From the Congo to California: Modesto Christian lineman’s journey to 4-star recruit
What originally started as a way to stay in shape has turned into a chance at a scholarship for Modesto Christian lineman Manasse “Mana” Itete.
The junior grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where opportunities to play sports didn’t come very often. When he got the chance to explore athletics, he started playing soccer, but after a brief exposure to basketball, he stood out with his athleticism.
“I played basketball back home for three months and then I had the opportunity to come to the U.S.,” Itete said. “That was crazy because I didn’t even know how to dribble. I was big, I was like 6’2”, 300 something (pounds), but I was dunking the ball. … Everyone was like, ‘People can work with you on this stuff. You can be good.’”
Itete (pronounced ih-teh-tee) was just a freshman when he arrived in California, more than 9,000 miles from his home, in January 2021.
His father had a plan for sending his son to the United States: Have Itete get a good education and work toward a basketball scholarship.
He is hosted by the Phillips family whose son Jamari played football last season and is a standout basketball player for Modesto Christian. The junior is one of the top players in the nation for his class and has received scholarship offers from more than 15 schools including UCLA, Arizona State and Louisville.
The family volunteered to host one of three Congolese transfer students and seeing that Itete was the only one in Jamari’s class, they jumped at the opportunity to host him.
“I don’t know how all the dots got connected. I guess it was just by luck,” Deneen Phillips, Jamari’s mom said. “We were like, ‘Perfect, now we have twins.’”
Before he could worry about athletics, he had to overcome a language barrier. When he arrived in the States, he didn’t know English, but slowly, as he spent more time interacting with classmates and teammates, his third language started to become more natural.
Basketball started slowly, too.
He didn’t play much the summer of his freshman season and was looking for a way to stay in shape during the off-season.
“Coach Brice (Fantazia) and (Jerry) Grimshaw told me to just try football,” Itete said. They said it’s gonna get me in good shape. And then when it’s time for basketball, you’re gonna be ready.”
He battled an ankle injury most of his sophomore football season but played in two games.
It’s not like Itete played football and forgot all about basketball. The footwork transferred perfectly. He was a key member of a Crusaders team that won a Sac-Joaquin Section title and a CIF Northern California regional title before finishing second in the state to Centennial of Corona. He played power forward, was the team’s third leading scorer, averaging 10.4 points a game, and led the team in rebounds with 6.9.
“I didn’t want to do (football) at first,” Itete admitted with a smile. “(I thought) it would be too painful.
“I played the last two games. I didn’t even know what I was doing. After those games, coaches said I had great footwork, just keep working. Then I played basketball and after the season, I decided to go to some camps and everything just went crazy.”
After a football camp at Sacramento State this past summer, Itete picked up five Division I football scholarship offers. His measurable numbers were off the charts, and when people asked him how long he had been playing, they were shocked to find out it hadn’t even been in pads for a full year.
“I think what draws people to him is potential because he’s not a finished product,” Grimshaw said. “It’s rare to see a 6’6”, 270-pound guy that can move like he does. They see the athleticism and say, ‘Boy, I can work with that (skill set).’”
Since then, it’s been constant attention from schools, much more than the average Division VI football player. He is now rated a four-star recruit and Florida State, USC, UCLA, Oregon and Vanderbilt are just a few of the schools that have offered him scholarships to play offensive line.
“They talk to each other about the recruitment process,” Deneene Phillips said of Itete and her son. “They joke around like, ‘You never know, we might end up at the same school together.’ They’re having fun on and off the court, pushing each other and motivating each other. That’s the blessing and benefit of having both boys together. “
Itete’s story has drawn the eyes of many. High school and college coaches as well as local media outlets have taken interest in not only his football talent, but also his amazing perseverance and story.
Itete has helped the Crusaders this season as well.
Modesto Christian (6-4) earned a 10 seed in the Division VI playoffs, its first postseason appearance since 2018. The team lost to Twelve Bridges on Friday night in a first-round matchup.
Though the offensive line doesn’t get much credit, Itete’s impact was hard to miss.
“I don’t think he’s given up a sack all year,” Grimshaw said. “He’s just doing a really dominant job.”
The Crusaders suited up 17-20 players most of the year so everyone played both ways. Itete lined up at left offensive tackle, defensive tackle and defensive end.
He protected for Ross Widemon and Raymond Corral Jr., who combined to pass for 2,332 yards and 22 touchdowns. A stable pocket gave them time to find Jeremiah Bernard, one of California’s top receivers with 1,233 yards (fifth in the state) and 12 touchdowns.
What do his parents have to say about his success? He’s not sure. They remain in the Congo, and though he speaks to them, he hasn’t even told them he plays football.
“My parents don’t know much about American football,” Itete said. “Sometimes we watched back home and they were like, “No, this sport is not good for you.’ I don’t want to make them worry. If good things come, I will tell them.”
Just like with learning a new language, picking up a completely new sport takes time. Itete’s been a quick learner.
“Last year, he didn’t know anything. He got to play in a couple games and that helped a bit,” Grimshaw said. ”It’s been exponential growth because now you teach him something and you can build on that to the next thing.”
Part of that process has included watching more of the NFL. Itete watches a lot of San Francisco 49ers nine-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Trent Williams. He went to watch training camp, where he had the chance to meet Williams.
“That’s my guy,” he said. “He’s a cool guy.”
Itete says he will continue to play basketball at Modesto Christian, but it’s safe to say football has taken over his life, and as he gains experience opportunities will come too.
“This summer when he goes off to camps and gets even more technique work, that’s gonna be fun,” Grimshaw said. “That’s a chance for him to really, really excel.
“By this time next year, I wouldn’t want to go against him.”
This story was originally published November 4, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
