Northern Star: Taye Manns

In the first four games of the season, Manns has found the end zone 18 times, tying his season total from a year ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dolphins legend Mercury Morris once said “In practice, I run every play like I’m scoring a touchdown.”

Duluth Denfeld running back Taye Manns has been doing the same this fall, except he’s doing it in games.

In the first four games of the season, Manns has found the end zone 18 times, tying his season total from a year ago.

“I just follow my blockers. Normally they block for me really well so I just follow the hole and when I hear the crowd start roaring, then I know I’m gone and I just run as fast as I can to the end zone,” said Manns.

With Manns putting up multiple 6’s week after week, it could be a surprise to outsiders but not to the one calling plays.

“His mentality is he wants to be the best who’s ever played here. That is every game getting to that 200 yard rushing mark is his goal,” added head coach Erik Lofald.

And with video game stats becoming the standard for Manns, opportunities past this season are starting to come.

“Yeah I’ve been getting probably texts from maybe two schools every week about games and me wanting to go on visits over there,” said Manns.

However, that’s in the future and Manns has business to do now.

“Mostly I put it all into this team. I just want our team to succeed,” added Manns.

But when the future does come, some can see him being the most talked about Hunter since current Viking C.J. Ham.

“Everybody talks about C.J. and C.J is definitely one. They’re just two different runners. When it’s all said and done, I think in the modern era, Taye will be of the best who’s ever played here,” said Lofald.

Manns and the Hunters will visit North Branch on Friday. Kick-off is at 6 PM.