2008 Woodie Awards
Manfull had something to prove in '07
Rock running back made solid return after missing all of 2006
By Josh Rizzo
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports
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After working hard for two seasons, 2006 was going to be the year he took over.
Manfull was going to carry the Rock to the postseason for the first time since 1999.
But things didn't quite go as planned.
Manfull cut the tendons on his left pinky finger and could not grip anything for six weeks.
Even though he was cleared to play, Manfull decided to take a medical redshirt, which would provide him with another year of eligibility.
While the redshirt year would allow him to play a full season of football, not playing was one of the hardest things he ever had to do.
"I have played ever since I was little, and this was the first time I ever had to sit out because of an injury," Manfull said.
The situation became increasingly harder to watch as the team had one of its best seasons in years. The Rock finished with a 7-4 mark, which included an upset of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
The long wait, coupled with the high expectations for the team in 2007, motivated Manfull to work harder than ever.
During the offseason, he trained hard and worked toward becoming stronger for the 2007 campaign.
"I think the year off benefited Corey," senior quarterback Nate Crookshank said. "Our offense was always a run-first type of offense, and the extra time allowed him to hit the weight room and get stronger."
By the time Aug. 30 rolled around, Manfull was ready to take on Seton Hill.
His workouts in the offseason had increased his strength considerably and his powerful running style was evident from the minute he stepped onto the field.
Seton Hill had no answer for the redshirt junior who was starting his first game as SRU's featured back.
Manfull scored four times, all on powerful runs from inside the 10-yard line.
His four scores were the highlight of SRU's season-opening victory, a 51-24 beatdown of SHU. Manfull's hard-nosed running style was a perfect fit for the Rock's game plan.
The first game was a much-needed confidence boost for Manfull and the Rock.
"The first game was a relief. It felt good to carry the ball again," Manfull said. "The offensive line was outstanding that night, as well as all season, and I have to thank them for their terrific blocking."
Manfull's success did not stop with the win over SHU as he tore through the next three opponents as well.
Against Millersville, Bowie State and Kutztown, Manfull rushed for at least 150 yards in all three contests. The three-game stretch was highlighted by a 96-yard touchdown run against Kutztown.
The Rock had been playing solid football, and Manfull had been the critical component to the team's 4-0 start.
With undefeated rival IUP coming to town, a near sell-out crowd was expected for the game.
N. Kerr Thompson Stadium was a sea of white with 9,775 screaming fans in attendance, but disaster struck once again. Manfull was having another terrific performance when he hurt his shoulder, a costly injury that came in the second quarter of a 21-21 deadlock between the two squads.
Manfull had torn apart IUP's defense for 99 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone, and looked as though he would run for another 99 before getting hurt.
The injury was a major turning point in a game that SRU ended up losing thanks in part to their inability to convert a fourth-and-inches, something that was hard for Manfull to watch.
"I wish I didn't have to sit out the second half against IUP," Manfull said. "We had an opportunity to close out the game and couldn't. We could have made the playoffs if we would have won the game."
Damarcus Cleckley was stopped in the backfield on IUP's 43-yard line. IUP then marched down the field for the game-winning field goal to beat the Rock, 34-31.
The injury also cost Manfull two more games. He was forced to sit out when the Rock traveled to East Stroudsburg and for the Homecoming game against Clarion.
After returning from the injury, Manfull quickly returned to early-season form. His season-ending injury from a year ago had helped prepare him to overcome adversity.
He had his best game statistically against California (Pa.) University, rushing for 175 yards against a defense ranked in the top 10 nationally.
After finishing the season with 172 yards and two touchdowns against Edinboro, Manfull was disappointed. Despite a 9-2 record, the Rock was not extended a postseason invite.
"Everyone on the team was bummed out," Manfull said. "But next season our goals are not only to advance to the playoffs, but to win the conference as well."
Manfull finished second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in rushing with 1,258 yards, but he did much more than just run the ball.
"Corey's breakaway speed and power running was a key to the offense this season," Crookshank said. "Without the running game, the passing game would not have been as successful."
With all of the adversity Manfull has already overcome, he works even harder toward accomplishing his goals.
The rest of the PSAC better watch out in 2008, because there will be a healthy and determined Manfull leading the Rock.
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