Arkansas OT Transfer Devon Manuel Commits to Florida

Former Arkansas Razorbacks left tackle Devon Manuel pledges to Florida Gators.

Former Arkansas offensive tackle Devon Manuel announced his intentions to play his final two years at the University of Florida on Friday. 

Manuel chose the Gators only hours following the conclusion of his Jan. 3-5 official visit to Gainesville. Florida overcame the likes of Oklahoma State, Kentucky and Missouri for his services. 

The listed 6-foot-9, 310-pounder fits the mold of towering, yet nimble, tackle prospects the Gators have targeted since Billy Napier assumed control of the program in December 2021.

A former three-star prospect in the 2021 class, Manuel underwent a developmental redshirt year with Sam Pittman and Co. at Arkansas before making his career debut for the Razorbacks against Auburn in 2022. He cracked the rotation more prominently as a redshirt sophomore, seeing action in nine games while making four starts at left tackle. 

In those appearances, in which he recorded 417 total offensive snaps, Manuel received a 63.5 pass-blocking grade, a 65.6 run-blocking grade and a 68.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, each mark considered average to above-average on PFF's scale.  

Manuel joins former San Diego State tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson as offensive trench prospects to transfer into the Florida program this offseason. The duo is expected to provide a much-needed boost of experience and depth to the exterior of UF's offensive line. 

The unit currently contains incumbent starters Barber and Damieon George Jr. (right tackle), as well as reserves Kamryn Waites and Caden Jones. Florida's 2024 offensive tackle signees Fletcher Westphal, Mike Williams and Marcus Mascoll will also enter the fold in January. 

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