Modesto athletes celebrate football success on National Signing Day

When Manasse Itete came to America, he thought he would be a basketball player. High school star, McDonald’s All-American, Division I recruit — the works.

It wasn’t until he decided to play football as a sophomore at Modesto Christian that those goals shifted.

After two years of hard work in the offseason, Itete went from an unheralded prospect with raw skills to a four-star offensive lineman with polished footwork to go along with his 6-foot-7, 270-pound frame. He had his pick of nearly any Power Five college he wanted, from Oregon to USC to the University of Miami to Florida State.

“I came for basketball, I did not know much about football,” Itete said. “But today, I was able to sign to play football with a big Power Five school. We all have our own plan, but God has something for us.”

For his senior season, Itete transferred from Modesto Christian to Central Catholic High School, where he played eight games after serving the Sac-Joaquin Section five-week sit-out period. He finished his high school career playing on both sides of the ball, blocking for the VOL MVP, quarterback TP Wentworth, and First Team All-League running back Joey Alcutt. Defensively, he recorded 21 tackles and was named an All-League First Team defensive lineman.

On Wednesday, the first day of the Early Signing Period, Itete and teammates Anthony Todd and Brooklyn Cheek joined thousands of athletes across the country in signing National Letters of Intent to play college football.

Itete signed with Florida State, Cheek with Cal Berkeley and Todd with Simpson University.

Cheek, a three-star safety, finished his three-year varsity career with nine interceptions, 23 passes defensed and a fumble recovery. This past season, he led the raiders with 71 total tackles and finished his career with 152 tackles.

“The coaches there are amazing,” Cheek said of his decision to pick Cal. “They know football and they get a lot of players into the NFL and they’re great family men, and there was a family aspect out there.

“I’m excited to continue getting better and play with people that are as good as or better than me every single week.”

Jeremiah Bernard, a defensive back/receiver from Modesto Christian, made good on his commitment to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he could see action on both sides of the ball during his college career.

Bernard as a senior was named the Trans Valley League’s Outstanding Receiver and received first-team honors at defensive back and receiver. He finished the 2023 campaign leading the state in receiving yards (1,479) and added 20 receiving touchdowns. He also finished the 2022 season as the state’s leader in receiving yards, posting 1,313 yards.

They are multisport athletes

Itete, Bernard, Cheek and Todd are all multisport athletes, something colleges look for when recruiting high school prospects.

Itete was an all-state big man as an underclassman at Modesto Christian and was key in helping the Crusaders secure a section title. He is also expected to suit up for the Raiders this season after serving a sit-out period. Todd, who joined the Raiders from Gregori High, also plays on the Raiders’ basketball team and is a thrower on the track team.

In addition to football, Cheek runs track. Last season, he ran the 200 meters and was on the 4x100 relay team.

Bernard at Modesto Christian is not only a star on the gridiron, but is one of the leaders on the basketball team. He is a two-time section champion and a NorCal champion. His role is expected to increase this season. Through the Crusaders’ first three games, he’s averaged 9.7 points, four assists and 1.7 steals.

He signed his letter of intent with his mother and father at his side. The 200 people in Anderson Gymnasium for a basketball game between the Crusaders and Enochs High also witnessed one of the state’s most dynamic playmakers sign his letter of intent to the Mustangs.

Bernard thanked his family, friends, teammates and coaches from the basketball and football teams as he wiped sweat from his brow after playing nearly the whole first half of the Crusaders’ win. He finished the game with 15 points.

“I’ve always done both (basketball and football) my whole life,” said Bernard, who signed his NLI at halftime. “Football really didn’t start picking up until my junior year when I had a pretty good season. I’m going full steam ahead in football now.”

Support from family and friends

The three Raiders signed their letters of intent in front of a packed lobby at the Mark Gallo Health and Fitness Center.

Family, friends and coaches were decked out in their college gear for an event not many high school athletes get to participate in.

“Every time we have one of these, I talk about how it’s the highlight of my job,” said Central Catholic athletic director and lineman coach Billy Hylla.

Simpson University assistant coach Jerry Grimshaw made the drive to Central Catholic to support his newest defensive signee. Todd noticed, giving him a special shout out during his address to the crowd.

“I picked Simpson University because it felt like home,” said Todd, an All-VOL First Team defensive lineman. “We got to sit down in the church center and there were six baptisms there. I just felt God there and that’s what I need in my life.

“(Playing football in college) is a new reason, a new why — a new reason to get up and grind. It’s a blessing to call it my new home.”

Todd played primarily linebacker at Gregori High, but at Central Catholic found success on the defensive line. Coaches at Simpson will decide his primary position in college.

“I’ll play anywhere they want to put me, I’ll be blessed to play anywhere,” Todd said.

Wednesday was not the only day high school football players sign. The final day of the Early Signing Period is Friday. The Regular Signing Period begins Feb. 7 and ends April 1 for Division I signees and Aug. 1 for those signing to Division II schools.

Gregori High lineman Ethan Lowell, the CCAL Outstanding Offensive Lineman, likely will sign during the regular period, according to Jaguars coach Lamar Wallace. After receiving a preferred walk-on offer from Eastern Washington University, Lowell on Dec. 5 announced his commitment to the Division I university.