Expanded role for McManis

Olive Branch (Miss.) junior Wynton McManis is all about the team. And the 6-foot-1 and 205-pound athlete displayed his team priorities late in spring practice.

Last year McManis lined up at quarterback (232 passing yards and two touchdowns) as well as linebacker and collected 42 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. But now his job duties may be expanded for his senior season.

"We did good this spring and had our spring game last Thursday," said McManis. "I had 12 tackles and two interceptions and returned one of those for a touchdown. They have me playing outside linebacker again but the coaches also want me some at quarterback, running back and maybe some slot receiver. We just have to see how that works out and anywhere I can help the team is fine with me. In the last week of spring, my coach put me at all those positions and told me to learn the schemes."

Concerning the next level, though, McManis said colleges are talking about keeping him on defense and that suits him just fine.

"All of the schools recruiting me as an outside linebacker," said McManis. "And I love that. I have been at that spot since I started playing football and that's my favorite position."

Regarding his recruitment, McManis said several schools were showing interest and that he may already have his first offer.

"One of my coaches told me Memphis has offered me but I am not sure yet," said McManis. "Then I am also getting interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Louisiana-Lafayette and that's about it for now.

"I really like Memphis, too, because they are showing the most interest. I also like Ole Miss and I would say Mississippi State, too."

Starting next month, McManis said he plans to get a better view of these colleges and attend their summer camps.

"I am going to camp at Memphis and then I have been invited to Ole Miss' elite camp," said McManis. "I am also going to Mississippi State's camp and I might go to Louisiana-Lafayette's camp. So basically I am going to camps at all the schools recruiting me."