Manuel devising travel plan
BRADENTON, Fla. - Shavar Manuel doesn't actively seek publicity. The five-star defensive lineman says less than Charlie Chaplin and is quite skilled at avoiding interviews. On the rare occasions that he does speak, however, he doesn't hid things or the sake of hiding them.
If he has a shortlist of favorite colleges, he'll list him without hesitation. The Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy star did just that on Thursday morning, and it wasn't the first time he's done so.
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"Of course Florida State is still up there, but I don't really have a leader," Manuel said during IMG Academy's media day event. "I just throw my top schools up there. It's Florida State, LSU, Florida, and Auburn. I'm more comfortable in the South."
Manuel also didn't shy around from discussing his early plan for in-season official visits. Nothing on that front is written in ink of course. Not yet, anyway. Still, Manuel is moving closer to finalizing a travel schedule.
His usual silence isn't because he lacks things to say. That much is certain.
"I'm looking at visits to LSU and probably Auburn … most likely," Manuel said. "Most likely Florida, too. I'm thinking of going to the LSU-Florida game, but I don't know which other games or anything now."
A decision timetable - even a rough one - does not exist for Manuel, who says he could make his decision at literally any moment. For now, though, he's just waiting for the mood to strike.
just going to do it when I do it," Manuel said. ""I really don't have any timetable or anything, man. I really don't."
Manuel will play both defensive tackle and defensive end for IMG this season, but most think his future at the college level will be and tackle. Manuel has beefed up in recent months, and his adjusted frame seems to lend itself to the tackle position.
"I do it all," Manuel said. "Here [at IMG], I'm starting on the inside and I'll sneak out to the outside sometimes. LSU and Florida are recruiting me to play everywhere. So is everyone else."
A five-star prospect, Manuel is ranked as the No. 3 strongside defensive end and the No. 20 overall prospect in the class of 2016. He recorded 20 sacks as a junior a season ago.