3-Star 2020 OL/DL Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia Talks Mater Dei Transfer and Motivation from Above
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Being a tailback for La Habra High School during the 2018 season, if the play was called to follow behind right tackle Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia an extra gear of motivation had to come knowing there would be an opening and a chance to make a play. The Highlanders played some of the best teams California had to offer in the Division II ranks in 2018 taking on Upland, Calabasas, and Notre Dame along with D-I Mission Viejo. With every game, except the Calabasas showdown, Ueli-Fa’atoalia was there. The one game missed brings a tear to the eye, celebrating the life and passing of his father. Ueli-Fa’atoalia’s loss served as an extra determination to show the world he can play throughout the rest of his junior campaign. That fire in the belly has led to five offers from Arizona State, Fresno State, Iowa State, New Mexico, and Washington State with top teams still taking a look.
The offseason has brought another change for Ueli-Fa’atoalia, a move from La Habra to back-to-back national champs Mater Dei. With the move, that may bring a change in full-time positions for Ueli-Fa’atoalia as a defensive tackle for the Monarchs. For an update on everything, I sat down with the 6-3, 300-pound, three-star recruit for his insight.
Interview
Andrew, you do it the right way on the field, but ain’t no denying you are nasty on the field when the ball is snapped. What do you do before a game or before each series to get into the mindset that you are going to dominate opposing defenders?
“Basically, I take it play by play and one by one. I don’t think plays ahead. I am thinking about that play, what the QB calls, and what I need to do.
“My story, I have not put this out there yet. I lost my dad, that was a big factor in my season. My dad got to watch one game last season and then I lost him. I did not play against Calabasas. From there, my mindset was all in his memory. Once he passed, I had a big chip on my shoulder. I wanted to have a good season. I had one less supporter in the stands, but he is now watching me from up top.”
So it seems, every other play on your game film is you smothering some guy like a line cook or planting a defender like you were a gardener. Did you track your pancake and/or knockdown blocks last season?
“No. I did not.”
What would be your guesstimate?
“On average, I’d say probably 15. Most of the teams ran a 30-front, in 40-front, I got more one-on-ones.”
What were defensive tackles or ends trying to do last season to get past you? What kind of looks were you getting from the defenses?
“If anything, they were just trying to be fast off the ball. Most of my pancakes came from my run blocking. I was getting into the guy in front of me and driving him.”
The Highlanders played a lot of really tough teams last year, especially out of league and in the playoffs. Of the top games played, which team did you turn in your best performance?
“My best performance was probably Upland, even though we got a loss in that game. I kept the pocket clean. My job was keeping (5-star LB) Jonathan Flowe out of the backfield. I was keeping my eye out for him. When he did come my way, I picked him up. That was a challenging game and my best performance. Mission Viejo, that was one of our other harder games that was a fun challenge.”
How did your pass protection improve last season?
“It improved a lot from my sophomore to junior year. Going to MITT (Men in the Trenches) with Coach Jesse (Sapolu), my footwork and not biting on the bait from defensive linemen all got better. I had fast reactions. Defensive linemen like to dance in front of you spin, what have you.”
What about your run blocking?
“My run blocking improved a lot. Everything I did got better from MITT. I was learning a lot and soaking up knowledge like a sponge. I was in the weight room all the time and working on my technique with my coach, my side Saturday workouts, and college camps. I was moving better.”
You recently transferred to Mater Dei, how is the transfer going?
“It is going good. The biggest thing to adapt to was the academics. Mater Dei has a different academic level. It has been a challenge, but it is all starting to click. It was a smooth transfer football wise. Mater Dei is a good fit for, it really is.”
Are you playing right tackle again in 2019 or will we see you at a different position?
“I believe Coach Rolo has me on defense. I told him I would play anywhere the team needs me.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this spring preparing to play defense?
“I am working on having quicker feet, my hand-eye coordination, and the weight room is a big focus here. Over the offseason I am also working a lot on speed and agility.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“I have maxed out in the weight room. I got 530 on squat and my bench is 375.”
Impressive. Are you going to any camps this offseason?
“I am probably going to a lot of college camps, I am not focused on the national camps. I want to go to some college camps to make connections with college coaches to help make my decision. I will go to all the camps I have offers from: Washington State, Iowa State, and Fresno State.”
You mentioned your offers, how many do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“I am receiving interest from UCLA, they have asked for my transcripts, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Oregon State.”
Nice. Have you taken any visits this offseason?
“I took one to Fresno State recently. Once I get school out of the way this year, I will take visits during our three-week dead period.”
How did the Fresno State visit go?
“It went really well. I really liked it up there. There are not so many distractions. It is different from LA. We saw a practice and I met the coaches. I met Coach (Ryan) Grubb, he is their offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, I met Coach Roman Sapolu (asst. OL), and head coach Jeff Tedford. It went really well. I like the relationship I am building with Fresno State. Brian Clay (dir. of campus rec.), he set that up really well. We got a tour of the facilities, the nutrition hall, the training hall, and the weight room. I got to put on some gear and take pictures as well.”
Do you have any planned visits set?
“I am trying to get to Wazzu (Washington State) and I want to shoot over to Arizona; I want to see them. Iowa State would be the last one. Any other chances I get to visit a school I will take it.”
Andrew, I appreciate your time today with all that you shared of your personal life, on the field talents, and with your recruiting. Congrats on the successful transfer and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ueli-Fa’atoalia family; Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia at Fresno State