Auburn pushing ahead for Manson

Alabama’s top running back prospect has made some changes to his list of favorites and summer plans since the last time we’ve checked in with him.

Tuscaloosa Hillcrest star Markus Manson (6-0, 195, 4.4) says Auburn has emerged as his sole leader while Alabama, which was a co-leader at this time last month, has slipped off the pace.

“I’m still high on Auburn,” he said. “I really like coach Gran, the running backs coach, a lot. He seems like a really cool guy and we’ve formed a real good relationship. I like all the attention they’ve given me. They’ve got a real good offense for running backs, too. I like the way they use them in their system.

“I’m not so sure about Alabama anymore with all the coaching changes they’ve gone through. I really have to think hard about that situation. Right now, I’m not real high on them.”

Manson said his current top six includes Auburn, Michigan, Georgia, South Carolina, Notre Dame and Colorado. He has offers from all but Michigan and Notre Dame. Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Southern Miss have also offered.

“I like Michigan a lot,” he said. “I’m hoping they offer because I’ve got some brothers and sisters and my mom up there. I would be nice to be back up there with them. They would definitely be high on my list.”

Manson just returned from spending some time with family in Ohio. He said he’s not opposed to leaving the South for college.

He also said he’s decided to forgo the summer camp circuit, focusing instead on his academics (ACT this weekend) and individual workouts with his Hillcrest teammates.

As a junior, Manson rushed for 1,910 yards and 18 touchdowns.