College coaches are drooling over recruit E.J. Manuel

	E.J. Manuel combines impressive physical tools with a fabulous mental makeup. Courtesy of Rivals.com

By Mike Farrell, Special to SI.com, Rivals.com

You rarely hear the phrase "perfect prospect" on the recruiting trail, but I've heard college coaches utter those words more than a few times this year about Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside quarterback E.J. Manuel.

Keep in mind, when we say "perfect," we mean he has the combination of size, skill, character, leadership ability and academics to succeed at the next level.

At 6-foot-6 and 203 pounds, Manuel is tall and lean. He has broad shoulders and should easily be able to add more good weight. He stands tall in the pocket and is surprisingly strong for someone who could still be labeled as skinny. He could top out at around 235 or 240 pounds without getting soft.

Manuel has excellent footwork, fluid drops and he steps into his throws. He has a quick, over-the-top delivery with a smooth follow-through. The ball comes out of his hand around ear level, and batted balls will likely never be an issue.

His physical skills and playing ability are unquestioned. Manuel has a strong arm and delivers the ball with accuracy, never falling below a 56 percent completion rate in a high school season. He doesn't panic under pressure. He has quick enough feet to escape the rush, and he has sneaky speed. He throws well on the run, sees the field well and has the athletic ability to create something from nothing. Manuel is a competitor and leader on the field, the kind of player who commands respect

This all sounds great, right? But it's only part of the reason that Manuel is the "perfect prospect" to the 40-plus college programs that have offered him a full scholarship. It's his off-the-field demeanor that completes the package. There have been other quarterbacks rated higher than Manuel, currently the No. 18 prospect in the country according to Rivals.com, but few surpass his combination of ability and character.