Capistrano Valley Christian's Benjamin Makelela ready for next step in football journey

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One of the most unique recruiting stories in Orange County football will continue to unfold at Capistrano Valley Christian on Monday.

With high school graduation approaching, the school in San Juan Capistrano plans to honor three student-athletes committed to colleges. One of three will be senior Benjamin Makelela, a 6-foot-8, 275-pound offensive tackle who generated buzz by signing with Iowa State.

Rivals.com dubbed Makelela as one of the biggest recruiting steals in the Class of 2026.

Yes, tiny Capistrano Valley Christian produced a major, under-the-radar prospect in football.

“He was probably under-recruited,” Capistrano Valley Christian football coach Brandon Camarillo said. “In the day and age of recruiting now, it’s obviously tougher for kids to be seen.”

“For Benji to be the size that he is, the power that he has and just be the overall person he is,” the coach added, “I think every school would be knocking down the door to get him.”

Makelela pushes forward with determination.

He left his parents and four older siblings in his native Congo to attend Capistrano Valley Christian starting in November of 2022.

Makelela, who lives with a host family, arrived in Orange County as an aspiring basketball prospect.

He had never played football before but started as a sophomore to have fun with his friends.

“I was like, ‘Why not? Let’s do it,’ ” he recalled. “I got on the football field and didn’t know anything. I started as a tight end.”

Makelela stepped onto the field with plenty of athleticism. He also played soccer and boxed in Congo.

He soon shifted to offensive and defensive line, and developed a passion for football.

Makelela also played basketball at CVC and considered football his “second option” for college. His plans, however, changed as a senior.

“I was enjoying (football) a lot,” he said. “God put that dream in front of me. Put that opportunity in front of me.”

Makelela initially committed to Washington State for football but signed with Iowa State to follow former Cougars coach Jimmy Rogers, who took the helm in December.

“They’re going to develop him the right way,” Camarillo said of Iowa State. “You see the footwork that he has from soccer as an offensive lineman … It’s kind of a match made in heaven. I’m glad he chose to stick with football.”

One of Makelela’s next goals is for his family, including his parents Angelique and Ghyslain, to watch him play college football.

“Just seeing (their) support, even from far away, really made me the man I am right now,” he said, “to do big things for my family.”

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