Interview: Big 3-Star 2021 Arkansas OT Commit Devon Manuel Updates Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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There are certain dudes on the gridiron no one wants to mess with, and Class of 2021 left tackle Devon Manuel is one of them. In a one-on-one matchup, the 6-foot 8-inch, 300-pound, mauler is not going to lose. Beyond blessed with size, his strength is off the charts and his quickness is above the curve. At the snap of the ball, 4A Louisiana defenders playing against Beau Chene High School are tossed around like ragdolls when facing Manuel. The overwhelming abilities of Manuel have brought 18 scholarship offers his way, but a June 6th verbal commitment to the Razorbacks has the new Arkansas staff and their fan base over the moon.

In an RNG offseason update interview, Manuel takes us inside his workout routine and covers ground on how the Hogs earned his verbal commitment while continuing to build a lasting bond.

Interview

Devon, you are a pancaking/knockdown king on the gridiron. Given your skills and size, you could just toy with a defensive end or linebacker but you work quick to put them on the ground. When the Friday night lights come on, what gets you into that mindset to physically dominate?

(Laughs) “Knowing that I am not at the big schools in my area, I have that chip on my shoulder knowing if I do not dominate, I will not get looks from colleges. I have to put on a show.”

Did you guys track pancakes and/or knockdowns last season?

“We don’t track them, but I had 30 to 40 a game, maybe 50 in some. Just about every play I had one.”

Game footage shows that, for sure. What offensive set did the Gators run last season?

“We run the Air Raid.”

How did your run blocking improve last season within the scheme?

“It improved tremendously. Last season I was mauling people. (Laughs) People were running from me on run blocking. That was funny; they were asking to stop please.”

You were putting the fear of God in a lot of kids. Which areas of your pass-pro improved?

“That improved a lot too. My mobility got better with help from my trainer. Him helping with that, I was moving really well laterally.”

Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your abilities as a left tackle?

“I have been training with Coach Hughes. We have not been training for left tackle but more for agility, my bend, and reacting quicker. He is getting my body ready for the season and college off my size.”

Where do you feel you are showing the biggest improvements?

“Probably in the way that I am bending and the speed. I am doing speed drills against skill guys, and keeping up with them and beating some of them. My mobility has improved a lot.”

What has been your weight lifting routine this offseason?

“When the quarantine first started, I was in the backyard doing burpies, dips, and squats. A friend allowed me to workout at his dad’s gym, but the virus got bad and we had to stop. My gym opened up, I have been working out there. I have been busy this offseason.”

If before the quarantine or after, have you maxed out this offseason?

“Before the quarantine, I maxed out. My numbers before the quarantine, I squatted 525, power cleaned 330, and benched 320.”

Holy smokes. That’s really impressive.

“Thank you.”

You committed to the Razorbacks on June 6th, what was it about the Hogs’ coaching staff and football program that made Arkansas the ideal fit for you?

“My relationship with Coach (Brad) Davis (OL) and Coach (Sam) Pittman (head coach) and based on what they have been building there. Since the Junior Day visit, I have heard from one of them each day. We can’t go on visits, so I have been meeting with people over the phone. Arkansas was on me hard the whole time, I committed.”

Going back to the Junior Day visit, what all did you do and see while in Fayetteville?

“When I got there, everyone was staring at me at the sign-in place because I am so big. Coach Davis was the first person I met; he was kicking it with me from start to ending. I saw their facilities and talked with Coach Davis and Coach Pittman; that is when they offered me.”

Throughout the recruiting process with Arkansas, what did the coaches tell you they like about your talents as an offensive lineman?

“They like that I am big, quick, strong, and my bench strength. Not a lot of people my size can bench as much as I do.”

Agreed. During the different conversations with the coaches, did they give you any tips or pointers on blocking techniques that you will use this season? If so, what have you already learned from their coaches?

“One tiny thing that we have talked about is a way to explode better out of a two-point stance. At my high school, my coach did not want me to alternate with my stance, so I could not explode all the time out of a two-point. They have helped me explode out of my stance.”

Do you have any planned visits this summer or fall?

“Not really. I am staying in the house. Over the last three-and-a-half weeks we’ve been in lockdown because a teammate had the virus. We are trying to stay out of the way as much as possible.”

Are you helping with recruiting for the Hogs?

“Yes, sir. We are recruiting a lot of people that will help Arkansas big time. We are talking to (4-Star CB) Markevious Brown (IMG Academy), (4-Star WR) Tron (Ketron Jackson) from Texas, and some others.”

What is your pitch to other Class of 2021 or 2022 recruits?

“My pitch to commit is because they have a family atmosphere, the power of being in the SEC, being coached by great coaches, and Coach Pittman is going to change things over there.”

Even though you are committed, are other schools still in touch?

“Yeah. A&M will probably offer today. Missouri is in touch and a lot like Kansas, Michigan State, Houston, and Indiana.”

*Texas A&M did offer after this interview was conducted

Devon, it was great covering all of this ground with you today. Thank you for your time and keep up all the hard work.

“Yes, sir.”

Manuel’s Offer Sheet (18): Arkansas, Alcorn State, Grambling, Houston, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, McNeese State, Michigan State, Nicholls State, South Alabama, Southern University, Texas A&M, Texas Southern, Tulane, and UCF

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Photo credit: Manuel family; Devon Manuel at Arkansas