Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

IOWA CITY – The impact Julian Manson has on a football game is virtually the same whether the West High senior two-way standout is playing offense or defense.

It’s how Manson approaches his roles on each side of the football that is drastically different.

Defense is all business for Manson, an Iowa recruit that projects as a linebacker for the Hawkeyes.

Offense, that’s the fun for Manson who ranked in the top five in Class 5A in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns last season.

“Offense is fun but defense is where I need to lock in,” Manson said. “On offense I can just be more creative and have fun but on defense that’s where I have to be locked in all the time.”

A notorious stickler for focus and attention to detail West High coach Garrett Hartwig is fine with the differential in approach for Manson as he switches sides of the ball.

It certainly helps for Hartwig that when having his fun on offense, Manson is among the most difficult pass catchers to defense in the state.

“I’m ok with kids saying that because the game should be fun,” Hartwig said. “When you are having fun you play loose and when you play loose you play your best.”

Manson was at his best last season.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Manson emerged as one of the top overall players in the state and one of the most uniquely talented athletes to come through West High.

As a wide receiver Manson ranked fourth in 5A in receptions (52) and receiving yards (867) and was second in receiving touchdowns (13).

Defensively, Manson ranked fourth in Class 5A with a team-high 86.5 tackles while helping West High to a 6-5 record and a spot in the 5A quarterfinals.

“I think it speaks to his athleticism and physically he has developed so much in the last few years,” Hartwig said. “He looks the part and more importantly he plays the part. He doesn’t talk much he just does it.”

Manson is a classic mismatch on offense.

He is too big and strong to be defended by defensive backs and too fast and elusive for linebackers to cover.

Manson averaged 16.7 yards per reception last season and was at his best as a red zone target hauling in 13 touchdowns.

“Offense, it’s not a break but it’s kind of a break,” Manson said. “It’s fun. I just go out there and do what I do and make plays.”

Defense is where Manson get serious.

In his first two varsity seasons Manson played everything from defensive back to defensive line.

Growing up in playing pee wee football in Connecticut Manson was an offensive and defensive lineman.

As a sophomore at West High he made 31.5 tackles and had two interceptions playing primarily defensive back.

Manson found his sweet spot at inside linebacker where he excelled a year ago earning first-team Class 5A all-state honors.

“He can move like a defensive back and hit like a defensive lineman,” Hartwig said. “He’s a great leader and that’s the key.”

Manson provides a playmaking anchor in the middle of a West High defense that returns eight starters and five of its top seven tacklers from last season.

“I feel like I’ve improved my football IQ,” Manson said. “Especially playing inside linebacker last year was pretty new to me and now I feel a lot more comfortable just reading my keys and playing downhill.”

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