Outside of Nick Bosa (Ohio State), Shavar Manuel is the most coveted defensive end in the 2016 recruiting class.

Ranked No. 8 overall in the class according to the 247Sports composite, Manuel is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound member of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

The analysts at 247Sports, via the site’s “Crystal Ball Predictions,” installed Florida State as a heavy favorite to land Manuel.

While he could remain in the Sunshine State, the prep standout made it clear he would prefer Florida to FSU, thanks in large part to a desire to play SEC football. Manuel lists LSU, Auburn and the Gators as his top three schools at this juncture.

Manuel’s revelation means the SEC is likely to sign at least seven of the top 10 players in the ’16 class, as rated by 247Sports:

1. DT Rashan Gary (undecided; Michigan holds slight Crystal Ball edge)
2. OT Gregory Little (Texas A&M decommitment likely to sign with Alabama, A&M or Ole Miss)
3. QB Jacob Eason (Georgia)
4. DT Dexter Lawrence (undecided; Florida holds slight Crystal Ball edge)
5. QB Shea Patterson (Ole Miss)
6. CB Levonta Taylor (Florida State)
7. DE Nick Bosa (Ohio State)
8. DE Shavar Manuel (undecided; LSU, Florida and Auburn are top schools)
9. DT Derrick Brown (undecided; Georgia is a heavy favorite)
10. OLB Lyndell Wilson (undecided; Alabama is a heavy favorite)