McManus Named Running Backs Coach
3/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
McManus brings over 27 years of coaching experience to Kent State. Prior to his tenure as running backs coach and punt team coordinator at East Carolina (1996-2004), McManus spent nine years at his alma mater, Wake Forest University (1987-95). He also spent time on the coaching staffs at the University of Connecticut (1985-86), Tulane University (1983-84), the University of Pittsburgh (1982) and Virginia Tech (1978-79, 81).
We are thrilled to be able to add a quality coach with as much experience as Jerry, Martin said. Having worked with him for six years at East Carolina, I know he brings a great amount of familiarity and continuity with our offense and will be a tremendous asset to our program.
While at East Carolina, McManus coached three different running backs to back-to-back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons and played a key role in the development of All-American running back Leonard Henry, currently with the Miami Dolphins. In addition he coached a pair of first team All-Conference USA punters, including All-American Andrew Bayes.
Looking at his past success with players who have gone on to play professionally, especially the running backs he has coached, you can see he is proven to be a great teacher, Martin added.
During his tenure at Wake Forest, McManus coached receivers, quarterbacks and linebackers. A quarterback himself during his playing days with the Demon Deacons, McManus tutored four of the top eight passers in school history. He also helped the team to a victory in the 1992 Independence Bowl, one of four bowl games that hes coached in.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech, working with the defensive backs. He also coached in the defensive secondary at Pittsburgh, Tulane and Connecticut.
McManus has coached five players who have gone on to play in the NFL, among them Henry and wide receiver Ricky Proehl.
A native of Dania, Fla., McManus received his bachelors degree in communications from Wake Forest. He and his wife Robin have two daughters and a son.
