Interview: 3-Star 2020 Talent Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia Talks Playing NG for No. 1 Mater Dei
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When discussing college football recruiting, so much of the conversation centers upon a player’s physical talents and/or productivity on the field, and rightfully so. But another important aspect of the process is character and self-sacrifices made for the betterment of the team, and that often gets overlooked. With Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia, talking about his abilities on the field makes sense, after all he worked his way into being a three-star ranked offensive lineman with La Habra High School. But when he made the transfer to Mater Dei, he sacrificed his personal desires for team needs moving to the other side of the ball. Now, the 6-3, 300-pound, recruit is showing what he can do at nose guard helping the back-to-back national champs off to a 4-0 start in 2019.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Ueli-Fa’atoalia and I sat down with the Monarch nose guard covering the beginning of his senior season with the No. 1 ranked team in the nation.
*Click link for April 19, 2019, RNG interview with Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia
Interview
Andrew, Mater Dei is off to the races racking up some impressive wins over teams like Centennial (CA), Centennial (AZ), and St. Frances Academy (MD). You guys have handled the games seemingly with ease, but there is that build up during the week for a high-profile game. What has it been like for you getting prepared and hyped each week for all the tough teams?
“Our coaches, they get us ready for what is coming. They give us scouting reports, we watch film and we narrow down on the lines we are facing; that helps me prepare. Watching film is big in my preparation. I go over their tendencies and how they do things so we can execute.”
How has the season started off for you on the line?
“It started off slow, but it has picked up. This is my first year fully committing to playing defensive line. I had played offensive line since my freshman year. I am getting better every week. I have a few tackles, a tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery.”
Are you liking it at nose guard?
“Yes, I am. When I first came here, I had told you that I was open to playing any position the coaches asked me to play; I am doing that. I am getting quicker and more agile. I am working on my skills.
“I am loving it at Mater Dei. It is a big challenge, but I knew that coming into it. I love it. I love the coaching staff here. I am getting coached up well here.”
Which game so far this season has been your best and why do you consider that game to be your best?
“The St. Frances game (ranked No. 1 nationally at the time by MaxPreps), that is the game I did my best so far. Stats wise, that is when I got my fumble recovery, tackle for a loss, and I had some other tackles in there.”
What did you work on in the offseason to prepare for the level of talent you knew you would be facing?
“I worked on my get-offs, my speed, and reacting off the ball. I worked on my hand movements and getting hands off me shedding blocks. Those were the main things this offseason that I worked on.”
After the 4-0 start, where are you showing the majority of gains in your skillset?
“My main strength is my get off.”
Last time out, you faced a St. Frances Academy team that might be the most loaded team in the nation in terms of recruiting star talent. How did Mater Dei look in the showdown?
“I felt like we looked good as a team. As a unit, we were working well together. It took discipline to beat them. They were chippy at times, but we held it together. We did not get a bunch of penalties responding to their actions. Our offensive line did a great job against their defensive line. They have a few Power 5 commits on both of their lines. Our offensive line really came through. Our defensive line did a great job too. We kept stopping their run and forcing them to throw.”
You had a bye week to prepare for St. John’s (2-3). What are you expecting from the Cadets on Friday in Washington D.C.?
“We are looking at a hard-hitting team. They play well as a unit. Their running backs are good. As far as scheme, they are a good team. Their offensive line might be the best we have faced so far.”
Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Ueli-Fa’atoalia’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Fresno State, Iowa State, New Mexico, and Washington State
Which schools are showing interest?
“The main ones are UCLA and Oregon State.”
Did you take any visits over the offseason?
“Yes. I visited Fresno State.”
How did the trip to Fresno State go?
“It went well. It was excellent. I liked it out there. I felt at home there.”
Andrew, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Monarchs success on your visit to Washington D.C.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ueli-Fa’atoalia family; Andrew Ueli-Fa’atoalia at Fresno State