Bayside High School, Virginia Beach
It was a great day at Bayside High School as the Marlins had four players sign on the national signing day.
Leading the way was QB E.J. Manuel who said he is glad to finally have the recruiting process over. Even though he committed to Florida State nearly a year ago, he said he still received constant pressure from LSU, Penn State and Boston College to come there.
Manuel received many accolades his senior season, including being named to the Parade All-American team and all-state team. But now he’s focused on making a name for himself in Tallahassee.
“They told me I’d get a chance to compete for the quarterback position right away,” he said. “But there’s no pressure on me. The guys that are in front me probably have more pressure on them than me. And if they slip up, then I will be ready.”
Teammate Marquel Thomas also is ready for the next stage of his life.
Thomas, a wide receiver, chose Youngstown State over Northern Illinois, Marshall and Eastern Michigan. Thomas said coaches are looking at him to play on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and corner back. He said signing on Wednesday was a dream come true.
“This is all a shock to me because I didn’t expect all of this,” he said. “And as I kept progressing, I knew I was going to end up getting a chance to make something out of myself. And I think it’s going to be a great opportunity.”
Linemen Tory Williams and Ryan Haynes signed with Norfolk State and Christopher Newport University, respectively.
“I just got a good vibe when I went there for my visit,” said Williams, who play tight end and defensive end. “The coaches were real nice the players seemed like they had a brotherhood there.”
He added that it didn’t that the Spartans are coming off a winning season.
“Everybody wants to be on a winning team,” he said. “I’m excited about going there.”
- Larry Rubama
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For a complete wrap-up of signing day, check out Thursday's Pilot.
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