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Bears Win Big Recruiting Battle Adding Kahuku Safety Aiden Manutai

July 12, 2024
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The Bears added a major piece to their 2025 recruiting class with the addition of Kahuku (Kahuku, Hawaii) High School safety Aiden Manutai‍ today‍, beating out stiff competition for the talented DB as he chose the Bears this afternoon on a YouTube livestream.

The opportunity to play with teammate and Cal commit Lebron Williams‍ and new QB commit Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele‍ played a big role in the newest Bear’s commitment to Cal.

"I just felt Cal was the place I need to be, especially with Jaron and LeBron going to Cal," Manutai said "I know they have the same mentality and the same goals as me so that's the people want to be surrounded by and Coach Tre and TB and the whole staff made it easy for me."

"This journey actually honestly has been pretty amazing - stressful and amazing," Manatai's mother said after the commitment announcement. "We're very grateful and blessed for it. We're excited for Cal. They have a really great academic program along with their coaching staff. So we were really excited when he made the decision to go to Cal.”

The 6-0/195 4 star safety brings a combination of elite coverage skills for a safety along with a big-hitting style that’s made him a high target for many programs in the country, with the Bears beating out finalists Washington, Tennessee, Nebraska and Arizona along with Oregon, Penn State, Miami and more. Manutai’s skills were on full display with his pick-6 in Kahuku’s 30-23 upset win over national power St. John Bosco in 2023 on their way to their state championship. It was one of two interceptions Manutai returned for touchdowns last season and one of three overall.

https://www.youtube.com/live/sVsnILLAFVk?si=ZEop4cp6Zp6MUb0X&t=553

Rated the #1 prospect in Hawaii and #233 overall by ESPN, Manutai took his official visit to Cal in May along with OVs to Arizona in April and Tennessee, Nebraska and Washington in June before choosing the Bears.

Manutai becomes the Bears’ 15th commit of their 2025 class, joining Kahuku DE teammate Lebron Williams‍, QB Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele‍, RB Anthony League‍, WR Meyer Swinney‍, TE Jacob Houseworth‍, OT Mike Klisiewicz‍, OG Ben Howard‍, DL Ike Okafor‍, LBs Carter Jones‍, Beckham Barney‍ and Ke’Breion Winston and DBs Kaden Cook‍, Jae’on Young and Tre’ Harrison.

Related:

Bears Get Their Top QB Target With Commitment from Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele

Liberty OT Mike Klisiewicz Stays Local With Cal

Discussion from...

Bears Win Big Recruiting Battle Adding Kahuku Safety Aiden Manutai

5,374 Views | 7 Replies | Last: 4 mo ago by going4roses
blungld
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Wow! Seems like an amazing addition. Great player and person. Go Bears!
Big C
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Welcome to the family, Aiden; we're glad you're choosing Cal! Go Bears!!!
bear2034
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This is awesome. I was certain he would go to either Oregon and Washington where many players from Hawaii go. I like this trend.
dimitrig
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Nice get!

I hope he can contribute right away!

HearstMining
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I'm very encouraged by Cal getting this guy. My rule of thumb on recruiting is to ignore the stars - but really pay attention to what other schools offered scholarships. Recent history has had Cal competing with Washington St, Oregon St, San Diego St, Vanderbilt, etc. Getting a guy who was recruited by Washington or Tennessee says Cal is now attracting a higher quality player. Now the only question is: will Aiden actually walk on campus in 2025?
Cal88
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Aloha Aiden!
going4roses
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Welcome to the family !!! Go Bears
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