BREAKING: Seminoles Stay Hot After Flipping International Four-Star Offensive Lineman From USC
Good news is at its best when it comes in waves. The Seminoles are generating plenty of attention as the summer comes to a close and this is a surge that the program is going to want to ride until the very end.
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After picking up a flurry of commitments throughout July, the good news isn't slowing down for Florida State on the recruiting trail.
On Saturday, four-star offensive tackle Manasse Itete announced his decision to flip to Florida State after originally committing to USC in June. Itete pledged to the Trojans following his official last month. However, the Seminoles stayed relentless in their pursuit to get back into the fold
Itete was previously in Tallahassee in April where he was able to take in FSU's Spring Showcase. He spent a lot of time with multiple members of the coaching staff, including offensive line coach Alex Atkins and General Manager Darrick Yray.
The addition of Itete continues a trend of Florida State's involvement with international prospects. The massive offensive lineman is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo but is finishing his high school career in the United States. He's on a similar path as true freshman offensive tackle Lucas Simmons, who was born in Sweden before coming to the States to pursue football.
Interestingly enough, the Seminoles are also heavily involved with four-star center Jason Zandamela out of Clearwater Academy International, who also committed to USC in June. Zandamela also hails from Africa as he's a native of Mozambique. Clearly, the coaching staff is beginning to covet prospects that take the non-traditional route to the college level. It makes a lot of sense as a lot of these international recruits are mature beyond their ages and possess special mentalities.
There's a ton to like about the skillset that Itete brings to the field, starting with his violence and physicality at the point of attack. He will need to refine his tools as an offensive lineman but he's already able to put opposing defenders on the ground with ease. Itete displays promise as a pass-blocker and he's able to get to the second level in the running game.
Itete becomes the third commitment for Florida State along the offensive line in the 2024 class, joining four-star Jonathan Daniels and three-star Tye Hylton.
In total, the Seminoles are up to 19 verbal commitments in #Tribe24. The class ranks No. 7 in the country after adding Itete, five-star cornerback Charles Lester III, and multiple other blue-chip prospects over the last few weeks.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive lineman is regarded as the No. 142 overall prospect, the No. 12 OT, and the No. 15 recruit in the state of California in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.
READ MORE: Florida State Adds Transfer From Ohio State To 2023-24 Roster
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