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AJ Manning the 2024 New Mexico Defensive Back of the Year
Storm safety AJ Manning poses with the 1st-place trophy after Cleveland’s 26-8 victory in the NMAA 6A Football State Championship.
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RIO RANCHO— Cleveland standout AJ Manning was announced as NMReps’ 2024 New Mexico Defensive Back of the Year Dec. 26.
Manning, a senior for the Storm, was the top vote-getter, and garnered 52.7% of the votes.
“This prestigious honor recognizes Manning’s exceptional performance and contributions on the field throughout the season,” said Joshua Grine from NMPreps. “Manning’s playmaking ability and consistency were key factors in Cleveland’s successful 2024 season, culminating in a Class 6A state championship.”
During the 2024-2025 season, Manning logged 59 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions, had four pass deflections, forced one fumble, and recovered four fumbles.
Beyond statistics, Manning showed tremendous athleticism, leadership, an elite understanding of the game, and whenever possible, opposing quarterbacks shied away from throwing the ball in his direction.
The runner-up for the award was Roswell’s Xai Carrasco (2025) who got 33% of the vote. Other defensive backs getting a significant amount of votes was Bloomfield’s Eli Meador (2025), and St. Pius’ Curtis Flakes III (2027).
