Interview with Raymond Mann
Hampton has allowed only 13 points in going undefeated this season, in great part to this quiet leader. It is Mann's anticipation and desire that make him so coveted on the field, and those same instincts were evident during his interview with SN. Speaking with SN just as news broke of possible improprieties at the University of Tennessee, Mann had already adjusted his list of potential schools. Hampton High School's run of excellence has continued uninterrupted this season, and Raymond Mann has taken his place among the great Hampton products of the past. As for his future…
SN: Have you narrowed your list of schools down?
RM: Yes, I have.
SN: Who's on your list?
RM: Virginia, Georgia Tech, and I was thinking about Tennessee, but with the problems they're having, I have to find out what's going on.
SN: What do you think will be the major factors in your decision - proximity to home, academics?
RM: Well, I'm not really worried about how far away it is. It would be academics, and their graduation rate.
SN: As far as the football programs, you're obviously looking at successful programs, are you comparing their styles of play and the players they have?
RM: I'm looking at what type of defenses they run, the assignments the players have, or do they just let the players run free.
SN: Are you enjoying the recruiting process so far?
RM: It's alright [with a chuckle].
SN: Has it started to wear on you and distract you from enjoying your senior year or have you come to accept it?
RM: No, I've come to accept it.
SN: You've been talking to Coach Wilmer from UVA; do you two have a good relationship?
RM: Yes, we have a good time.
SN: Have you talked to Coach Welsh?
RM: Yes, I've spoken with him - but that was when I visited UVA.
SN: Have you spoken with any of the players who went to Hampton High School who are now playing in college regarding recruiting?
RM: I've talked to them, but not really about what's going on recruiting-wise.
SN: You guys are having a good season this year; what are your goals?
RM: Still want a State Championship.
SN: Do you have individual goals?
RM: I'd like to be all state again, and to try to help my team win; that's it.
SN: Do you have outside interests other than football? And will you play any other sports this year?
RM: I really enjoy working out. Lifting and running. I'm only going to play football.
SN: What are your expectations for the next level when you get to college? What do you hope to accomplish?
RM: I want to play my first year… I don't want to redshirt [laughs knowingly].
SN: Is that a factor in your decision - what the depth chart looks like at the schools recruiting you?
RM: I have confidence in myself that I can come in and contribute, but I know you have to work hard at it.
SN: If I had never seen you play, or had never met you, how would you describe yourself to me?
RM: On the football field, I'm aggressive, and I'll run through a wall, but I don't talk. I don't talk a lot of trash. As a person, I'm quiet but outgoing and friendly.
SN: Have you gone about setting any of your official visits?
RM: Not at this time. I've talked about it, but I haven't made any decisions yet.
SN: Have you been to Virginia for any unofficial visits?
RM: Yes, I went up there last year, as a junior.
SN: Will you do so this year?
RM: If I get a chance.
SN: Have you decided to visit Georgia Tech for a game [unofficially], or will you just take an official visit?
RM: I'm just going to try to make one visit.
SN: How close would you say you are to making a decision? Is your list of schools still changing, or are you getting ready to set your official visits?
RM: Things might change in the next month or so.
SN: Would it be fair to say you are open to other schools? If a recruiter came to you from a new school, would you listen?
RM: I would listen. I just haven't made a decision yet.
SN: Have you taken the SAT yet?
RM: No, I'll be taking it this year.
SN: Are your grades good?
RM: Yes, they are.
SN: Anything else you want people to know about you?
RM: No, I think that pretty much covered it.
Chris MacAulay, The Sabre, October 5th, 1999
Raymond Mann is perhaps the best prospect in the state of Virginia. Listed in Tom Lemming's Top 100 list of players in the country, Mann checks in at #43 (the only Virginian on the list). If he's not the best in the Commonwealth, then he's close (see SN's interview with the other best, Brandon Royster). A 6'2" 220 lb. Linebacker, he runs the 40 yard dash in 4.55 seconds and leads the defense for the nationally ranked Hampton High School Crabbers.
