Featured image: Dale Zanine – Gwinnettt Daily Post
We did a quick recruiting update earlier this year on Mangual, the Archer sernior DB who we feel is overlooked by a lot of colleges. Mangual is a focused competitor who has the penchant of making big plays for his team. Well, last Friday the 2021 recruit once again proved that it’s not the size of the dog that matters, but the fight.
It was a defensive battle last Friday. Archer only had about 30 yards of total offense, and four first downs total, but still ended up taking the game 14-13. Early in the first quarter, North Gwinnett was driving down the field, until the fundamentally sound corner made the play of the night. Sitting back in a zone defense on the right sideline, Mangual read the QB’s eyes perfectly and broke on the pass, cutting in front of the receiver. He caught the football in full stride, and before you knew it Mangual was 70 yards down field crossing the endzone.
It was a crucial score for Archer giving them a 7-3 lead. A few days later Mangual made the state’s top 10 plays, and ended up finishing 3rd in the community vote.
It’s been a long road to even get to this point in the football season. With Covid-19 sidelining college camps, and high schools having to work around new protocols – a lot has transpired to say the least.
“This off-season has been crazy for everyone. The good thing that came out when everything thing closed is that I was able to focus on working out, so I can get stronger and faster. I also did a lot of 1v1 drills, so I was able to get better in man coverage,” the senior said.
In the early season Mangual definitely looks to have packed on muscle, and just from seeing him break off the long interception return, he absolutely looks faster.
The 2021 recruit is well respected in Gwinnett County, and several coaches from nearby high schools have reached out over the last year talking about how big of a sleeper he is. Well some notoriety is coming in, and just this week Mangual was named Gwinnett County defensive player of the week.
“I think what separates me from others is my patience, I play the game one play at a time. I was taught to let the game come to me and have a short memory,” said Mangual.
So far, Mangual has seen some solid interest from college programs.
“Right now, I have 4 offers from Puget Sound, Clarke University, Huntingdon College and Kings College. I also received interest from Southern Nazarene, Wingate, Concord and Missouri Western State.”
We stand firm that the 2021 recruit should be getting DII interest bare-minimum, and truthfully, we think FCS programs should re-evaluate the 2021 recruit once more. He’s not a big athlete at 5’9″ and 160 lbs., but Mangual goes up against D1 receivers consistently, and he typically shows out.
The savvy senior has good acceleration breaking on the football and reacts quickly to the pass. Plus, he is tenacious raking the pass out of the receiver’s hands. By our rough guestimate, the senior has to have close to 10 PBU’s in just 4 games so far this season.
Archer has started off the year to a rare 1-4 start, but last Friday’s game looks to be a turning point. Mangual’s top goal is to turn the season around, and get his team deep into the playoffs.
“My goal for the rest of the season is to help my team win some games, have a strong push in the playoffs, and hopefully bring our first state championship home.”
Spoken like a true competitor. Mangual really is a team player, not only is he a lockdown corner for Archer, but he also returns kicks and even rugby punts for the Tigers as well. Basically anything his high school needs of him, Mangual will do what it takes to help win.
He’s been starting since his sophomore year at Archer, and one of the more battle tested cornerbacks in the entire state of Georgia. The season is almost to the midpoint, but a lot can still happen for Mangual and the Archer Tigers, so be sure to check back to @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter to hear the latest.
Interested in recruiting Mangual? Click HERE to visit his Recruit Georgia profile.
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