I can't seem to grasp why freshmen phenom Manti Teo sticks out so much. Between the new visor, practice jersey, the golden dome, or his large 6 foot 2 244 lb stature, its hard to tell what actually sets him apart from other freshmen. To me, it's a combination of fearlessness and swagger that makes his helmet seem more golden than all the others. Manti doesn't have the freshmen nerve, the face that shows fear and nervousness, a deer in the headlights look, that all the others have. He tackles any opposition and any goal that lays in front of him (pun intended) without any timidness. Apart from all this, Teo entered practice at an astonishing 244 pounds, tied for second with Toryan Smith for the largest linebacker. He is already physically ready to start, a feat which hardly any player conquers their first year, ie Jimmy Clausen. He stands toe to toe with starting WILL linebacker Brian Smith on the depth chart, and will likely end up with a starting spot by the end of practice. Not only his he physically ready to play, but it seems as though he has already grasped the feel of the college game. "Zeke, you went the wrong way bro" says Teo. Not only is this a sign of leadership, but a sign of nerve, something we as Irish fans should be ecstatic for. I strongly believe the Teo will not only start, but he will also contribute significantly to the 2009 campaign. Manti Teo is The Real Deal.
