Terrell Manning is leaving early
NC State's 2012 defense suffered a blow Tuesday when linebacker Terrell Manning was confirmed to be leaving school early to enter the NFL Draft.
NC State officials confirmed the news to The Wolfpacker earlier Tuesday afternoon. There are reports that Manning has signed with an agent.
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Manning, a 6-foot-3, 233-pounder, just completed his redshirt junior season at State. He had surgery for a torn meniscus suffered against South Alabama Sept. 17, but he returned after missing just two games.
Manning was especially strong down the stretch, and he finished the regular season with 77 tackles, including 11.5 for losses and 5.5 sacks. Manning was named second-team All-ACC.
Then in the Belk Bowl versus Louisville Dec. 27, Manning once again was a factor on defense. He had six tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and picked off his third pass of the season.
Head coach Tom O'Brien had confirmed when asked by The Wolfpacker before the Belk Bowl that Manning had asked for a draft grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.
Manning's decision to turn pro means that the Pack must replace two out of its three linebackers from the 2012 defense and four starters overall from the defensive side.