WATCH: Shavar Manuel UA jersey presentation

Five-star defensive tackle Shavar Manuel received his Under Armour All-America game jersey presented by American Family Insurance on Thursday in front of teammates, coaches, faculty and friends at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive tackle said playing in the prestigious all-star game has been a dream of his since he was a young kid.

“It’s a blessing,” Manuel said. “From Pop Warner days and even in the back yard just throwing the football around ... just watching the game throughout the years and seeing all of the great ones that have come from the Under Armour game. It’s just a blessing and a dream come true. It keeps me motivated and keeps me going in the right direction.”

The 12th-ranked prospect in the country has a top four of Auburn, Florida, Florida State and LSU and plans to take official visits to LSU for its game against Florida on Oct. 17 and to Auburn for its game against Georgia on Nov. 14. Manuel also plans to take an unofficial visit to FSU for the Miami game later in the year.

This past weekend, Manuel was on hand to watch Florida make a dramatic comeback and beat Tennessee 28-27. The Tampa native came away impressed with what he saw from the Gators.

“It was an insane visit,” Manuel said. “It was an insane game -- a nail-biter -- it had me sitting on the edge of my seat the whole game. Florida never gave up. They are going to try and show the nation this year that they are no pushover. They have a team goal that they are trying to achieve this year.”

Manuel has no timeframe for when he’d like to announce his decision.

Q&A with Shavar Manuel

What is your first football memory?

"Growing up, I wasn’t really able to play football because I was always so big. I had to wait until the 7th grade to really play. I was an athlete in those days and played anything from quarterback, running back and tight end, and now I’m a defensive end or tackle. Playing all those positions is really my first memory of football though."

If you could start a team with any other player in this class who would it be and why?

"I’m a defensive guy, I believe defense wins national championships. So the one guy I’m going to have to go with is Savion Smith. He’s a lockdown corner, press guy, he’s a big corner, physical and it’s hard to get by him."

If you could play 1-on-1 with any professional athlete in their sport, who would it be and why?

"I think I’d pick Kevin Durant to play 1-on-1 in basketball. I met him one time in person when the NBA Finals were down in Miami. He seems like a real cool guy. Where he comes from and his work ethic, he just seems like a real down-to-earth and a real good person."

Are there any players that you remember watching in the UA game as you were growing up?

"Amari Cooper, Jameis Winston and Jadeveon Clowney. They just looked like they were having fun. They were playing hard but at the same time they were playing smart and just having fun and a good time."

What number do you wear in high school and is there a reason why you wear that number?

"I wear 46. I didn’t choose it for any specific reason. It was just the number I was given when I started playing high school and I’ve just kept it the whole time. I thought it was a pretty cool number to me at the time. It doesn’t really mean anything to me, but I’m sure by the time I graduate and go to college, it will mean something to me."

What is something that not many people know about you?

"Most guys on the team think I’m hilarious and just a funny guy. I also can’t just sit still, I always have to be doing something."