WATCH: USC OL commit Manasse Itete shows off his strength in summer workout
USC commit, Modesto (Calif.) Central Catholic four-star offensive tackle Manasse Itete, is about three weeks away from the season opener of his final season in high school. In preparation, Itete is fine tuning his body to be in the best shape possible for a dominant season.
Itete went to Twitter recently to show off some of his training he is putting in. In the video he posted, Itete can be seen repping out 405-pound back squats. The video starts when has already begun, but the 12-second video captures three of his reps.
Anytime you see any high school prospect repping out 400+ pounds, it’s an impressive feat, even for a 6-foot-4, 290 pound offensive lineman.
Itete is the No. 354 overall prospect and No. 24 offensive tackle in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 31 player in California.
On3 rates Itete higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 206 overall prospect, No. 19 offensive tackle and No. 16 player in California.
WeAreSC post-commitment evaluation
This is the synopsis I wrote in June when Itete announced his commitment to USC.
“I think the biggest thing I enjoyed about Itete’s film is simply his power. He is 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, so of course he has some size and weight to put behind his blocks. But his power in his hands is what caught my eye. Once he gets his hands on you, you’re not getting away. I also really liked his use of leverage and knowing how to turn blockers away from the play. He also takes advantage of putting defensive lineman off balance, allowing him to finish blocks and drive them backward or into the ground. I think his athleticism and flexibility will grow at the next level but he has already shown an ability to get blocks at the next level and move well. His size doesn’t lock him into one position so they can experiment with him when he arrives in Los Angeles to see whether interior or tackle best suits him.”
On3 Evaluation – Scouting and Rankings Assistant Cody Bellaire
“Versatile offensive lineman who has the density and length to play inside or outside at the next level. Raw prospect who has the athleticism and size to develop into a top-tier NFL prospect. Does an excellent job using his length to initiate contact with defenders. Possesses immense power in his punch. Has the foot speed and initial burst to mirror in pass protection. Needs to develop his spatial awareness and work on tying his feet to his shoulders in order to stay square against pass rushers. Very moldable piece of clay that can develop at tackle or guard at the next level, just depends on his ability to prevent rushers from getting to the quarterback when forced to pass protect on an island.”
