Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Manciel sets lofty goals in final go-round
8/14/2019 4:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — If you were to head out to Middle Tennessee fall camp, you'd hear one voice towering above all the others, usually singing (whether good or bad) an R&B or hip-hop song at the top of his lungs.
That singing comes from redshirt senior defensive tackle Malik Manciel, a two-year team captain who's taken the role this season as the voice of the Blue Raiders.
"He's been the same Malik, except maybe a little better and maybe a little louder," veteran defensive line coach Tommy West said. "He knows this is it, and he's leading like he always has.
"I've coached a lot of great players over the years, but I don't know if I've ever had one as fun to coach as he is."
When Middle Tennessee takes the field against Michigan on Aug. 31 in its season opener, some unique fans will be in the Big House cheering on the Blue Raiders.
Manciel, a Detroit native, has never gotten to play college football in his home state. To say he and his family are excited for the opportunity might be an understatement.
"A lot of my folks from up north will get to see me play for the first time, and that's going to be great," he said. "That'll be a heck of an experience."
Taking on the Wolverines will be the start of what promises to be an emotional last season in the blue and white for Manciel.
It's been a short five years in the trenches, he said, going from a redshirt season as a true freshman to playing sparingly the next year, then entering the starting lineup as a redshirt sophomore.
Last season, Manciel played in all 14 games as a team captain, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference USA in a career year. He had 31 tackles, including four TFLs and two sacks.
In his last year, Manciel wants to take it up another notch. He has a personal goal of reaching double-digit sacks while leading the team both on and off the field.
"My peers voted me as a captain for a second time, and that's an honor I don't take lightly at all. I feel blessed for that," he said. "I'm just taking everything in, from the hard work out here to laughing in the locker room. I just want to take it a day at a time. Anytime I'm around these guys, I'm having a good time."
Registering double-digit sacks isn't something defensive tackles strive for often. But, if Manciel can focus on a few things — "reading your keys … and doing things Coach West's way," he said — it's entirely possible.
"If we do our job up front, it makes everything easier for the guys behind us," Manciel said. "It's just something I feel like I need to do, and I want to go out with a bang. We pride ourselves as a defensive line, and there are other guys in that room who want to go for double digits too."
No matter if he reaches double-digit sacks or not this season, Manciel will be remembered by his team and coaching staff as a leader both on the field and off it.
Admittedly, he also wants to be remembered for his sultry singing voice.
Josh Vardaman is the staff writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Vardaman
and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
That singing comes from redshirt senior defensive tackle Malik Manciel, a two-year team captain who's taken the role this season as the voice of the Blue Raiders.
"He's been the same Malik, except maybe a little better and maybe a little louder," veteran defensive line coach Tommy West said. "He knows this is it, and he's leading like he always has.
"I've coached a lot of great players over the years, but I don't know if I've ever had one as fun to coach as he is."
When Middle Tennessee takes the field against Michigan on Aug. 31 in its season opener, some unique fans will be in the Big House cheering on the Blue Raiders.
Manciel, a Detroit native, has never gotten to play college football in his home state. To say he and his family are excited for the opportunity might be an understatement.
"A lot of my folks from up north will get to see me play for the first time, and that's going to be great," he said. "That'll be a heck of an experience."
Taking on the Wolverines will be the start of what promises to be an emotional last season in the blue and white for Manciel.
It's been a short five years in the trenches, he said, going from a redshirt season as a true freshman to playing sparingly the next year, then entering the starting lineup as a redshirt sophomore.
Last season, Manciel played in all 14 games as a team captain, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference USA in a career year. He had 31 tackles, including four TFLs and two sacks.
In his last year, Manciel wants to take it up another notch. He has a personal goal of reaching double-digit sacks while leading the team both on and off the field.
"My peers voted me as a captain for a second time, and that's an honor I don't take lightly at all. I feel blessed for that," he said. "I'm just taking everything in, from the hard work out here to laughing in the locker room. I just want to take it a day at a time. Anytime I'm around these guys, I'm having a good time."
Registering double-digit sacks isn't something defensive tackles strive for often. But, if Manciel can focus on a few things — "reading your keys … and doing things Coach West's way," he said — it's entirely possible.
"If we do our job up front, it makes everything easier for the guys behind us," Manciel said. "It's just something I feel like I need to do, and I want to go out with a bang. We pride ourselves as a defensive line, and there are other guys in that room who want to go for double digits too."
No matter if he reaches double-digit sacks or not this season, Manciel will be remembered by his team and coaching staff as a leader both on the field and off it.
Admittedly, he also wants to be remembered for his sultry singing voice.
Josh Vardaman is the staff writer for goblueraiders.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Vardaman
and also follow @MTAthletics for more on the Blue Raiders.
Derek Mason LIVE: Presented by The Boulevard Bar & Grille Week 2 (Video)
Tuesday, September 02
MTSU Football Weekly Presser Wisconsin 9/01/25
Monday, September 01
MTSU Football vs Austin Peay Postgame Press Conference 08/30/25
Sunday, August 31
Blue Raider Breakdown Postgame Show - August 30th
Sunday, August 31
