Interview: 2018 DT Chris Manoa Source for Continuous Collapse of Arizona Pockets

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is a point in any sporting contest at any level when the play of a dominating player almost seems unfair to the competition. After watching Chris Manoa collapse pockets and stuff the run for Chandler High School during the 2016 season, more times than not, it was like watching a man among boys.

Manoa has played his way into being that prototypical defensive tackle and/or nose guard college coaches covet. During his sophomore season, he helped the Wolves to an 11-2 mark putting an end to 40 plays with 1.5 sacks. His junior campaign showed how his game evolved with technique, experience, and raw power tallying 41 stops, 10 tackles for a loss, four sacks and eight quarterback hurries.

Playing his way against double-teams, Manoa is a constant plug in the middle of Chandler’s defense refusing to move sucking up offensive linemen and ball carriers along the way giving opportunities to his fellow linemen and linebackers. On passing downs, Manoa takes opposing guards and centers for a ride on roller skates, a dance orchestrated by Manoa and unwanted by the opposition but unstoppable once started.

The collective hard work on the field for the Wolves pushed the squad to great heights capturing a 6A Arizona state title and a No. 12 national ranking by MaxPreps. College coaches have been slow on finding Manoa but are finally coming around. Northern Arizona has offered with teams like Arizona, Wisconsin, Kansas State, UCLA, and Nebraska showing various levels of interest in the 6-1, 320 pound, playmaker. Upon closer look, coaches will see his brute strength with a bench press max at 420 and a squat right at 500 pounds. They will also see a player that appears to push a drill sled to and from school and up and down the hallways at Chandler while taking the same action in games driving back offensive linemen.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the under the radar talent getting an update on his recruitment while covering his play on the field and goals for the off-season.

Interview

Chris, I have to ask this question first. How much time have you spent on the sled during your high school career?

“At every practice, our coaches make us work the sled. It is a big deal at Chandler. We are accustomed to it.”

A lot of your game is your raw power and strength moving opposing centers and guards seemingly at will. Have you maxed out this spring and if so what are your weight room maxes?

“Yes, sir. I put up 420 bench two months ago. I did 225 with 30 reps. We do not do power clean or deadlift. I got 500-flat on squat.”

What areas of your game improved during your junior season?

“Last year my run stop improved. My sophomore year I was all run stop. I got more sacks last year. I only had two my sophomore year. I’m working my hips and my hands.”

Who was the best center or guard you faced last season?

“Good question. I’d say the one that gave me the most trouble was Eddie Rivas. He is a NAU (Northern Arizona) commit from Mountain Pointe. They blew us out first game we played against them (52-7) but we bounced back in the second game (36-17 in the state championship game). I got the upper hand the second time around.”

How did that matchup help you improve as a player?

“It helped me get better. I outmatch most of the guys. He is a bigger-stockier dude. He is a good match for me. He has a good base. It is great to go against someone of my caliber.”

Are the coaches going to utilize you in any other way during the 2017 season?

“This year, we lost a lot of offensive linemen. We had four offensive linemen back last year. I think I might get some snaps on offense at guard. We’ll see come spring ball.”

Are you excited about playing offense in 2017?

“Yeah. I am very excited. Our offense is a big deal. I think it would be a great experience. I am the kind of player that if they need me, I will play wherever.”

What is one area of your game you are focused on to improve upon before your senior year?

“Block heading, making more plays, and my pass rush. I’m working on my hands and my hips.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“The way I bully people, and like you said, how I use the sled technique. They like how good my get off is and how I get to the point of attack. My athleticism as well.”

Have you been to any exposure camps this spring?

“I have not. I would love to expose the overrated players out there but I have not had a chance yet.”

Are you going to the Oakland Nike Regional Opening on May 21?

“I have put in a request but I have not heard back from them yet.”

Do you plan on attending any college camps this summer?

“Definitely. I am aiming for a U-of-A (Arizona) camp. I’m looking at USC and Cal as well.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I’m getting a wide variety of interest. I am receiving mail from UCLA, I could go to their camp as well, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas State, and a U-of-A camp.”

Do you have any offers?

“I have an offer from NAU (Northern Arizona).”

 

Which schools have come by your school to see you practice or meet with you face-to-face this spring?

“I talked to Hawaii a couple of days ago and I have talked to Boise State, New Mexico State, U-of-A, Utah State, and BYU.”

Do you know of any other schools that might come see you?

“I do not know. I am hoping Oregon is there, that is a dream of mine. Johnny (Johnson – Class of 2017 receiver) is going there, he said they are interested. I hope to see them for spring ball.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet or do you have any set coming up?

“I have not taken any yet. I’m waiting until after spring ball.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“2.9.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT two weeks ago. I am waiting for the score.”

Do you play any other sports for Chandler?

“I’m participating in track throwing the discus. We have state next week.”

What is your personal best this year throwing the discus?

“136.7. I’m getting my technique better.”

If all went to plan by the end of your senior season, what all will you have accomplished?

“I want to leave a legacy behind that hard work will get you somewhere. Hard work has helped us win two out of the last three state championships. I want to show that hard work pays off on and off the field.”

Chris, thanks for your time today and good luck at state and with your upcoming spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Manoa family; Chris Manoa celebrates state title (2016).

Photo credit: AZ Varsity; No. 99 Chris Manoa on the sidelines (2016).

Photo credit: Manoa family; Chris Manoa celebrates state title with teammates (2016).