Interview: Chuck Filiaga Previews Oregon Official and Discusses Top 10 List

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

All of the chatter, Twitter messages, and phone calls from the 30-plus schools to offer 2017 offensive tackle Chuck Filiaga have been narrowed down to 10 programs. Now the 10 remaining hoping to land the U.S. Army All-American Bowl invitee are scrambling to be among the final five securing official visits.

Filiaga has been a recruiting magnet since his freshman season at St. Augustine High School in San Diego. Filiaga has transformed from a promising defensive end somewhere around 6-4, 275 pounds, to a “can’t miss” prospect lining up at tackle with Vista Murrieta. In the off-season, Filiaga made another move swapping top California high school football for tough gridiron action in Texas. Now Aledo High School gets the benefits of the massive 6-7, 327 pound, talent.

With Filiaga at the blindside, the Bearcats have started the season 2-0 with a 41-36 win over Heritage (Colleyville, TX) and a 65-7 thumping of Westlake (Westlake, CA). Aledo has some other beef up front on offense with another four-star, Wes Harris, a TCU commit, and tight end Logan Peterson, a Texas State verbal, helping blow open holes for the ground game.

While his new teammates have already found a collegiate home, Filiaga is in the early stages of narrowing his down. Monday night Filiaga announced his Top 10, in alphabetical order, via Twitter:

The final 10 have a lot to be happy about, with Oregon being a little bit happier than the others right now. The Ducks have secured Filiaga’s first official visit bringing the big man out for an ACC showdown against Virginia.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Filiaga going over his season to date, Top 10 list, and his expectations from the Oregon trip.

Interview

Chuck, how has your transfer to Aledo gone so far?

“Everything has been great. I’m settling in with the team. They are a great bunch of guys.”

The Bearcats are 2-0 thus far, but how does the team look in your opinion?

“The team is looking really great this year. I feel like we have a shot at state this year. We are loaded. Everyone gives great effort.”

What is your height and weight right now?

“I’m actually getting on a scale right now. The coaches have asked me to lose some weight. I’m at 6-7, 327. It is hard to lose weight here. They have a lot of good food out here.”

How have you played so far this year?

“Honestly I feel like I have played great the past two games. I’ve made some minor mistakes, but I feel better in my stance. The coaching out here has been great for me within their offense. My footwork, hands, and pad level have gotten a lot better.”

You released your Top 10 yesterday. Arkansas was one of the 10, how did they make your list?

“I know Arkansas produces NFL linemen. Coach (Kurt) Anderson was coaching at the NFL level last year (Buffalo Bills). He knows what it takes to be a NFL offensive lineman and knows how the process works at that level. He’s going to help guys get to the next level, I’m looking for that.”

What about Michigan, how did they make your Top 10?

“My relationship with Coach (Jim) Harbaugh (head coach), Coach (Tim) Drevno (offensive line coach), and Coach (Jedd) Fisch (quarterbacks coach). All with Michigan is pretty much the same as Arkansas, they are getting guys to the NFL and Coach Harbaugh just came from the NFL. They are recruiting great players to Michigan. I feel the same about all the teams in my Top 10.”

Just to clarify, pretty much all of the teams in your Top 10 are based off relationships with the staff?

“Yes sir.”

There was a rumor floating around that you are attending the Arkansas vs. TCU game this weekend. Is that true?

“No sir. I’m going to Oregon on an official.”

What are you hoping to learn about the Oregon program during your visit?

“I’m not sure what to expect from them. I know they have nice facilities. I want to get a feel for the team and the coaching staff. I’ve never been there before so I’m excited to see everything.”

Do you have any other visits lined up right now?

“I don’t have any other visits planned right now. It is all really about timing during the season. I want to take all of my official visits during the season if I can. The tough part is missing practice on Saturday when we watch film or studying for tests. When the playoffs come around I will not be able to do anything. If I don’t take all five of my visits during the season I’ll finish them after the season or sometime next year.”

Have you started mentally narrowing down your list to a smaller number like a Top 5?

“No sir.”

Does it matter which conference you play in at the next level?

“No sir. I just want to be on a team that will help me get better while being around a great bunch of guys and a great coaching staff.”

Chuck, good luck with the rest of your season and your visit to Oregon this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: star-telegram.com; No. 66 Chuck Filiaga with the Bearcats (2016).

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Chuck Filiaga at the Nike Opening Regional LA.