ALLEN PARK — It’s possible the Lions could have found another Penei Sewell type player when they moved up in the fourth round of Saturday’s NFL Draft to select offensive lineman Giovanni Manu. He’s the first player drafted in the NFL from the University of British Columbia.
Manu, who is 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, was considered one of the more interesting draft prospects since he has never played football in the United States.
He was born and raised in Tonga which is a short plane ride away from Samoa, the home of Sewell.
“I look up to Penei a lot, I do study a lot of his film. I do think he’s the best tackle in the league right now,’’ Manu said on a conference call on Saturday. “He moves so fluid for how big he is. He’s an inspiration to the Polynesian community.’’
Manu said he watched Sewell’s draft process and remembers him saying that any Polynesian kids who want to make it to the NFL can do so if they put their minds to it.
“I was in my second year of college when he said that and I remember that it really motivated me,’’ Manu said. “I told myself if one of my Polynesian brothers can make it there’s no reason I can’t do it either. He’s a true inspiration to Samoa and the whole Polynesian community. It (will be) great to play with a guy to soak up as much information and technique from him.’’
Manu moved to British Columbia from Tonga, where he played rugby, when he was 11 to get a better education and have a better chance at a good life.
He was introduced to football via a two-minute highlight reel of Ray Lewis at work and started playing in 10th grade.
His impressive Pro Day included a 4.96 40-yard dash and a 33.5-inch vertical. He made a visit to the Lions and was impressed with GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.
“I loved my visit overall and I remember leaving and telling myself I felt at home here and I would not mind at all if these guys took a chance on me and I’m happy to be here now,’’ Manu said.
He played mostly left tackle in college but said he’d be happy to play wherever the Lions needed him the most.
“I think discovering American football has been the greatest blessing in my life and I love the sport,’’ Manu said.
Six picks later the Lions drafted running back Sione Vaki from Utah. (Stay tuned for more.)
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