Two officials set for four-star California OT Manasse Itete, two more to be announced
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Ride them out of the pocket or knock ‘em down, one way or the other Manasse Itete is getting the job done. The Democratic Republic of the Congo transplant has taken to football in the states with ease working over California defenders with his footwork and power. Teams see the upside in the 6-5, 292-pound, Class of 2024 tackle putting 17 offers in his hands. Two official visits have been set with two more set to announce this week.
Now lining up with Modesto’s Central Catholica, Itete is learning his new playbook and getting extra coaching preparing for his senior run.
“Every day I am working one-on-one with my coach at school,” Itete said. “On Monday, we start group workouts. I am working on my technique and learning the plays, I just transferred, to catch up with them.”
While Itete may be playing catch up with the playbook, he is not behind in the weight room.
“My power clean max is 275, my hand clean is also 275, my back squat is 510, and my bench press is at 300,” Itete stated.
Itete shared what he feels are his strengths as an offensive lineman, “I’d say my run block… and on pass block, I am good; it depends. At this school, our coach does it differently than the way I learned; I am learning. With my pass blocking, I am good. I am very solid.”
Of the 17 offers, the vast majority of the programs are working to sign Itete.
“I’d say there are 10 or 12 teams reaching out,” Itete shared. “FSU, Utah, Washington, ASU (Arizona State), Miami, USC, Auburn, Kent State, Oregon State, Oregon, Cal-Berkeley, and Maryland.”
Offseason visits took Itete to Miami, FSU, Arizona State, Washington, Cal, and USC. The Trojans made an impact.
“It was pretty good,” Itete stated. “I had a great time. I am going back for an official.”
The Hurricanes impressed as well.
“That was good too,” Itete shared. “I had a great time with their coaches, and I spent time with the players. It was good.”
The time in Tallahassee was so worthwhile, Itete plans to return.
“That one was amazing,” Itete said. “FSU was amazing. I don’t want to schedule out all my official visits yet, but FSU will be on my list.”
Speaking of the list of official visits, Itete has two scheduled.
“I am going to Utah June 16-18 and to FSU June 23-25,” Itete stated. “I will add two more on Tuesday.”
Itete broke down his interest in the Utes and Seminoles.
Utah: “Utah is a great program. They are back-to-back Pac-12 championships. I see what they do with players in the football world; they put out a lot of linemen to the NFL. Coach (Jim) Harding (OL), they always say I can be better. He’s a guy I can see myself playing for. We have a great association, that’s why I like Utah.”
FSU: “When I went there, they were straight up with me. They told me stuff I wanted to hear, but they told me how hard it is to be a D-I player and to get playing time. Coach (Alex) Atkins (OC/OL) is a great coach. He’s been doing a good job with his players. The freshmen he’s helped, you can see the changes. I have a great relationship with him. Darrick Yray (GM personnel), I have a great relationship with him. That is why FSU is on the list.”