FIU’s ‘graybeard’ linebacker Manuel making an impact as a mentor on and off the field

MIAMI HERALD WRITER
AUGUST 08, 2023 6:00 AM
Inside linebacker Donovan Manuel is making an impact at FIU – and not just with his bone-rattling tackles.
Manuel, now in his sixth college season, is mentoring young FIU linebackers such as Percy Courtney Jr., a redshirt freshman who made 22 tackles for losses as a senior at Davie Western in 2021.
“Percy used to be shy in the meeting room, scared to ask questions,” Manuel said. “He went from not asking us questions to telling us what to do on each play.”
Manuel has made his own transformation.
The 6-1, 235-pounder from Georgia sports a bushy black beard – but it might as well be gray because he is one of the oldest players on the team.
After being named a first-team All-State player by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Manuel started his college career at East Tennessee State in 2018. He became an ETSU starter in 2019.
He transferred to FIU in time for the 2022 season, and he became an immediate starter, finishing second on the team with 97 tackles.
“Last year,” Manuel said, “I was trying to make a name for myself. I tried to earn the respect of my teammates.”
Mission accomplished.
Lindy’s Magazine ranks Manuel as the seventh-best pro prospect in Conference USA.
Manuel spent the offseason learning FIU’s scheme better and figuring out how to disguise certain looks in his second year under defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt.
“Now I’m just reacting and having fun,” Manuel said. “I’m using my instincts more.
“I’m also trying to get the people around me to do the same thing so that we can all elevate our games.”
While Manuel is doing big things this fall for FIU’s defense, the hot name on offense is wide receiver Eric Rivers.
He was a defensive back at the University of Memphis when FIU coach Mike MacIntyre was the secondary coach there.
“I talked to our head coach and told him that Rivers is a good DB, but I thought he could be a phenomenal receiver,” MacIntyre said. “So, they moved him to receiver. He was doing well until he got hurt.”
Once Rivers put his name in the transfer portal, FIU pounced, and now the Panthers have a potential threat on offense.
THIS AND THAT
▪ MacIntyre has also had high praise this fall for freshman receiver Maurice Luby Jr., a well-built 6-0, 190-pounder from Palm Beach Central.
Luby, who had 16 touchdowns catches and averaged 24.3 yards per reception last year as a prep senior, is known for his ability to catch “50-50” balls that are up for grabs.
“With Luby,” MacIntyre said, “it’s more like 80-20.”
▪ FIU’s top two tight ends are Josiah Miamen and Jackson McDonald.
Miamen, a 6-4, 245-pounder from Peoria, Illinois, spent his first three season at the University of Iowa, catching just one pass. He made his FIU debut last season, making 12 receptions, one for a touchdown, and averaging 9.0 yards per grab.
MacIntyre said Miamen has a versatile skill set as a blocker and receiver that should shine this year now that Rivaldo Fairweather has transferred to Auburn.
McDonald, a 6-5, 220-pounder, was a quarterback at Marathon High and a former Player of the Year in Monroe County.
He has made a slow transition to tight end, seeing no action in his first two years at FIU. Last season, he made two catches, and now he’s one injury away from starting.
“He has gained 20 pounds,” MacIntyre said of McDonald. “He keeps evolving.”