A MAC battle for Waller

At only 5-foot-8, Decatur (Ga.) Southwest Dekalb cornerback Manley Waller has always looked for the little things that can give him an advantage. What he's found instead is quite a big thing: speed. With his speed he has become a lock-down cornerback who may be ready to lock down the Mid-American Conference.

Waller just finished up his season on the football field and has already begun his official visit circuit and his first trip was a good one.

"I actually just got back from the University of Akron," Waller said. "I take another one this week for Ohio and Central Michigan after that.

Waller, who had committed to Ohio early in the season, may be having second thoughts following a great trip to Akron.

"Everything went real good," he said. "Their facilities were great. It actually made me start to rethink my commitment to Ohio. I committed to Ohio at the beginning of the season and I'm going to have to compare the two."

One significant factor in the interest in Akron has to do with the depth chart for the Zips.

"On their depth chart they only have two returning corners," Waller said. "They play a lot of five and six defensive back sets so at any given time they can play four or five corners on the field. The though of early playing time is very appealing. If I have to redshirt I would, but I don't want to have to."

Waller's other interest is coming from Middle Tennessee State, Ohio and Akron's MAC rivals, and a few ACC schools such as North Carolina and Wake Forest.

"A few schools are pending on what some other guys do," he said. "I guess they have a few guys in front of me on their lists. North Carolina and Wake Forest, it would be kind of hard to say no to both of those schools."

The factors that are attracting so many schools to Waller are his speed and versatility which he showcased in a season marked by disappointment.

"We had a rough season," he said. "We had quarterback issues. It was frustrating because we had the players in place to do something but our coaches wouldn't let any of us play both ways this year. I just played corner but I led the team in receptions last season. I had a teal good season. I had 48 tackles, two interceptions and four sacks."

Like any good cornerback, Waller takes pride in facing the best wide receivers around. When confronted with that opportunity this season, he responded.

"I went against (Rivals100 wide receiver) Josh Jarboe and only allowed one catch for 24 yards," he bragged. "As a corner, I like being locked up man-to-man."

Waller makes up for his 5-8 160 frame with his speed that has been clocked below 4.4 in the 40 on multiple occasions. He also runs a 10.82 100 in track, a 21.82 200 and long jumps 22'3".

While Waller has committed in name to Ohio, it will take a good trip this weekend to top his previous visit to Akron. But he is giving the Bobcats that chance.

"My decision will probably be made after next weekend's visit unless a school from a major conference comes along with an offer."