Priority Recruit Salesi Manu Talk BYU Official Visit

On Saturday, BYU suffered a loss to conference foe Iowa State. One thing was clear from BYU's loss to the Cyclones: BYU needs more talent to compete in the Big 12. That was expected while BYU makes the transition into a Power Five conference. Recruiting is the key to fixing that problem and the cornerstone to BYU's future in the Big 12. The Cougars are actively looking to add players that can contribute early in their careers in Provo. One of those priority recruits is Nevada native Salesi Manu.

Manu was in attendance for BYU's game against Iowa State. We caught up with Manu to get a recap of his BYU official visit.

On what was his favorite part of the visit, Manu said, "Getting to talk to the coaches...I met Coach Pouha and Coach Kalani." Defensive line coach Sione Pouha has been Manu's primary recruiter over the last few months. It was Coach Pouha that extended Manu a scholarship offer last month.

While the game didn't go in BYU's favor, Manu was still impressed by the atmosphere at Lavell Edwards Stadium. "It was the most energetic game I’ve been to," Manu said. Manu has already taken official visits to Cal and Washington State.

Getting Salesi on campus is an important step for a BYU coaching staff that would love to add him to the 2024 class. Manu's recruitment has accelerated over the last few months. He has picked up offers from Washington State, Cal, Boise State, Oregon State, and BYU since the start of October. He also holds competing offers from Arizona State, Colorado State, Nevada, Fresno State, and San Diego State among others.

Manu will be making his college decision over the next month or so. "I’m planning on committing after the December 9th weekend or at least before the December signing day," Manu said.

It doesn't take long to see why Manu has become such a coveted prospect on the recruiting trail. He has good size at 6'3, he's physical, and he's quick off the line of scrimmage. Manu is the kind of recruit that could earn early playing time at BYU.

The Cougars would do very well to bring Salesi into the fold. Salesi is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which gives him a connection to the university. BYU's new defensive coaching staff will make Manu a top priority until he makes his college decision.

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