Nease juniors sees the letters piling up

Ponte Vedra (Fla.) Nease safety/outside linebacker Mannie Wellington is a versatile player and is starting to attract attention. With a brother already at the next level, he has the genes to excel. Although still very early, colleges are already starting to show interest, and several have already moved to the top of his list.

Wellington grew up cheering for Miami, but now lists Iowa, South Florida, Tennessee, Florida, and Syracuse as his top schools. He has already been receiving mail from Iowa, Air Force, South Florida, Army, Tennessee, Methodist, and Youngstown. His brother, Trey Wellington, plays defensive back for Jacksonville University.

“I just want a school with a good education and a great environment,” he said.

A three year starter, Wellington stands 5-foot-10, weighs 200 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash 4.5 seconds. He feels he will play safety in college, but this season he has been playing outside linebacker and recorded 44 tackles (20 solo, 10 for loss), one sack, three fumble recoveries, and three pass breakups through the first five games of the season. He was named all-county as middle linebacker last year.

“I have a nose for the football,” Wellington described his playing style. “I love watching film to find out little details. I am a smart football player.”

While the season is nearing its end, Wellington has a major goal that no one at his school has ever accomplished.

“Palatka is our toughest opponent, and that will be a big game for us,” he said. “Nease has never beaten them and that is the one team in our way of making the playoffs.”

Wellington is an excellent student with a 3.5 GPA and should have no problems qualifying academically. He has yet to take the ACT or SAT.