Class of 2017 DE Chuck Filiaga already on college coaches radar
Exclusive interview with St. Augustine’s Chuck Filiaga
Already physically gifted at 6’7”, 275 pounds, St. Augustine defensive end Chuck Filiaga is pushing to be one of the top recruits not only in California but in the nation as part of the Class of 2017. An early successful football career almost didn’t happen because his mom was unsure about her son getting on the field.
Most freshman high school football players are eager to start for their school’s freshman team with hopes of getting time on the junior varsity squad. For Chuck Filiaga he started 9 of 12 games for the Saint’s varsity squad helping the San Diego private school win a CIF Championship beating Mission Bay 49-0 under the guidance of head coach Richard Sanchez.
Filiaga was more than a body filling a position. Learning his craft on the fly while playing against competition three to four years older, he made 52 stops with 7 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries 3, and 5 tackles for a loss. The Saints even had their budding stud player line up at strong side tackle on offense.
After impressing coaches, other campers, and camp onlookers during the Elite Football Network Exposure Camp in Los Angeles on May 10, Filiaga sat down for an interview to talk about football, recruiting, and his future.
Who or what served as inspiration for St. Augustine’s run for a championship in 2013?
“Frank Buncom (Class of 2015 cornerback) is a really good role model and motivator. He pumped us up throughout the game. He kept us on our game. If we’re slacking he’d tell us. In the third and fourth quarter he would get on me, tell me to keep playing hard. He would give me more motivation to get to the quarterback. I think we just came together as brothers on the football field. That really helped.”
How did you feel about your personal performance last season?
“I did really good. I came out a little bit slow but my game really got to an A-game by the end of the season.”
What game was your best last season?
“Against Scripps Ranch I had 3 tackles for a loss. One was a 21-yard sack, and a couple 7-yard TFL. I was fired up. Felt like I started coming into my own. Coach Kramer always says whatever you do bring out your inner warrior. That game my inner warrior came out.”
Do you model your game after a college or NFL player?
“I focused on JJ Watt (Houston Texans). He has a lot of heart and talent, not bad watching the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He’s fast off the ball. I’m trying to get faster off the ball as well. I also like Justin Tuck (Giants & Raiders).”
What are your strengths on the field?
“My lower body strength and my explosion are my biggest strengths. I’m good at pursuing the quarterback. I’m starting to learn how to read the plays at the line better.”
How are the Saints looking heading into the 2014 season?
“Really good but I will not be attending St. Augustine in the fall. My family is moving to Temecula. Not sure which school I will be attending, we’re still looking around.”
What football memory will you take with you from playing at St. Augustine?
“Winning the “Holy Bowl” against Cathedral Catholic (19-7), everyone was so happy.”
You recently attended the Elite Football Network Exposure Camp, how was that experience for you?
“I liked it. The coaches taught me ways to get to the quarterback faster, different ways to get past the blocker.”
Filiaga continues, “It’s a great way to meet other kids from other schools. You get a chance to see how other kids do their stuff. Coaching wise all the coaches were good, they were really good. I learned stuff I will be using next year on the football field.”
What else are you doing in the offseason to improve your game on the field?
“Going to the gym for weight lifting and my brother and I run at the park.”
After your breakout season as a freshman are any schools contacting you about potential scholarships?
“Washington State and Stanford have reached out. I’ve talked to a couple of coaches from UCLA. Colorado, Texas, Boise State, San Diego State and University of San Diego have all shown interest.”
What feedback have the coaches given you so far?
“They have asked me how my grades are. Mostly they have focused on school. Football can’t happen unless your grades are top notch.”
Any early favorites?
“San Diego State, I like their football team. I’ve seen several SDSU games. Washington State has contacted me several times. I know one of the coaches up there, Joe Salave’a (Titans, Ravens, Chargers, and Redskins). He’s been helping me a lot on staying focused on my angles.”
What do you love most about playing football?
“Spending time with my teammates, it brings out the inner you when you are on the field. I like being out there with my brothers.”
Who has had the biggest impact on you in regards to football?
“My mom. It took a lot of convincing for mom to let me play football but I’m glad she finally did. I think about football everyday.”
There is a lot of football ahead for Chuck Filiaga, even before stepping foot on a college football field but the future is bright for the Class of 2017 star. One lucky university and thousands if not millions of college football fans one day soon will be thanking Chuck’s mom for allowing her son to play football as a freshman on St. Augustine’s varsity squad.