California 2017 LB Fa’avae Fa’avae Updates Offseason and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One of the more highly anticipated seasons for a California Class of 2017 recruit is just around the corner. When Mater Dei High School takes the field to kick off the 2016 season, the Monarchs will have talent across the board for next level coaches to feast their eyes upon but one linebacker has shot up recruiting boards across the nation over the spring – Fa’avae Fa’avae.

Fa’avae was all over the field at outside linebacker for the Monarchs in 2015 helping his team to a 10-3 mark against some of the toughest competition in the nation. The 6’1”, 215 pound, talent stopped the ball 59 times with 19 tackles for a loss, a pick-six, a strip-six, forced two fumbles, broke up three passes, and pressured the quarterback 20 times affecting play after play.

Arizona State was the first team to offer Fa’avae but that list has grown quickly with teams like Boston College, Hawaii, Louisville, Colorado, Fresno State, San Diego State, Boise State, UNLV, Washington State, Nevada, and Colorado State all extending a scholarship.

Fa’avae and his Mater Dei teammates took part in a USC scheduled 7v7 camp over the weekend, to no surprise winning the competition. The Trojans are one of many teams showing heavy interest in the backyard recruit allowing the staff another opportunity to see his speed, agility, and athleticism in person.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Fa’avae after the camp and unofficial visit with USC’s coaching staff to get an update on his offseason schedule and recruitment headed into the one-day college camp circuit. Fa’avae even shared a little bit about his growing clothing line business that has been ongoing over the past two years.

Interview

Fa’avae, how did the USC 7v7 tournament go for you on Sunday?

“I did well. I got a pick-six, and I tore some people’s heads off.”

Which teams did you play against?

“We were the only high school team there but there were teams from all over So Cal. We won it all today.”

Congrats

“Thank you.”

Have you been to any college camps yet?

“Not one yet. The USC thing was a passing league tournament through our school. We were in the competition. We did individuals with their coaches and then the 7v7 camp.”

Do you have plans to attend any college camps coming up?

“I want to get up to Nebraska’s camp. Their coaching staff said they have a camp every Friday of every week. I want to attend a Colorado and Washington State camp – I’ll get up there this summer.”

What about a USC camp? Do you have any plans to participate in one of their camps?

“They have the Rising Stars camp on June 22. Coach (Johnny) Nansen (linebackers coach) wants me to attend the morning session of their camp. I know they offer a lot of players at their Rising Stars camp. Hopefully I can be one of them.”

Do you have any schools that you plan to unofficially visit but not camp with this summer?

“I’m visiting ASU (Arizona State), Washington State, Colorado, and Boise State. I’m planning on going on all of these visits next month. We go on break next month so I’ll have time. I’m also going to Hawaii during the first week in August. My cousin is getting married then so I want to visit the campus while I am there.”

Have you set any official visits for the fall yet?

“I have set one with Lousiville.”

Are any schools showing heavy interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“SC (USC), Michigan, and Nebraska. Those are the three right now that are standing out.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 14 offers.”

Nice. How is your offseason training going?

“It is going great. I ran a 4.6 a couple of weeks ago with my trainer. My bench max is at 335, I felt good about that. Next month we move into squat max.”

You have a clothing line with your dad (Fa’avae) that is really growing – Moguls and Mansions?

“Yeah, that is another branch of Island Avenue (name of their business). Island Avenue is the block we grew up on. Our goal is to give back to the streets. My dad and I started it two years ago. We are teaming up with Big Brand. We have a new line that we are launching on Thursday. We did a photo shoot for it on Saturday.”

What type of apparel?

“Everything really. All street wear – T-shirts, hoodies, beanies, socks, sweaters – everything.”

What is the price range for your clothing?

“Anywhere from $35 to $65 for a hoodie. Everything is top of the line material.”

What is your involvement in the lines that come out? Are you designing the clothing?

“I’m part owner with my dad. We have a business partner but we create everything ourselves. We have a graphic designer we use when needed.”

Sounds very exciting. Good luck with the launch and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fa’avae family; Mater Dei wins USC 7v7 camp – Fa’avae in white T-shirt.

Photo credit: Fa’avae family; Fa’avae photo shoot for new Island Avenue clothing line launch.