Manuel uses competition to push himself
MIDWEST CITY — Elijah Manuel knows the pressures that come with playing at Midwest City High School.
There’s the expectation to win.
Not just win games, but gold balls, something Midwest City hasn’t done since 1995.
The Bombers were the last team in Class 6A from the west side of the state to win a big-school title. Even since Midwest City moved to Class 6A-II, it has not been able to plaster more championship signage on the press box at Rose Field.
Manuel, who is No. 14 on The Oklahoman’s
Super 30 rankings of the state’s top college recruits for the 2019 class, wants to change that.
“Sometimes when we don’t win, it’s hard on you,” said Manuel, a defensive tackle. “We’re going to come out here and compete every day and see what we can do to win a gold ball.
“That’s the ultimate goal.”
Competition drives Manuel. It has fueled him since he was younger. He has two older siblings, and he credits both for toughening him up and making him realize the sour taste of losing. It’s why he strives to be one of coach Darrell Hall’s best players and leaders in every facet of the game, whether it’s workouts or Friday nights.
“He’s an unmovable object,” Hall said. “He has all it takes. I know what he can do.”
At 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Manuel towers over most of his teammates. During summer workouts, he is one of the leaders, barking out at others who are slacking while maintaining his strong posture and demanding the best from others as he does himself.
Memphis and Iowa State have offered Manuel, though his recruiting has gained traction in recent months. He also has an offer from Navy for its track and field program. During the 2018 Class 6A state meet, Manuel finished fourth in shot put. The three athletes who finished ahead of him graduated, leaving Manuel as a strong favorite to win a title in a different sport.
He said that doesn’t mean he can stop working for what he wants. There are no days off. But through December, his focus is football.
“I understand the work it takes to get what I want,” Manuel said. “The competition makes me love this sport more. There’s always someone to compete against.”
Manuel said he learned a lot from Jalen Redmond, who now plays 25 miles south of Rose Field for the Oklahoma Sooners. Redmond was a senior last season, and the two combined to terrify opposing offensive linemen across the state. This season, it’s all on Manuel. Hall said he has the tools and skills to continue dominating on the biggest level. He knows Manuel has the talent to be one of the best defensive players in the state.
“People aren’t just running at him, they’re running away from him,” Hall said. “I would like to see him turn it loose. If I could get that switch turned on to full tilt and break it off, he will be unstoppable.”