Interview: 2019 OL Luteru Fedler is the Blindside Wall for 4-Star QB Hank Bachmeier

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

November 18, 1985, forever changed football at all levels. With a national audience watching on Monday Night Football, Giants defensive end Lawrence Taylor got around the left tackle snapping Redskins’ quarterback Joe Theismann’s leg. Since that moment in time, there has been a premium on defensive ends that can get to the quarterback and left tackles that can stop pass rushers. Over the last three seasons Class of 2019 four-star quarterback Hank Bachmeier has been one of the most successful not only in the state of California but also in the country with a big thanks in-part to his left tackle Luteru Fedler.

Fedler may not project as a left tackle at the next level, and certainly plays with the grit and nastiness wanted out of an interior lineman, but for now he is Bachmeier’s blindside and doing it well. The 6-4, 280-pound, road-grader excels at run blocking finishing off plays with intent to send a message. On passing downs, he uses quick feet and good extension on his arms to keep ends and linebackers off his QB.

College coaches may not go to Murrieta Valley for rising linemen, but Fedler is one worth checking out. Offers have come in from San Jose State, Idaho, New Mexico State, and Portland State with interest growing from Pac-12 to D-II programs up and down the west coast.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Fedler covering his abilities on the field with an update on his recruiting.

Interview

Luteru, which parts of your game did you focus on this offseason?

“I focused on my run game blocking and some with my pass protection. My footwork has gotten better and I have gotten a lot better with my kick steps and hands in pass-pro.”

Did you max out in the weight room this offseason?

“Yes. My brother came home for the summer and we worked out all the time. I increased my bench to 315, my squats to 455, and my power clean to 275. I increased 30 pounds on all my lifts over the summer.”

That is fantastic. You kind of touched on this already, but where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skillset with your run and pass blocking?

“With run blocking, I’d say my pad level has gotten a lot better and I am using more of my hips. As mentioned, my kick steps in pass-pro is a lot better. I am more fluid and moving quicker in pass-pro.”

What are you overall strengths in both areas of your blocking; what do you do best on the field?

“My physicality is a big strength, I like to put people on the ground. My arm length in pass-pro is a strength. I can keep defenders off me with my reach.”

The Nighthawks have played some very tough teams like Santiago, Cajon, and Oaks Christian, how has playing against top competition made you a better player?

“It gives me a chance to challenge myself and challenge my technique against good players. Against Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oaks Christian, he is the top end/athlete in the nation, I tested myself to see what I am doing well and what I need to improve. Against him, I can see what I need to do for the next level to succeed.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I’d say the San Clemente game. We got the win against them. I was consistent in that game and I kept people off Hank.”

You guys get Chaparral on Friday, what kind of a showdown will that be for you against their front seven?

“They will blitz a lot, our o-line has not done well against the blitz. It is up to our o-line to protect to help get the win.”

What is it like blocking for a quarterback like Hank Bachmeier and a two-headed tailback monster in Josh Archer and Corie Johnson?

“It is great. It makes it easier to play the game and blocking knowing you can trust them that they will do their job and make plays.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from San Diego State, Oregon State, Nevada, UNLV, Colorado State and Sacramento State.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have four offers.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits yet?

“No official visits but I have taken unofficial visits to Arizona State, Oregon State, and Nevada.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I have no exact dates, but I plan on taking some soon. I am going on an unofficial to Colorado State soon. My brother and sister live there, they both go to school at Colorado. I will visit them and visit Colorado State. I will try to visit Colorado then too.”

Luteru, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming game against Chaparral.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fedler family; No. 73 Luteru Fedler in action