. Trust me he's going to be smart about whatever choice he makes, cause his family is behind him 100%. Time is on Mario's side, and in time the money will be in his bank account. I say that with love. So
keep your eyes open for what's in his future.
Posted at 8:08AM on Feb 13th 2008 by Valrica Mangum
7. Let me say this to my nephew's fans, not to worry because Mario is blessed for greatness. What ever he choices to do will be in the best interest of everyone. Mario has a good head on his shoulder and will not just make a "fly by nite" decision. Plus he has his family behind him 100%. Time is on his side, and in time, money in his bank account. It is inevitable. Just keep watching, he will wow you, make no mistake. Whatever will be will be.
Posted at 8:19AM on Feb 13th 2008 by Valrica Mangum