Colorado defensive tackle Dylan Manuel has had the Buffaloes’ Week 1 game against Georgia Tech circled on the calendar since he got to Boulder.
New to the Buffs this season, Manuel played high school football at Stockbridge (Ga.) where he helped lead his team to a state runner-up finish in 2023. Fueled by the return to his native soil, he has extra motivation to dominate on opening night.
His family, friends and former coaches will all be in attendance to watch him take on the Yellow Jackets on Sept. 3.
“Just to play in front of [them] means the world to me because of what I did back at home in my high school,” Manuel told BuffStampede.com. “I just could show them what I can do in college now and just play for my family back at home.”
Manuel is at his third college in three years but has elevated his level of play each season. He began at Charleston Southern in 2024, playing in all 12 games as a freshman. In 2025, he played for Appalachian State, recording 37 total tackles, three sacks and an interception.
While the stats may not jump off the page, it's because they’re not supposed to. Manuel’s unique approach to the game is what makes him valuable.
“What I came here to do is stop the run. I said that in spring, so that's really our main focus right now,” Manuel said. “Then try to help the guys around me to play the best as they can, even when I'm not on the field.”
The concept is simple. Put a 300-pound man at the center of the defense and make two offensive linemen have to clear him out the middle. With proper technique, the defensive tackle should take on the double team to create an open path for his teammates.
Manuel, at 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, has the selfless mindset and frame needed to embrace this part of the scheme.
“I take a whole lot of pride in it because if I take two, Gideon [Lampron] or Tyler [Martinez] or Liona [Lefau] can come down free and just hit the running back in the mouth,” Manuel said. “So, I really love that, taking two and then just leaving my backers free. That's what it's all about.”
Luckily for Manuel, in defensive coordinator Chris Marve’s scheme, two defensive tackles will help clear a path for three total linebackers in the personnel. The base 4-3 defense that Marve has shown in camp puts heavy emphasis on stopping the run.
With a new team and opportunity at the Power 4 level, Manuel will need to perform. This season, he is taking on the challenge with a clear head and high expectations.
“I love pressure. Pressure bursts pipes, and my pipes are not going to burst,” Manuel said. “I just try to go out there and be consistent as much as I can every single day. [My goal is] to help the team win, get back to what Colorado used to be and leave my mark here.”
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