Mann Getting More Comfortable in Norman

With so many uncommitted prospects in Norman last weekend it was easy to lose sight of players who had already made their college decision to find their way to Norman, Okla. One such player is Burleson, Texas defensive end Kenneth Mann.

The big edge rusher wasn't making his first trip to Norman but it was a unique experience for him.

"It was way different this time, I got to get to see the players outside of football and see what their life was like and how it was going to be for me, getting a closer look," Mann said. "I was surprised by the way that they act, they act like normal people. They aren't stuck up, just like any other players.

"I had a really good time."

On the visit he was hosted by currently redshirting freshman defensive end Dwayne Orso. Though the two may come from very different places Mann says it would be tough for anyone to not get along well with Oklahoma's Alabama-born defensive lineman.

"It was Orso, I think that is exactly why, he was easy to get along with and I guess he knew how to have a good time," he said. "Also D.J. Ward, he is a sophomore from Lawton, the defensive end - he was with me, Orso, and

(Marquise Overton) the other night.

"DJ was one of the more laid back type of guys. We were all just talking and communicating."

The young defensive lineman may be honing his skills as a recruiting host but no doubt has eyes on getting into the rotation in 2015 after completing his redshirt year. That redshirt was a topic Mann had some interest in.

"He did make me more comfortable about redshirting. I didn't know exactly how I was going to feel about it if I was going to redshirt, it made me feel way more comfortable with it after talking to him," he said.

Orso was one of many who took the Sooners tough loss in stride, a reality that impressed the 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive lineman.

"Everybody stayed pretty upbeat. It was surprising because everybody shook it off, no one was too upset. I could tell how the coaches were, they were a little bent up about it but they brushed it off and looked past it. It wasn't too bad about things," he said. "I didn't really hear from the coaches on what they thought about it, but the players just said that it was just a bad game and the game didn't go the way they thought it would."

As mentioned Mann spent a lot of time around fellow defensive line commitment, Marquise Overton. The two didn't know much of each other but over time started to develop a bond Mann thinks they'll continue going forward.

"Me and Q were together all the time, he came out of his shell, they invited more people over and he just came out and was loosening up," he said. "It was, I got way more comfortable. I feel like I know some guys, know what it's like more and the people and know the defensive ends."

Speaking of those defensive ends he had an eye on one in particular during the Sooners Big 12 loss.

"During the game, I did have my eyes on the defensive end, and even in pregame (Charles) Tap(per) was the guy I was looking at - that was the first person I met so I wanted to look at him," he said. "If I could take something from his game, it's his running to the ball and how well he pursues and getting to the ball more."

With his official visit now in his rearview mirror he can focus on the start of Burleson's playoff run in what has become a historic year for the program.

"We've never been (to the playoffs) three years in a row, that means a whole lot to me. It's actual history, it's going to be something that stays at this school, it means a lot to me," he said. "We're really excited about getting started, practice had a whole different feel.

"Being there, definitely it pushes me to improve - I always want to keep on getting better because when I get to college I want to be one of the best."