Is this Tampa-area sophomore shaping up to be the next Dante Fowler?

Blake High School in Tampa has not been the most successful football program in recent years. However, they do churn out some talented athletes on the gridiron from time-to-time. Michael "Crow" McFarland signed with Florida in the Class of 2010, and now plays for USF. However, the most talented prospect to come out of Blake in years has already emerged for the Class of 2016 in defensive end Shavar Manuel.

As a freshman, Manuel was credited with 10 sacks. Now bulked up to 235 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame, Manuel is wreaking havoc at an even more impressive level as a sophomore. Through two games (and a kickoff classic), Manuel has already notched five QB takedowns in 2013, including an impressive four-sack performance against state power Armwood on Sept. 6. One assistant coach who has already faced Manuel said this of his abilities:

"I really like him. He'd start for us right now at multiple spots."

Keep in mind, the kid still has two years to grow. He may end up a defensive tackle in time, for all we know. But the position versatility and ability to get after the quarterback are the most impressive assets of his still-developing game, to date.

No game film exists of Manuel on the internet. At least, none that I'm presently aware of. But all indications are this kid is absolutely a name to watch for the future. Certainly, his progress will be tracked by a number of colleges over the course of the season, and his two remaining years at the high school level as well.