Roland, Okla. junior athlete Manuel Bunch has been to several Arkansas games this season with the latest being Alabama-Birmingham.
“It's not far,” Bunch said. “My dad loves it up there, he likes all the games. He has a really good time every time we go.”
Bunch, 6-2, 180, 4.53 seconds in the 40 yard dash, has the athleticism to play on the Division I level and is expected to get his share of scholarship offers. He’s drawing interest from Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma State and others. Video highlights CLICK HERE
He likes the atmosphere at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on game days.
“There's no other crowd like the Razorbacks, they have the best fans in the nation,” Bunch said.
Bunch plays quarterback for the Rangers and had completed 59 of 109 passes for 828 yards and 12 touchdowns along with 3 interceptions. He’s rushed 66 times for 370 yards and 5 touchdowns. At safety, he has 12 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Roland has a 7-1 record and is looking to earn a rare title for the school that’s best known for basketball. He said tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. stays up to date on the Rangers’ season.
“He tells me consistently how good of a season or having,” Bunch said. We’re 7-1 right now and if we win out we’ll have a district title. That's a pretty big deal for Roland. We haven't had one of them in a while.”
Bunch is hoping to see the Hogs extend a scholarship offer.
“It would mean a lot the school of that caliber in the SEC,” Bunch said. “It would really mean a lot to me and my family. My brother plays for SMU and that really meant a lot to them when he signed. An offer from Arkansas would mean a lot to the family.”
He and teammate and Arkansas tight end commitment Austin Cantrell make it a challenge for defenses.
”It’s basically run first offense with Cantrell in the backfield most of the time,” Bunch said. “He's a load, Me and him in the backfield and it's pretty deadly. When teams stack the line we definitely usually air it out.”