S Peter Manuma (Hawaii)
6’ 205lbs # 34
Do you miss physicality in your safeties? Those 2000-2014 safeties that make those hits that get you out of your seat. Let me introduce you to Peter Manuma. Before I get too sentimental before this seems like a really basic, exaggerated comp because he's also a Polynesian safety.. I see so many elements of Troy Polamalu in him. His eagerness to disguise his coverages to sneak back into the box and disrupt the middle, his art for late blitzes to disrupt the quarterback or stop the run. I genuinely enjoyed his fearlessness to play and attack anywhere on the field, his sideline-to-sideline ability is genuinely impressive. He’s constantly looking to be involved in every play, whether on defense or special teams, he just wants to be out on the field ready to seize the next play. Peter Manuma on film is a nostalgic throwback safety that fans miss.
Peter Manuma from Ewa Beach, HI played for James Campbell High School. At Campbell High Peter was on varsity all 4 years, displaying positional versatility playing all sides of the ball (RB, LB, CB, as well as safety). He earned First Team All-OIA Open Division honors in 2019 recording 21 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 4 sacks, 1 interception, and hauling in 14 receptions for 88 yards as an RB. He graduated in 2021 and chose to stay home at Hawaii taking their offer over Central Michigan.
After committing to Hawaii Peter was immediately thrust into the starting lineup. As a freshman, he had 70 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. As a sophomore, he followed that freshman performance with another impressive year including 87 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 interceptions, and 4 pass deflections.
Family has been a vital part of his life. During his freshman year following a practice, Peter Manuma got notice that he lost his mother after her long battle with breast cancer in October 2022. The following day at practice he was showered with love from his teammates, showing their support, and reminding Peter that his football family was here for him during this difficult time. He credits his mother for instilling his work ethic, grittiness, and the idea that if you want something you have to work hard to obtain it. When asked by his coaches if he needed time away after his mother's loss, Peter as a freshman showed his commitment and dedication to his team, doing what his mother would have wanted him to and he played. An honorable action to keep going despite a very difficult time in his life. That game against San Diego State was not only an incredible tribute honoring his mother being out on the field but the team, the coaches, and the fans went all out honoring his mother with him. In an emotional game, Peter managed to finish with 8 tackles, an incredible way to pay tribute.
He became a husband and a father shortly after, beginning his new family. His wife gave birth during the start of training camp for his senior year. His supportive wife encouraged him to get back to the field as soon as they were comfortable at home with the newest addition. 8 days later he was back on the training camp field working with and mentoring his teammates.
His coaches have given him incredible praise for his work ethic and leadership, as a two-time captain for Hawaii, he received multiple All-Mountain West honorable mentions and finished his senior season earning the defensive MVP awarded by his teammates and coaches.
Manuma finished his 4-year college career only missing 3 games, and had career stats of 280 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 interceptions, 20 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles in 49 games. A very impressive career.
Despite this career performance, and the incredible legacy left behind for Hawaii, the NFL didn't have him on the radar. There was no Senior Bowl invite, no Shrine Bowl, no American Bowl, no NFL combine invite, no call on draft night, and no team even called to sign him as a priority UDFA. I wasn't able to find enough of why he wasn't considered to get any invite to showcase his talents. What I will say following the birth of his daughter he had even more reason to keep pushing forward. As his mother instilled in him, hard work and a belief can get you what you want in life.
All Peter needed was a chance, one team to give him an opportunity. The Patriots were his opportunity, during the Patriots rookie mini-camp he was invited to try out, and on May 11 he was signed. He now joins the Patriots in training camp and has immediately shown dedication willing to play anywhere the team will assign him, while his family is still 5,000 miles away back in Hawaii. It's a grind, it's difficult to be away from your family as you're chasing your dream, but as his mother has always told him “hard work pays off”.
The Patriots currently have 7 safeties he's competing with, it will not be easy. What I will say if he were to make this team, he can be a spark this defense needs. A disruptor on passing downs, and pursuit ability to track down ball carriers and prevent a big run. He's physical, he's violent, and with a nose for the football, he's constantly looking to be involved in every play. A ton of attributes Coach Vrabel has stated they're always looking for. I think he would be an excellent addition to the safety room to serve as depth. I also know his commitment to special teams won't go unnoticed as it has been a part of his game since high school. He's willing, he's got a unique, reminiscent approach to the safety position that's lacking in today's game. He's probably going to be seen as too aggressive seeking the big hit over a more natural controlled tackle, rather he cleans that up or continues to play his style it's up to him he just has to ensure he closes the deal and brings the play to a halt. Ultimately it's up to what he leaves out on the field, the impression he makes on the coaching staff, and stacking days that can help him make the 53.
I love stories like this and I think it's a story that deserves to be told. Never giving up, belief, and hard work can help you achieve. He's doing this for his family, he's doing this for himself, and his commitment to the game and this opportunity are on the complete opposite sides of the country from his family. This is the story fans love, and root for, sacrifice to achieve your dreams, dedication to your craft and family, working your ass off for that one opportunity, that one chance, you have to make a 53 roster, to keep grinding day in day out, week in week out, year in year out, to maintain your role on the team, and be able to provide for your family, chasing your dream.
Best of luck, Peter Manuma!