Faith’s Matt Manley to play football at Mary Hardin-Baylor

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — Faith Academy senior football player Matt Manley signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on April 11.

Manley was on his way to Texas A&M University to be a student. But when he received interest from coaches, including Abilene Christian University, he decided to examine his options. 

In the end, playing for the Crusaders in their new stadium was too good to pass up.

“My dad (Steve) thinks it’s a good choice for me overall,” he said. “He loves the Christian atmosphere. He met the coaches and thought they were standup guys overall.”

While he played defensive end for the Flames, Manley said UMHB coaches have talked to him about lining up at tight end or outside linebacker.

“Speed, conditioning, all that plays a factor,” he said. “I’ve gained almost 40 pounds since the end of football season. That’s a lot of muscle on my legs.”

The Flame said he wouldn’t be where he is without the influence of Faith head football coach Russ Roberts, who has been at the academy for three years.

“I would not be the guy I am today without coach Roberts,” he said. “He taught me what it means to be a man, and further, to be a Christian man. He’s been almost like a second father to me. I’ve never been coached by someone so long.”

The son of Steve and Vivian Manley will major in history thanks to the influence of his grandfather Darrel Manley, who shared stories of serving during World War II.

“He sparked my imagination,” the younger Manley said. “I wanted to be a doctor, but then I discovered I’m awful at math.”

Manley said he’s grateful to his father “for pushing me to be a great player since I was 50 pounds and 50 inches, and my mom for giving me all the food and feeding this machine.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com