El Toro senior-to-be quarterback Conner Manning (6-2 1/2, 195) became the first 4,000-yard passer in Orange County history last season en route to being selected Register offensive player of the year.

In the spring, several Pac-12 schools watched him throw at El Toro, including Utah, Oregon State, Washington State, UCLA and USC. Utah watched him twice.

He also had visitors from Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Colorado State, Wisconsin and Louisiana Tech.

Manning highlighted his spring by earning the MVP QB award at the Nike Football Training Camp at Cerritos College.

But despite the stats, the recruiting attention and combine success, Manning remains without a scholarship offer. Manning said in a text message Wednesday night that he thought he would have an offer by now but his private QB coach isn’t worried.

“Been through this for 40 years,” quarterback guru Bill Cunerty said. “I think it will work out.”

Cunerty said quarterback recruiting is like a game of dominoes. Once the first pick or top recruits with the prototype size commit, the rest of the competition follows in due time.

Cunerty is high on Manning’s intelligence, field presence, accuracy and improved arm-strength.

The former Saddleback College coach believes Manning is already a better quarterback now than he was last season.

“You do what you did last year, you’ll get tired of answering your phone,” Cunerty told Manning.

Manning will be back in action July 7 when El Toro plays host to an Under Armour passing tournament.

Please send football recruiting news to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com

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