Mustafa Rasuli expressed his gratitude to family, friends, coaches and teachers who helped get him to this big moment Tuesday at the Sierra High cafeteria.
The 6-foot-4, 286-pound lineman signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, accepting a full-ride
“Really blessed to be here,” he said. “I’m not supposed to be here. I did not expect this, and now I’m here celebrating with the people I love and appreciate. Everyone here is part of the process.”
After a rough senior season in which Sierra was beset by COVID-19 cases and health and safety protocols, Rasuli had already accepted that he’d have to prove himself at the junior college level. He was among the Timberwolves to contract COVID and missed almost half the season.
Sierra went 1-9 two years after winning the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship. Rasuli played a big part in the team’s lone victory, a 3-0 defensive battle with Manteca Unified rival Weston Ranch. He had four sacks and a fumble recovery in the contest.
“I went through a lot of adversity, but everyone is put through it,” Rasuli said. “It’s about how you overcome. COVID hurt us, and I know it really hurt me. I didn’t get to play much, but when I did I was able to make an impact.”
Rasuli’s measurements, raw athletic ability and limited game film were enough to convince first-year Graceland University coach Patrick Ross and several others to offer a full-ride scholarship. Rasuli opted not to participate in the pandemic-shortened 2021 spring season but remained in the weight room to improve his strength,
He held 15 offers in all, including some from NCAA Division II schools. There were also Division I programs that showed interest.
The flood of contacts started after a recruiting visit to University of Nevada, Reno last November. Sierra assistant coach Tony Jimenez took a handful of junior prospects from his 7-on-7 team but asked his contact at UNR if a senior lineman could tag along. Rasuli got a taste of the recruitment process, but this was for juniors who had already established themselves as college prospects.
“They did the measurements on him and were blown away,” Jimenez said. “He didn’t get offers there, but once they posted his measurements it just blew up from there.”
Graceland was the first to contact Jimenez and Rasuli and was the first to offer a scholarship.
“It was a good deal, but then the head coach reconstructed his offer and made it even better,” Rasuli said. “I was like, whoa, they really want me. That put them No. 1 for me, and that’s what led to my decision to attend Graceland University.”
The Yellowjackets are hoping for turnaround under their new coach. At his previous stop, Ross took over for a struggling program and won 11 games in his first season (2004) at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. The Lions won five HAAC titles and made one NAIA Championship appearance under Ross.
Graceland is 2-47 in its last five years and is on a 29-game losing streak. Its last winning season was in 2007, when the Yellowjackets went 6-4. They have just two HAAC crowns (1975, 2005), both of which are shared.
Rasuli will have some time to settle on a position at Graceland. He’ll play at offensive tackle or on the defensive line. He will pursue a degree in criminal justice and aspires to be an FBI agent, if he does not get to play football professionally.
“In February, my hopes were on JuCo ball,” Rasuli said. “As soon as I got the Graceland (offer), more popped up and from there the connections were made. I appreciate all the coaches who reached out. My family and I are just blessed.”
