Player Profile: Manny Arceneaux

Emmaunel Arceneaux hauls in this
pass vs. the Buffalo Bills
last Friday evening vs.
the Bills

Today we will continue the player profile series by profiling wide receiver Manny Arceneaux.

Manny Arceneaux was a member of the Vikings practice squad for 15 weeks of the 2012 season and was activated when injuries plagued the Vikings. Arceneaux was signed by the Vikings in January 2011 after 2 successful seasons in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions. Manny has seen minimal action on the field during his time with the Vikings organzation, but has been successful this preseason. Arceneaux led the team in receiving yardage in last Friday's game with two receptions for 50 yards, including a 48 yard reception from Sage Rosenfels.

Before his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Arceneaux attended Peabody Magnet High School and lettered in football and track/field. He was an All-District wide receiver and free safety and was an honorable mention placekicker during his senior season.

He was then recruited by Alcorn State University, where he committed to play wide receiver. While at Alcorn State, he was president of the student-athlete advisory committee, while recording 99 career catches for 1,618 and 12 TDs on the football field.

Following his time with the Alcorn State Braves, Arceneaux was signed to the BC Lions of the Canadian Football league and made the Lions' active roster after training camp. Arceneaux had an outstanding debut season, starting at the wide receiver position for all 18 games and recording 63 catches for 858 yards and seven touchdowns. He caught a touchdown pass in each of his first three games and had two 100-yard receiving games during the season. In addition, he came up clutch in the playoffs recording recording 12 catches for 189 yards. In 2010, he continued his success by catching 67 passes for 1,114 yards, and five TDs

Watching him play in the CFL brought the enjoyment of acrobatic plays and catches that amazed opponents and fans. His sheer athleticism and catching ability intrigued eight NFL organizations to host him for a workout. He later was signed on a three year contract with the Minnesota Vikings in January of 2011.

Check out this highlight video of his time in the CFL with the the BC Lions. You will notice his ability to get open in space and his nice hands.

After battling through training camp in 2011, Arceneaux made his way onto the Vikings practice squad, where he worked to improve his game. Arceneaux came into training camp this season with the mission of making the active 53 man roster. Manny has impressed the coaching staff and has been in the hunt for the final wide receiver spot.

Wide receivers coach George Stewart recently stated in an interview with Judd Zulgad, that Manny Arceneaux was one of the most improved players he has ever coached. This is a huge statement coming from Coach Stewart who has one of the best coaching pedigrees in the NFL. Stewart has coached the likes of Terrell Owens, Roddy White, and Jerry Rice throughout his tenure. Coach Stewart is the best wide receivers coach in this league and I trust his insight and perspective.

I would like to see Arceneaux used more over the course of the next few weeks. I love his abilities which include catching and leaping that he displayed while in the CFL. He has an excellent stature, coming in at 6'-2" 211 lbs., which is great size for a wide receiver in this league. In addition to his size he has great speed, which he displayed in his 40 yard dash time that resulted in a 4.44.

Through Arceneaux's athletic ability and the hard work he has put forth to reach the NFL, Arceneaux has the chance to sneak on the 53 man roster. He is absolutely a player to watch over the two remaining preseason games.