Glades Central DB Gary Mann (’26) is tired of being overlooked.
Throughout his high school career, Mann has quietly risen through the ranks to become one of Palm Beach County’s premier defensive players. Despite being one of the top lock down defensive backs in his class, Gary is still slept on. After the Raiders 38-14 rout against Seminole Ridge last Friday night, I’d advise we change that.
Gary Mann showed up to the Ridge game with the intent to show who the real Hawk on the field was. When the dust settled and the final whistle blew, Mann left with an incredible stat line for a nickel/ safety, coming away with 7 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup and a forced fumble. This shut down stat line was enough to garner him NewEraPrep Week 1 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
After reflecting on Friday night’s battle, Gary shared:
“There’s no such thing as a perfect game.” Mann stated. “While I had a really good showing on Friday, there were also some things I need to continue to build on. I’m very happy with how things went, but I most certainly am not content. That game served as a good momentum booster for me personally, but also for the team.”
I followed up with Gary about the momentum/ trajectory of the squad, where he firmly stated:
“I want to prove to the state that Glades Central football is back in business. The Muck is back, and we run it.”
Despite only being a Glades Central Raider for a little over two months, Gary has sang the praises of the program including second year HC Omar Haugabook, stating that becoming a Raider is one of the most influential decisions he’s made during his high school career.
“It’s the best transition I made since I’ve been in high school. I’ve seen myself grow on the field by becoming more confident in the way I play and playing more freely not worrying about making a mistake.” Mann stated “Off the field during the summer, I’ve been focused on getting bigger, faster, and stronger. I’ve also been watching a lot of film based on the positions that I play.”
“Coach Omar is one of the best coaches I’ve had on and off the field. He teaches the game in a new way to me, and that’s allowed me to grow. Off the field, Coach Omar makes sure everyone’s good and taken care of…. He acts like a father figure and a real role model in our lives.”
As we move deeper into the season, Gary vows to continue making a statement every Friday night, being unable to be denied by Opponents, Scouts and Media. Mann broke down his mentality and play style, showcasing how he can help a team win at the next level.
“My play style is being smart and aggressive. I can play over top at safety, I can come down in the box as a linebacker, I can lineup in the slot at Nickel, and I can line up out wide at corner. I can play all over the field wherever a coach needs me to play I will do it. I want college coaches to know that I’ll give it 110% on and off the field. I’ll be the first one to meetings and the very last person to leave the field after practice. I am a hard worker and I love to compete. College coaches that are looking for dogs, they need to look no further than Gary Mann.”
Gary Mann currently holds Offers from Western Kentucky, West Virginia State and Eastern Michigan.
Cover Photo Credits: Alex Muniz, NewEraPrep
