Interview: 2018 California LB Christian LaValle Talks Arizona State Sun Devils Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As sure as the sun rising in the east, over the past two years one thing fans of Mission Viejo High School (Santa Ana, CA) football could count on is Christian LaValle playing his backside off coming up with 100-plus tackles per season with double-digit tackle for loss totals. All the hard work on and off the field led to offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, and Arizona State. On Tuesday, June 20, LaValle put his recruiting process to rest verbally committing to the Sun Devils.

As mentioned, any college football linebacker coach in the country that took time to scout LaValle knows what he can deliver on the field. The 6-1, 225 pound, play stopper came up with 108 tackles, 53 solo, 15 tackles for a loss, one sack, and one forced fumble during his sophomore season and topped that in 2016 with 115 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Interest was coming in from all over spreading out to Clemson, TCU, Boston College, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Cincinnati, Fresno State, Nevada, and Texas A&M, among others, but a Junior Day visit to Tempe in March sealed the deal.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with LaValle moments after his verbal commitment to Arizona State to get the inside scoop on how the Sun Devils claimed their fifth verbal commitment to the 2018 recruiting class.

Interview

Christian, congratulations on your commitment to Arizona State.

“Thank you. I just called Coach (Todd) Graham (head coach) committing to him.”

Exciting. Before we get into the heart of your commitment, let’s set the stage leading up to this big moment. How did spring practices go for you?

“They went great. I was more of a teacher to the guys on the team that do not know the system yet. I’ve been in the system for three years now. I was more of a leader this spring getting ready for the season.”

What all did you work on this spring?

“Mostly my speed. I got crazy strong this spring. I lifted really hard.”

What did you max out at in the weight room?

“My bench was 325, 345 on clean, and my squat was 450.”

Did you go to any college camps this off-season?

“No. I did not go to any college camps.”

Which schools came by your school this spring to see you?

“Army, Navy, Air Force, Stanford, and Texas A&M. I talked to a bunch of coaches but those were the main ones. Arizona State came by twice.”

What interaction did you have with the ASU coaches when they were on campus to see you?

“Really, it was pretty minimal. They did not talk to me that much. Coach (Phil) Bennett (defensive coordinator) was the first to come by to see me. We shook hands and he let me know that we will be talking more in the future. After Coach Bennett, Coach (Keith) Patterson (linebackers coach) came by practice. We talked a little bit after practice but then we talked on the phone afterwards. That is when he offered me.”

You visited Arizona State for one of their Junior Days in March, did you take any other unofficial visits this off-season?

“No. I wanted to see who was genuinely interested in me. If they were around a lot and in contact with me I was going to go visit them. I was set to visit TCU, Army, Navy, and Texas A&M. I had a spot at ASU. I knew that is where I wanted to go so there was no reason to wait any longer.”

You knew you wanted to commit to Arizona State, what made you feel like the Sun Devils was the best fit for you?

“Everyone says they get that feeling when they step on a campus. I got that feeling at ASU. I knew I loved Coach Patterson, Coach Graham, and Coach Bennett. I knew I would fit in well with their defense. There is an opportunity to play early there and an opportunity to make a difference right away.”

As mentioned, you just committed to Coach Graham personally. What was his reaction when you told him?

“I kind of gave him a heads-up with some good news last night with a text asking to talk to him today. But they were excited. They have been committed to me 100 percent since they offered me. Coach Graham said the defensive coaches are happy to coach me in college. This has been a heart-warming experience with ASU. I am really excited right now. They have welcomed me from day one.”

How did you feel at that moment when you were about to verbally commit?

“Honestly, how blessed I am to be able to commit to a Pac-12 school, get a full scholarship at the school I feel most at home at, and get to play football in college. Arizona State is amazing. Their football program is amazing, their coaches are amazing, and the school is amazing. Everything hits me right at home with ASU.”

How will they use you in defense?

“They are recruiting me as a similar type of player like DJ Calhoun and Christian Sam. I could play either Mike or Will linebacker at Arizona State.”

Do you still plan to take your official visits during your senior season?

“I am dead set on these guys. Even if I have a killer senior season with other big colleges that come into play, I will stay committed to ASU. ASU has been my spot since day one.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“I’m not sure yet. I don’t know what they want me to do with recruiting.”

Have you set up another visit to ASU?

“I have an unofficial coming up in July and then I will take an official sometime later this year.”

What are you going to do with the rest of your summer?

“Get ready for the season and train hard. That is about it – just football.”

Christian, again, congratulations on your commitment to ASU and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: LaValle family; Christian LaValle with Coach Patterson at ASU.

Photo credit: LaValle family; Christian LaValle at ASU.