From Cali to Texas, 4-Star OT Chuck Filiaga Updates Transfer and Unofficial Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If you ever want to see a group of grown men hanging out in a macho ego-testosterone driven environment smile ear to ear while acting a little giddy, walk into a room with Class of 2017 offensive tackle Chuck Filiaga by your side. Nothing can disarm a top college football coach along with his respective staff quicker than a top 4-star talent like Filiaga walking his big 6’7”, 330 pound, frame into a coach’s office.

The former Vista Murrieta star is taking his talents from California to Texas for his senior year announcing a few weeks ago that he will attend Aledo High School in 2016-17. Filiaga has been a mainstay on college recruiting boards since his sophomore season after making the switch from a defensive end as a freshman to left tackle during the 2014 schedule. With over 30 Division-I offers, the U.S. Army All-American Game invitee has next level opportunities with teams like USC, Tennessee, TCU, UCLA, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Oregon, Auburn, Arizona State, Michigan, Florida, Cal, and Alabama.

While there are many potential suitors, a few are already making their mark. Filiaga’s first unofficial visit was to USC but during his spring break he made the rounds doing meet-and-greets with Texas, Alabama, Baylor, Tennessee, Auburn, and Oklahoma. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Filiaga covering his thoughts on his new school and got an overview on some of his unofficial visits.

Interview

Chuck, congratulations on finding a new high school for your senior year.

“Thank you.”

Have you had a chance to visit Aledo High School yet?

“Yes, I have. It is similar to Vista (Murrieta) but more spaced out and peaceful.”

Did you get a chance to meet your new teammates or the coaching staff?

“I met the coaches, they seemed like real good guys. They had just finished one of their workouts and popped in to say hi.”

You’ve been a busy guy heading around the south visiting a lot of schools. Which schools have you unofficially visited lately?

“Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama.”

How did your visit to Texas go?

“It went really good. I did not expect that much going in. Talking to Coach (Charlie) Strong was great. He is a very well-grounded guy. He has a great plan for Texas going forward and a great vision for how to get them back where they want to be playing for titles and national championships.”

What all did you do on your visit with the Longhorns?

“Saw the campus, it was a beautiful campus, and met with the coaching staff. It was great meeting them. They were all hyped and made me feel welcomed.”

How did your visit to Oklahoma go for you?

“It went really good. Coach (Bill) Bedenbaugh (offensive line coach) and Coach (Bob) Stoops (head coach) are great guys. Coach Stoops has great plans for Oklahoma to continue to be successful.”

What about your trip to Alabama? Break that down for me if you will.

“It was good. Meeting Coach (Nick) Saban was an awesome experience. He sat me down and offered me in person. He talked about how he set up the program at Alabama and what he has his guys do. They set up an amazing plan for each player, as does every other school as well. The coaching staff was friendly. I met a lot of the players, they were all cool guys and funny.”

Have any of the coaches talked about moving you away from left tackle?

“No. I think all of them are thinking about keeping me at tackle.”

Have you put together at Top 5 yet?

“No. I’m still exploring all my other options and my future options. I want to know which place would be the best fit for me before I commit.”

Are there any schools out there that have not offered but are showing interest?

“I honestly do not know. I have been focusing on school and keeping my grades at a good level. I’m getting ready to take the SAT as well. I have not been focused on recruiting as much after I took those unofficial visits.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned for out west before you officially move to Texas?

“No, I do not.”

When do you officially move to Texas?

“We move in June, late June I think.”

Are you getting excited about the move?

“Yeah. One more year of high school and then college ball. I’m getting really excited for college ball.”

Chuck, thanks for your time today and good luck in your preparations for the SAT.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Filiaga family; Chuck Filiaga at Texas with Charlie Strong.

Photo credit: Filiaga family; Chuck Filiaga at Alabama with Nick Saban.