5-Star DT Shavar Manuel Opens Up on Top 5, Official Visits Plan

DeSOTO, Texas — There's a certain luxury in having a player like 5-star prospect Shavar Manuel line up on a defensive line.

Manuel is strong enough to play defensive tackle and is projected to play the position in college, but at 6'4" and 295 pounds, he's quick enough to play defensive end if necessary. He had 20 sacks as a lineman in his junior season.

As the IMG Academy standout continues to research his top schools, look for him to weigh the options of playing both positions at the next level—whatever it takes to get Manuel, the nation's No. 8 overall player and No. 3 defensive tackle, on the field the earliest.

"I'm most comfortable being on the field," said Manuel, who told Bleacher Report on Saturday that he has a top five of LSU, Auburn, Florida, Clemson and Florida State. "Anything I can do to help my team out, I'll do."

If his play this year is any indication, expect Manuel to be an immediate player to watch for whichever college he chooses. Manuel's had a decent start to the 2015 season for IMG, and he was impressive in his first trip to Texas on Saturday, showing off his disruptive ability on defense in helping IMG to a 47-29 win against DeSoto High School, a team led by Ohio State quarterback commit Tristen Wallace.

In a couple of weeks, Manuel will begin taking official visits. The Tampa, Florida, native said he is expecting to be at LSU the weekend of Oct. 16 against Florida and at Auburn the weekend of Nov. 13 against Georgia. Manuel added that he's looking into officials to Florida either against Tennessee (weekend of Sept. 25) or Ole Miss (Oct. 2), Florida State against Miami (Oct. 9) and Clemson against Florida State (Nov. 6).

And when it's time to make a verbal commitment, Manuel—who has 20 reported offers—said he knows what he wants in a winning program.

"I want to be where I'm most comfortable on and off the field," Manuel said. "I want to know where I can get developed for the next level, if I'm blessed to see the next level. I want to have fun, and I want to go somewhere with good academics."

It's been a positive few months for Manuel, who said he is fully recovered after undergoing knee surgery in November. With the help of rehabilitation, as well as the tutelage of IMG defensive line coach Ernie Logan, Manuel said he is not only stronger, but also more technically sound as a versatile lineman.

Credit: 247Sports

It's exactly the news that college coaches want to hear. Manuel said he has solid relationships with all of the defensive line coaches in his top five, but he mentioned two coaches in particular who he hears from regularly.

"Coach O at LSU, we chop it up on a daily basis," said Manuel, referring to LSU's Ed Orgeron. "It's the same with Coach [Chris] Rumph at Florida."

Manuel said he is comfortable with his five schools, but he doesn't have a favorite. He's looking at the best opportunities to build player-coach relationships in college, which means extensive time with his position coach. Manuel also said a winning school must be able to offer quality academic tutoring.

"Off the field, I'm either going to be working on my academics or resting up," he said. "And when I'm resting, I want to be able to get as much one-on-one time with my coach as I can."

As a decision gets closer, Manuel said he'll continue to watch each school on the field and stay in touch with the coaching staffs. When it comes to his role at the next level, Manuel said his objectives are simple.

"I want to play assignment football," he said. "I want to run to the ball and be physical every play. Coach Logan has really worked with me to get me back into physical shape. I'm just trying to get ready for the next level."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles