‘Explosive Power and Speed’ Led Pokes to California Edge Rusher
LARAMIE -- Garrison Manzanarez, according to one recruiting service, already possesses an elite frame with "college-ready mass."
The 6-foot-2, 235-pound edge rusher is a relentless backfield disruptor, One11 Recruiting added. Tallying 50 tackles last fall, 13 of which came behind the line of scrimmage, along with nine quarterback sacks, hammers home that point. His "explosive power and speed" led to those impressive stats.
It's also what likely brought Wyoming safeties coach Jason Petrino to Cypress High School.
The sales pitch worked.
The fact Manzanarez works out at EBS Performance probably didn't hurt matters, either. Former Cowboy and current Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps is an owner.
"I'm grateful and blessed to commit to the University of Wyoming," Manzanarez, in all caps, posted Tuesday morning on X. "All glory to God. Thank you to the Wyoming coaches for believing in me."
Manzanarez is the 11th known verbal commit in Jay Sawvel's 2027 recruiting class, joining fellow defensive prospects Kingston Beyer (tackle), Karson McKenzie (secondary), Drew Benassi (linebacker) and Cody native Cache McFadden (safety). Quarterbacks Michael Vander Luitgaren and Tucker Ingersoll have also announced their intentions to continue their playing careers in Laramie.
So have receivers Alijah Landrum-Hamilton and Levi Rillos. Tight end Thomas Prescott and offensive tackle Noah Reid have, too.
Sawvel and Co. are typically in the single digits when it comes to verbal commitments this early in the recruiting cycle during his three years on the sidelines in Laramie. Craig Bohl's tenure on the high plains was no different.
Sawvel has said numerous times in the past he likes to put prospects on the sidelines for games in the fall inside War Memorial Stadium. The ultimate number before summer closes could reach 15, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Wyoming's known commits have bumped the 2027 class, so far, up to 96th nationally out of 138 FBS programs. UNLV (59), North Dakota State (89) and New Mexico (90) are rated higher. The rest of the Mountain West ranks like this: Hawaii (97), San Jose State (100), Nevada (103), Northern Illinois (118) and Air Force (N/A).
Manzanarez drew plenty of interest during the recruiting process, fielding offers from Cal Poly, Idaho State, Northern Arizona and Montana, among others. He also spoke with Mountain West foes UNLV and Nevada, along with former conference rivals Fresno State.
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Just The Facts: Size Doesn't Matter For Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium
Gallery Credit: 7220Sports.com
- Just The Facts: Size Doesn't Matter For Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium
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