Sophomore Cornerback Donaldven Manning to Transfer

With Antone Exum set to miss the season-opener against Alabama and true freshman Kendall Fuller likely to move to whip linebacker following Ronnie Vandyke's shoulder injury, the Hokies are looking awfully thin in the secondary after today's announcement.

Via Frank Beamer's official twitter:

Donaldven Manning has decided to transfer. Coach Beamer wishes him the very best and will aid him in selecting another college.

— Beamer Ball (@Beamer_Ball) August 11, 2013

Manning, a former four-star prospect out of Miami (Fla.) Central, played in eight games in 2012-2013 and tallied four tackles--which is as many as punter A.J. Hughes and one less than kick-off man Brooks Abbott. Manning did pull in an interception against Austin Peay, but he mainly saw spot work for the Hokies.

More than anything, this is a blow to the depth in the secondary. Manning, Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson were all competing for the corner spot opposite Kyle Fuller, but it appeared that both had passed Manning on the depth chart. With Manning transferring and Kendall moving to whip/nickelback, the Hokies are left with Facyson and Donovan Riley as the two viable options.

Manning's stay in Blacksburg wasn't smooth by any means as he was nearly kicked off the team in November of last year after two misdemeanors and three traffic violations. Manning has already been removed from the hokiesports.com football roster.

Thoughts on the Manning's transfer?