Interview: 2019 OL Walter Pongia is an Overlooked Beast in the California Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The beast of burden for defenders in the box going up against St. Augustine High School the past two season has been offensive lineman Walter Pongia. Pongia is skilled, and nasty, in the trenches capable of playing tackle or guard while being able to flip from one side of the offensive line to the other on alternating plays. The San Diego area talent has earned back-to-back second team All-League honors with room needed to be cleared on the trophy case for the 6-3, 315-pounder, once the Class of 2019 recruit ends his senior year. Along the mantle with received honors, offers are sure to follow during the 2018 season from collegiate programs… Pongia has too much natural talent and potential to be overlooked come National Signing Day.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Golden State’s 2019 class to learn more about his overall game and recruiting process.
Interview
Walter, at the end of the 2017 season, what were the strengths of your game in the trenches?
“My strengths were down blocking. We do a lot of zone blocking; a combo block up to a linebacker was one of my strengths.”
When you went into the offseason, what was the focus on your technique?
“My hands. I worked on my hands and a stronger punch, so I can drive the defenders back. Another thing I worked on was being aware of the defender, seeing where he is going inside and being able to change direction.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game?
“Mostly my hands, my kick-step, and my posting.”
Did you get to max out this summer in the weight room?
“Yes. I maxed out on clean and squat. My squat was 465 and my clean was 270.”
Nice. Did you go to any camps this offseason?
“I went to a Rivals camp and the Nike Opening Regional in Las Vegas.”
How did the Nike-Vegas camp go?
“There were a lot of top players there. I won some and lost some.”
What did you learn at that camp that will help you on the field this season?
“I learned a lot. They helped me change my stance. I started using that new stance and I got comfortable with it.”
Onto recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“BYU, Idaho State, New Mexico State, Idaho, UCLA, Arizona State, and Arizona are all showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits in 2018 yet?
“Yes. I visited Arizona, UCLA, and Arizona State for their spring game.”
How did the UCLA visit go?
“It was good. I talked to Coach (Justin) Frye (offensive line). He went to college (Indiana) with my head coach, so we got to talk a bit.”
How about Arizona State, how did that go?
“It was good. I loved watching the spring game. The coaches were great. It was fun talking to the coaches on the field.”
Back to football. When did the Saints start fall camp?
“We started last week, on July 30.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking good. We have a lot of young players, not as many seniors this year. We have a young team. Our offensive line is looking good, we only lost one senior from last year.”
The Saints had a big running game last season behind Deandre Daniels’ 1,283 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns, what type of offense will the Saints have this year?
“We will still run the west coast offense this year. We will stick to our running game. We have a talented sophomore running back, Daniels’ cousin; he plays just like him.”
Last season, you lined up all over the line, some at guard and looks like some at tackle on both sides of the offensive line, where all will we see you on the field this year?
“This year I will be in the same spots at tackle. Depending on the play, either right or left tackle. They will move me around a lot.”
You guys open with Bonita Vista (Chula Vista), what kind of challenge will they give the Saints?
“They will look to clog up the holes. They will try to have the offensive line confused, but we will just keep pounding and we can always throw the ball.”
What are some of the other big games on the schedule you are excited to play this year?
“I am excited to play Loyola, Madison, and Cathedral.”
Do you have a pre-season message for the opposition?
“Yes – don’t sleep on the Saints. People are leaving the Saints out of the ranking. They are leaving us out of the Top 10, but we will show them this season.”
Walter, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Walter Pongia Las Vegas Nike Regional 2018