April 29, 2010

CINCINNATI, Ohio - North Carolina Central University senior offensive lineman Gabriel Manns has signed a free agent contract to join the National Football League as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Manns will participate in the Bengals rookie mini-camp on April 29-May 2 in Cincinnati.

A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Manns was a four-year starter on the left side of the Eagles' offensive line at both guard and tackle positions. During his standout career (2005-06, '08-09), he played in all 46 games, while missing only two starts, both during the 2006 season due to injury and to allow a senior teammate to start on Senior Day.

"It means a lot," Manns said about him attaining his goal of joining the NFL. "It shows that hard work does pay off."

Manns recalled his most memorable NCCU gridiron experience as winning back-to-back CIAA Championships in 2005 and 2006. The 2005 Eagles became the first team in school history to win 10 games, with the 10th victory coming in dramatic, come-from-behind fashion in the conference title game. In 2006, the Eagles went undefeated during the regular-season to earn recognition as the Black College National Champions.

As a senior, Manns was selected to participate in two postseason all-star football games, including the ninth annual East Coast Bowl (Nov. 28, 2009 in Petersburg, Va.) and the inaugural Russell Athletic HBCU Bowl (Dec. 19 in Montgomery, Ala.). He was also named to All-Independent Team by Phil Steele's 2009 College Football Preview magazine.

"The whole football experience and being a part of the team has been incredible," Manns said. "I feel like I have learned a lot at NCCU. I appreciate all of the support that I have received and want to thank everyone that helped me along the way."

Born Dec. 9, 1986, in Detroit, Michigan, he is the son of Adora and Fredrick Manns.