Sunshine State Surprise: Manuel flips from Gators to Seminoles

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It was a fitting end to the recruitment of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy's Shavar Manuel on Wednesday as the four-star defensive tackle announced that he had decommitted from Florida and instead was signing with the rival Florida State Seminoles. He announced the decision in a video posted at Bleacher Report.

It was the conclusion of a topsy-turvy recruitment that started with a rumored commitment to Florida State in early 2015. Manuel, who officially visited Florida State last weekend, apparently saw all he needed to make the change.

While Manuel's late flip might seem like a shock, the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder actually had a longstanding relationship with FSU assistant coach Lawrence Dawsey. He also built a strong bond with defensive ends coach Brad Lawing and defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins throughout the year.

Manuel said at the Under Armour All-American game in January that he was still considering the 'Noles.

"I'm still very interested in Florida State," he said. "I have a very good relationship with Coach Lawing and Coach Dawsey. I'm actually still pretty high on them."

Manuel becomes the second pledge from IMG Academy to sign with the 'Noles. Kicker Ricky Aguayo enrolled at Florida State earlier this year.

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