Tristian Manning did not think he would be Flint Southwestern’s starting quarterback four weeks into his varsity football career. But when the team’s starting quarterback, Jamari Ross, was injured, Manning had a chance to show he was ready for the responsibility.
Athletic success is nothing new for Manning – he’s a standout three-sport athlete for the Jaguars. Basketball has been a part of Manning’s life since he can remember. He is a dead-eye shooter and a guard-the-best-player type of defender. He also ran multiple track events last year as a sophomore: the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 4×400m relay.
He medaled a few times in track and will add hurdles to that full plate with his newfound explosiveness from his gridiron training. Football is allowing the former Potter Elementary student to grow physically and mentally.
He showed off his maturity and talent in Flint’s 14-8 loss to Flint Beecher on September 25, Manning had the only passing touchdown of the game for either team, connecting with his sandbox friend, Orlando Brown, on a 20-yard pass to the back of the end zone.
“It’s fun playing with them (Brown and Jatavion Willis),” Manning said. “I trust them a lot because I grew up with them. We went to middle school together and always played catch outside.”
Manning and Willis also connected on a touchdown, but the six points came off the board due to a holding penalty on Southwestern. Those types of plays are frustrating, and Manning is building a next-play mentality to overcome those moments.
Playing quarterback is one of the most mentally challenging positions in any sport. Luckily, Manning has good people in his corner who he has been leaning on. Ross was injured in Southwestern’s week three loss to Genesee, but he has stayed engaged with the team – and in Manning’s ear – to give him tips on how to thrive at the hectic, fast-processing position.
“He told me to stay confident. Take breaths if I’m nervous,” Manning said. “This is different for me because I am used to playing wide receiver, but he tells me that I have to be one of the calmest people on the field.”
A quality coach in your corner also makes a difference. Chrishaun Verdun has been Flint’s head coach since 2024. He was no slouch on the gridiron himself, as he was All-Conference at Hamady in 2005.
It is easier to relate to a coach when they have been in the trenches themselves and are willing to pour back into their players. Verdun gives Manning game that can take him to another level.
“Coach is super supportive,” Manning said. “He has taught me how to get my feet ready, how to put my hips into throwing the ball to get the ball further (down field).”
Verdun said Manning is a coach’s dream. Any kid that wants to get better and puts the work in can have success. Manning reminds Verdun of himself as a young player in that way and notes Manning is a captain without formally being named one. He leads by example and takes constructive criticism. Verdun said “coachable” is the word he’d use to describe his young quarterback.
“Tristian is one of those kids you can coach. He listens and absorbs every little detail,” Verdun said. “Tristian asks questions to get a better understanding. For Tristian to have to step up as a first-time quarterback, it is a little different than just throwing the ball around. We’re teaching him to read his cues before the snap and what to look for. He is one of those kids who constantly gets better. It’s good to see a kid like that. He’s a coach’s kid. He listens to corrections and adds them to his game.
Off the field, Manning is a straight A student and wants to attend Louisiana State University (LSU). He credits his mother, father, and uncles for keeping him inspired and on the right track. Before post-high school life, Manning and the Jaguars want to continue to grow as a team, something he feels they did in the loss to Beecher.
Flint gave up a season-low 14 points and moved the ball effectively. He was excited to get to practice on Monday.
Moving forward, Manning said he can be more accurate with certain throws, though downfield deep balls are one of his strongest attributes. His goals before the season ends include picking up some wins and throwing for at least 500 yards for the rest of the season.
Flint Southwestern hosts International Academy of Flint on October 2 at Houston Stadium, which is sure to be live during the Genesee Area Conference clash.
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