Taking a closer look: Chauncey Manac

We continue the series of class of 2016 players looking to make an impact with outside linebacker Chauncey Manac.

Last season recap:

During the 2015-2016 season, Manac was a member of the practice squad. He’ll be a redshirt freshman this upcoming year.

High school:

Manac attended Clinch County High School in Homerville, GA. During his senior year, Manac lead the Panthers to a 13-1 record and a 2015 Class A state championship, recording 67 tackles, eight sacks and three fumble recoveries. He was also named to the Class A all-state team.

What his coach said:

Manac’s high school coach was Jim Dickerson, who saw the player's potential at a very young age. Clinch County is a small community, so the high school coaches often attend middle school games to scope out the next generation of talent. That’s when Dickerson discovered Manac.

“We went out there and he was just head and shoulders taller than everyone,” Dickerson said, “From there we kept an eye until he came to high school.”

Manac’s game flourished. After adjusting to the speed of high school during his freshman year, a breakout sophomore year followed and colleges from around the country took notice.

“That was the first time a player that young was receiving SEC and ACC offers,” Dickerson said, “For someone in the spotlight at that age, I think he handled it as well as anyone.”

Manac wasn’t looking to redshirt with Georgia, but Dickerson said he handled it well. While most would look to Manac’s physical traits, Dickerson says his attitude may be his best quality.

For example: Midway through Clinch County's 2015 state championship run, Manac suffered an injury and had to miss five games. During that stretch, another Clinch County teammate played great at Manac’s position (outside linebacker/defensive end), so once he returned, the future Bulldog willingly moved to a new position (defensive line) to allow the player to stay.

Manac figures to have plenty of opportunities with the Bulldogs.

Although Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter are returning for their senior seasons, Manac appears to be one of those next-in-line. It’s Dickerson’s understanding that Manac has been very impressive thus far in off-season workouts and the coaching staff is high on him.

Dickerson does offer up one bit of criticism about Manac though.

“He’s such a nice guy, a gentle giant; it’s hard for him to flip that switch,” Dickerson said, “If he can get that mean streak going, there’s not much he can’t do on the field.”