Manasse Itete, 4-star offensive tackle, previews 4 official visits, taking USC trip this weekend

Central Catholic (California) four-star offensive tackle Manasse Itete. is still fairly new to the game of football.

But there's no question he's picked it up quickly.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle, originally form the Democratic Republic of Congo, has just a few years under his belt, but has already accumulated nearly 20 scholarship offers and earned an invitation to the Polynesian Bowl. 

While he's flattered by those opportunities, the No .12 offensive tackle in the 2024 class is already beginning to seriously cut down his list.

Itete has announced a top five of Florida State, Oregon State, USC, Utah and Washington and announced his first four official visits.

He will take trips to USC (June 2), Oregon State (June 9), Utah (June 16) and Florida State (June 23).

First up, of course, is USC this weekend, where Itete has been impressed with its tradition.

"USC is a powerhouse," he said. "They are doing a good job with guys at different positions, and also they're moving to the Big 10 against a lot of big dawgs."

Leading the charge in his recruitment has been offensive line coach Josh Henson. 

I had a great relationship with Coach Henson, and he’s very different in the way he recruits guy." 

Oregon State will get the second visit. 

"Coach Jim (Michalczik) is doing a great job developing guys," Itete said. "He’s been in the league and he also played at a high level. Coach Jim was honest with a plan for me for the next couple years in terms of development." 

The Beavers have earned national praise for the cohesion along the offensive line, and that improvement has extended to the whole roster. 

"Last year, they did a pretty good job and we saw a lot of improvement on the team," Itete said. "I do believe they will keep doing better." 

Itete's third trip will be to Utah later in June.

The Utes have been on the rise in the Pac-12 Conference, and that intrigues Itete. 

"Utah is a great program and a powerhouse that develops guys like me who are new in the game (football)," he said. "They're doing a great job with that. Coach (Jim) Harding was honest with me during this process and he has a plan to develop me over the next couple of years."

Florida State is set to receive Itete's final June visit - and it could be a big one.  

"I chose to visit Florida State because they are building something different," he said. "Coach (Mike) Norvell and coach (Alex) Atkins, they were straight up with me this whole time and they've come up with a plan for me. I also like my relationship with coach Darrick Yray." 

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