Via Manuma was named to the first team All-Conference team this past season. This is special because Via started his college career as a running back and switched to defensive end his junior season. This past season, Manuma led the team with 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss in only eight games. These stats ranked him 5th in the nation in sacks and 7th in tackles for a loss.
Q: How have you been preparing for the game on Monday?
Via: I have been running and working out before I got here. Also, I dominated in our first practice during our 1 on 1’s with the offensive linemen. I feel pretty good and healthy and ready to play.
Q: If you were talking with a scout, how would you pitch yourself?
Via: I would be honest with the scouts on every question and would let them know that they won’t regret having me on their team and I would do anything I could to make it on the roster.
Q: Why did you decide to play in the Dream Bowl and what do you expect to get out of it?
Via: I decided to try it out for another opportunity to continue play the game that I love and hopefully to get a chance to play on another level of football.
Q: What is your best memory playing football?
Via: My best memory of football is what I have done not only for my teammates and school, but for making my family proud, especially my parents who supported me throughout my whole career. Also, my other best memory is giving back the community what I have learned in football.
Look for Via Manuma on January 16th in the Dream Bowl. He will be wearing #93 on the Crusaders Red team.
Photo Courtesy of Southwest Baptist Athletics
