Danieal Manning attended Corsicana High School where he played football and ran track. He was a three-year starter at cornerback on the football team, totaling 67 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 blocked kicks, and 3 touchdowns (2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery) as a senior. He helped Corsicana to a 9-4 record while earning second team all-state honors. He was considered to be one of the top 20 cornerback prospects in the nation and was recruited by Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State, Purdue, Arkansas, and Alabama. He signed with Nebraska in January 2001, but never enrolled in the school. He enrolled at Abilene Christian University a year later where his brother and uncle both play now. As a freshman he totaled 56 tackles, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, 4 pass break-ups, and 3 forced fumbles. His 6 interceptions on the season were the most in the conference. He was named first team all-conference for his play as a freshman. Manning had another solid season in 2005, finishing with 49 tackles, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 4 pass break-ups, and 3 forced fumbles. Danieal still has two years of eligibility left but he opted to leave school early to enter the 2006 NFL draft.

Danieal Manning has a good combination of size and athleticism for a defensive back. He is a versatile player who can play corner, safety, receiver, and serve as a return specialist. His size is good enough to handle bigger receivers and his speed allows him to turn and run with most receivers. He has good hands and is a threat to take it all the way after the interception. He is better in man coverage than he is in zone coverage. He is a physical player who will step up and support the run. Danieal Manning is a player who could project as a corner or safety in the NFL and his ability to contribute as a return specialist should help his draft day value. He only has two years of experience as a starter and he played against a lower level of competition. He is raw and will need to improve his overall technique; however, he has as much upside as any defensive back in the available and could end up being a late first to early second day pick in the 2006 NFL draft.