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Four-star defensive lineman Shavar Manuel listed Florida, LSU, Florida State and South Florida as his top four schools in an interview with ESPN on Wednesday.
Much has changed for Manuel since he came on the scene as a sophomore at Blake High School in Tampa, Fla. Once a 6-foot-4, 260-pound pass rusher, Manuel has added considerable bulk since going to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and now weighs more than 290 pounds.
His change in position to defensive tackle has caused some concern, and he dropped in the 247sports composite rankings from No. 14 to No. 41 and lost his fifth star.
Manuel is planning to name his school on signing day.
Here are five more things to know about his recruitment:
1. Florida is the favorite: The Gators have been the favorite to land Manuel since the season started but they aren’t a clear-cut favorite. LSU has had Manuel’s ear at times and FSU has climbed back in the picture for Manuel after falling behind in the summer.
2. Miami may jump in: Manuel was interested in Miami before Mark Richt took the head coaching job. During his interview with ESPN.com, he told Gerry Hamilton that the Hurricanes would have a chance to get him on campus if they reached out.
3. LSU may have moved on: Manuel has already visited LSU and it appears like the Tigers may have been more interested in Manuel the defensive end than Manuel the projected three-technique. LSU has higher-rated defensive tackles on their board, especially five-star prospect Rashad Lawrence from Monroe, La.
4. Manuel said he saw himself playing in the SEC: During interviews after receiving his Under Armour All-America Game jersey, Manuel said that he saw himself as more of an “SEC-type player.” At that time Ole Miss, Auburn and Alabama were also hot on Manuel. As teams have dropped off things may have changed.
5. Don’t count out USF: Clearly the South Florida Bulls are the underdog, but it’s unlikely a program will be more aggressive recruiting Manuel as we head down the stretch. Florida, FSU and LSU all have highly-touted prospects to appease and Manuel’s likely position change has changed the way he fits in their respective defenses. Those things don’t matter as much at USF, who will let Manuel know he is their No. 1 guy.
Corey Long is a freelance writer for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Corey on Twitter @CoreyLong.
