Auburn OL transfer Tashawn Manning commits to KENTUCKY!

With Signing Day under 48 hours away, one prospect the Big Blue Nation won’t have to stress over made his pledge to Kentucky Football on Monday.

Tashawn Manning, a senior offensive lineman, announced he has committed to the Wildcats. The 6-foot-4, 335-pounder spent the previous four seasons with the Auburn Tigers before deciding to transfer out of the program on Nov. 30. Manning took an official visit to Lexington over the weekend and UK quickly locked him up.

“I want to let everyone know that I’m ready to work and I’m all in for this team,” Manning told KSR after his announcement.

@UKFootball #BBN ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/vdnBX0mw6n

— Tae_Boogie🦍 (@tashawn544) December 13, 2021

Manning played offensive guard for the Tigers. He started in every game at left guard in 2020 and played in eight games in 2021. Manning entered the transfer portal shortly after Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. A native of Apopka, Fl., Manning was a three-star recruit in the class of 2016 when he chose the Tigers over Tennessee, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Louisville.

Manning’s Inspiring Story

Manning is not the first lineman to switch from defense to offense. That change was just a minor blip in his early collegiate career. On Thanksgiving Day of his senior year of high school, Manning was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent eight months of chemo and continued fighting with the promise that he could still play at Auburn at the conclusion of his treatment. Declared cancer-free in July of 2016, Manning enrolled at Auburn the following January.

“The one thing I’ll look back on through the ups and downs is always trying to keep a positive outlook on life,” he said. “Whatever I did on and off the field, I just tried to enjoy the experience while I was in the moment because you don’t get these moments back. From play to play, day to day, I just tried to take everything in and just tried to make the most of it every day.”

Manning progressively improved his strength and stamina following his victory over cancer. He received his first playing time in 2018 and earned a starting spot two seasons later.

Welcome to Kentucky, Tashawn!