The lineman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also considering Florida State, Oregon, Miami (FL) and other top programs.
The Bruins have made the cut for a fast-rising prospect in Northern California.
Class of 2024 offensive tackle Manasse Itete announced his top 10 programs in his recruitment through 247Sports on Wednesday, and UCLA football made the cut. The Modesto Christian (CA) lineman earned an offer from the Bruins in June after appearing at the Sacramento State Rising Stars Mega Camp.
UCLA joins Arizona State, Cal, Florida State, Maryland, Miami (FL), Oregon, USC, Utah and Vanderbilt as the programs that are still vying for Itete’s commitment. Itete also had offers from Arizona, Oregon State, UAB and Nevada, but those schools appear to be out of the running for the time being.
UCLA hosted Itete for a gameday visit back on Sept. 30, meaning he witnessed the Bruins’ primetime win over Washington.
Itete moved to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo and played two sports for Modesto Christian. During his sophomore season on the hardwood, Itete averaged 10.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 61% shooting from the field and earned All-State honors for his age group.
However, after bursting onto the scene as a football player over the summer, Itete’s focus has been on football, appearing at underclassmen camps around the country throughout the basketball season. At the National Prep Showcases event on Feb. 4, Itete left the camp winning offensive line MVP.
247Sports and Rivals have Itete pegged as a three-star prospect, while On3 and the 247Sports Composite have the 6-foot-5, 272-pound lineman listed at four stars. According to the 247Sports Composite, Itete is ranked as the No. 24 class prospect in California, the No. 19 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 259 overall player ins class.
UCLA has already earned an offensive tackle commit for the class of 2024 when three-star Joshua Glanz committed on Jan. 29. The Bruins have four additional offers out for tackles other than Itete and Glanz.
Four-star offensive tackles Brandon Baker, Isaiah Garcia and Justin Tauanuu are still mulling over offers before they make a decision regarding finalists and eventual commitments. Fellow four-star Nathan Roy included UCLA in his top seven Thursday afternoon.
Old Dominion transfer Khadere Kounta and rising redshirt sophomore Garrett DiGiorgio will likely hold down the offensive tackle spots for the Bruins this season.
However, depth could become an issue after 2023. If offensive line coach Tim Drevno secures Itete’s commitment, the rising prospect could help solve that issue for UCLA.
Follow Royer on Twitter at @thebenroyer
Follow All Bruins on Twitter at @FN_AllBruins
Like All Bruins on Facebook at @FN.AllBruins
Subscribe to All Bruins on YouTube
Read more UCLA stories: UCLA Bruins on Sports Illustrated
Read more UCLA football stories: UCLA Football on Sports Illustrated
PHOTO COURTESY OF MANASSE ITETE/TWITTER
