Exclusive Interview with Chargers UDFA FB Anthony Manzo-Lewis

The Albany Great Danes football program certainly isn’t the first school you think of when you say college sport. And there’s probably a reason for that. In their history, they have only had 13 players sign for NFL teams. To put that into context, Alabama had 12 players selected alone in last month’s draft.

In 2018, another was added to the list. Los Angeles Chargers signed undrafted free agent full back/tight end Anthony Manzo-Lewis to a 3-year contract. The versatile offensive piece lined up in multiple positions in his senior year. From blocking for a number of running backs, to catching passes as a tight-end. He caught 20 passes for a total of 188 yards, last season.

Another tight end, Brain Parker, was the last Great Dane to enter the league. Like Manzo-Lewis, he was also signed by the then, San Diego Chargers, back in 2015. Parker is now under-contract by AFC West rivals the Denver Broncos.

At 6’0″, 257 pounds, Manzo-Lewis has a size advantage over the only other fullback on the roster, Derek Watt (6’2″, 234). The competition with Watt will be one to watch as the Chargers head to camp.

Before that, I got the chance to speak to Manzo-Lewis, prior to him making the journey from coast-to-coast:

HERD: Firstly, congratulations on becoming coming a Los Angeles Charger, how does it feel?

HERD: I think that’s something that can really benefit the offense. Coming from your college, New York State – Albany, all the way to the West Coast to Los Angeles is quite the journey! How are you feeling about this?

HERD: Has your preparation changed at all from pre-draft to signing with the Chargers? Have they asked you to work on anything specific before camp?