Interview: Arizona State Impresses California 2018 LB Christian LaValle on Unofficial Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Lead Photo by Raymond Joyce

Twitter: @RaymondJoycePho

College coaches are seemingly finally cluing in on the vast amount of talent being produced at Mission Viejo High School. Over the last two seasons the Diablos have been one of California’s best teams capturing a state title with a perfect season in 2015 and then posting an 11-1 record last year. One of the big producers for Mission Viejo ready to keep the southern California squad on top in 2017 is linebacker Christian LaValle.

LaValle was a game changer for the Diablos during his junior season racking up 108 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, forced a fumble, and notched a sack. The 6-0.5, 220 pound, play-maker has the strength to back up the numbers with a weight room max on power clean at 315, deadlift at 525, and a bench max around 315 pounds.

Interest is starting to build for LaValle especially after a strong showing at the Under Armour All-American camp held in Orange County in February. Among the teams talking to and keeping an eye on LaValle includes Stanford, Cincinnati, Wake Forest, Yale, and Boston College. Arizona State is yet another with the Sun Devils inviting the rising talent for a Junior Day event on Saturday (March 18).

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with LaValle covering his time with the Sun Devils gaining insight on how the staff impressed one of their potential targets in the 2018 class.

Interview

Christian, let’s set the stage for your visit. Who went with you to Arizona State this weekend?

“Jarrett Patterson (4-star Mission Viejo OL) and I with both of our families.”

When did you guys get to Tempe?

“We got there last Friday night – around 11:00.”

What all did you do during your visit on Saturday?

“When we got there they took our height and weight and then we watched their spring practice. That was their first day in pads. The energy was great and it was pretty intense. It was fun to watch. After that we did a facilities tour and we did a campus tour.

“When that was over we talked to the coaches one-on-one for a little while and then we watched a highlight reel. They talked to us about their new facilities. There new facilities will be insane. After that they did a closing thing with the coaches. The coaches told me they are coming out to Mission (Viejo) in the spring. We did a photo shoot in the jersey. I got a last word in with the coaches for a last impression with them before I see them in the spring.”

Sounds like you did a lot. How long did the event run?

“From 8:00 to 4:00 p.m.”

How did the visit go overall and what was your lasting impress of the program and staff?

“I loved Coach (Todd) Graham’s (head coach) philosophy on football. He is smart and tough. He is really structured, super intense, and super passionate. I loved everything he said. Their linebackers coach, Coach (Keith) Patterson, I loved everything about him too. He reminded me a lot of my coach now and how he teaches. Everything he was saying and teaching were all the keys and everything I am learning now and what I would continue to learn if I played for their program. I felt like I would fit in well with him in college.

“One other thing to add. ASU is known as a party school but I got a different view from the coaches. Their team GPA has raised in the last four years. Their graduation rate has increased. They are out achieving Stanford and Cal in academics areas. That peaked my interest even more. I am going to college for an education not just to play football. That was a big factor for me from their Junior Day.”

What did Coach Graham or Coach Patterson talk to you about while you were there?

“Coach Patterson is coming out to watch me in spring ball. We talked about ASU linebackers and how they are coached. I was thinking there is no better spot for me that I have seen so far. They are really high up on my list. I kept looking at my parents. I was think how awesome it was. The facilities are great. The education awards they have won over last four years are impressive.”

Did the coaches tell you were you are at with their recruiting process?

“Not really. I know they want to see me move and play in the spring. They are coming out to watch me in the spring and they have seen my reel. – we’ll see where it goes from here.”

Do plan to visit the school again anytime soon?

“They want me to come back for a camp. I have a family wedding that week. I am bummed out about that. I want to come back in July. I want to see that new facility. I want to be in front of the coaches a lot.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits scheduled coming up?

“I’m going to Yale on the 31st and to Princeton on April 2. I’m invited to Oregon’s Junior Day on April 8th. I’m also doing a photo shoot on the eighth with the Lemming Report.”

Have you set your camp schedule yet?

“I’m in contact with Boston College every week. I’m still figuring out my camp circuit. I want dates to line up. I want to go to Boston College, Stanford, and maybe Cincinnati. Going to Cincinnati depends if I am going back to see family or not. I may go to San Diego State too.”

Do you have any new recruiting interest?

“Arizona State is pretty new. Other than that the same guys are keeping in contact but it is picking up for me. That’s a great thing for me. I am really excited about the process. Oregon’s offensive line, Coach Mario Cristobal, invited me to their Junior Day. That is exciting.”

Christian, thanks for your time today and congratulations on a successful visit to Arizona State.

“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.