Brent Brennan's UA football culture 'feels like family' for Arizona linebacker Jabari Mann

Most of Arizona’s additions since the hiring of head coach Brent Brennan have been prospects from the transfer portal or junior-college ranks, but the Wildcats finally signed a high school player for their 2024 recruiting class after three-star linebacker Jabari Mann signed with the UA on Monday.

Mann, a 6-foot, 200-pound senior at Junipero Serra High School in San Bruno, California, previously signed with San Jose State but was granted release from his national letter of intent when Brennan left SJSU for Arizona.

Mann is rated by 247Sports.com as the 52nd-best overall prospect in California for the current recruiting cycle. He also played running back at Junipero Serra but excelled at linebacker, racking up 120 tackles in 19 games over the last two seasons.

“He is explosive,” UA linebackers coach Danny Gonzales said. “He’s really twitchy. As you watch some of the clips, you can see how physical he is. He runs from sideline to sideline.

“He has speed and speed is something you can’t coach, so we’re really excited to have Jabari on campus.”

Mann is “a natural football player,” Gonzales added.

“There’s things that you don’t need to coach,” Gonzales said. “He follows the ball and can see guys in front of him. He’s explosive and can change direction on a whim. When he hits you, you know he hits you.”

Not only is Mann a two-way football player, he’s also a two-sport athlete, running the 100-meter dash and four-by-100-meter relay along with long-jumping.

Mann joins a linebacker room that returns several returners, including All-Pac-12 linebacker Jacob Manu, Justin Flowe and second-year players Taye Brown, Kamuela Ka’aihue and Leviticus Su’a. The Wildcats also signed Rancho Cucamonga, California linebacker Stacy Bey to their 2024 recruiting class.

Mann joined “Spears and Ali” on ESPN Tucson and discussed signing with the Wildcats, following Brennan from San Jose to Tucson, and what track has done for his football career. Here’s what he said:

What made you sign with Arizona?

A: “It was a long and thoughtful process. It took a couple weeks with me and my family to talk things over, but I just felt it was best for me to get out of my (national) letter of intent with San Jose State and see what comes after that, and Arizona was one of the first teams to (reach out) — I mean, Power 5 (team) and I already have a great relationship with the coaching staff. How could I turn that down?”

What are your observations of team culture under Brennan from his time at San Jose State?

A: “Basically how he brings teams together as a family. Coming from Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, Coach (Patrick) Walsh is the same way, and I can see what Coach Brennan does correlate to what Coach Walsh does. It feels like family any time I was around (San Jose State) or the football team in general.”

Since you didn’t take an official visit, what were the selling points that made you sign with Arizona despite never stepping foot on campus?

A: “He didn’t give me any specifically, but just knowing the whole coaching staff. I just put trust into that and knew I’d be in the right hands.”

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How do you see yourself fitting into Arizona’s defense?

A: “Going off what I’ve seen last year, all the linebackers are sideline-to-sideline and drop into coverage, they can fill in the run. I like how the linebackers hit up there, too.”

Have you talked to Arizona linebackers coach Danny Gonzales from his time as head coach at New Mexico?

A: “We haven’t had any connections prior but based off everything I’ve heard from Coach Brennan and people on the staff, he’s a great dude. The way he coaches, they said it’s impeccable, so I’m ready to get down there and start running for them.”

How much does running track help your football skillset?

A: “It helps a lot. Track gets you faster, so me doing workouts with the team and staying in shape, getting my muscles right. Long jump helps you with explosiveness, so that helps a lot. You have to be explosive when you tackle or when you’re running in general. I appreciate the track coaches for bringing me in and making sure I’m getting myself ready for the next level.”

What was the reason you started playing football? Who was your biggest influence?

A: “Mainly because of my dad (Eddie Mann) because he played (defensive end) at Fresno State in 2003. When he told me that as a little kid, I was like, ‘I’m going to play football, too.’ I always told him that I was going to be better than him, this and that. He always put in the time and effort with me to make sure I can do that.”

How much has football benefited your life?

A: “It’s benefited me a lot. It kept me from detrimental things. I haven’t been able to stop loving the game. It brings a pure joy into my heart. I don’t see myself going away from football for a very long time.”

Who do you model your game after?

A: “My coaches say I play like Devin White from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

What kind of player are the Wildcats getting out of Jabari Mann?

A: “They’re getting, physical, hard-working (player). I’m a team player and I love doing what’s best for the team, creating opportunities for my teammates to make plays.”