ISU’s Manning earns FootballScoop.com coaching honor

 The following is a news release courtesy of ISU Athletics Communications:

 AMES – Iowa State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Tom Manning was named the 2015 FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year presented by ProGrass.

Manning, who joined the Cyclone football staff in December, was given the prestigious award for his outstanding efforts directing Toledo’s offensive line in 2015.

The Rockets lost all five of their starters on the line heading into the 2015 campaign but Manning molded a new crop of linemen into one of the nation’s best units, helping UT achieve a 10-2 record and a win in the Boca Raton Bowl. 

UT led the MAC in rushing yards per game (208.0) and yards per carry (5.07) in 2015, as running back Kareem Hunt led the league in rushing for the second consecutive season. UT was one of just 12 schools in FBS to rank in the nation’s top-40 in both rushing and passing.

The most significant statistic for Manning and his Rocket line was their reluctance to allow negative plays. UT surrendered just four sacks all season, ranking second in the nation. 

Left tackle Storm Norton was the lynchpin of Manning’s unit by earning First-Team All-Mac honors.

Manning will begin his first season as an offensive coordinator in 2016 after being appointed to the position by Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell on December 15th.

“Tom was such a major reason we were successful at Toledo,” Campbell said. “He understands our offense. He’s been a guy that has called plays and been an important piece of our offensive strategy.”

Manning will receive his award and be recognized at an event at the AFCA Convention in January.