Interview: 3-Star 2021 Mater Dei OL Ross Maseuli Setting Official Recruiting Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
From the moment Ross Maseuli stepped foot on the gridiron as a freshman with San Diego’s Cathedral Catholic, all that watched him knew he was a special talent on the field. The now 6-4, 350-pound, offensive lineman, has always been above the grain with his technique, athleticism, and strength. After sitting out a season at JSerra Catholic, the three-star Class of 2021 recruit is putting his all into his game with national powerhouse Mater Dei for his senior season. In addition to being an asset at both guard and tackle spots, the Monarchs may also be using their newly acquired three-star difference-maker in the defensive trenches.
With six offers in-hand, and more programs watching his growth, Maseuli has a big offseason ahead as he pushes his game to the next level. As things heat up on the practice field, the temperature is rising on his recruiting process with a planned official to Michigan already in the works. Covering it all, Maseuli and I sat down for another RNG visit.
*Click link for previous RNG video interview with Ross Maseuli
Interview
Ross, what all are you working on this offseason as you prepare for a new challenge with Mater Dei?
“This offseason I am working on my pass-sets. At Mater Dei they like to pass the ball a lot; I’ve been working on that since JSerra. I am also working on my aggression.”
With your pass-set, what are you working on specifically?
“My side to side movement, my first step, and sliding down. My punch is solid, but I am working on keeping my feet hot.”
At Mater Dei, which position(s) might you play?
“Right now, I am looking at right guard. My coaches are talking about me going both ways. I may be playing nose guard and defensive tackle. I might play some offensive tackle as well.”
Are you excited about playing on the defensive side of the ball this year?
“Yes, I am really excited. I love defense. It is good to play defense at the highest level of football.”
Gelling with the guys around you is important as an offensive lineman. What is the group of guys at Mater Dei like in the trenches next to you?
“BJ Tolo, he is an animal. He is one of the hardest workers I’ve been around, and he’s just a freshman. He will be a top offensive lineman in the nation. George Miki-Han is one of the best technique guys I have ever been with. Being next to him will help me out a lot. Felipe Owalla, came from JSerra with me, he’s another freshman. This kid is big, I feel like he will improve with me on the line. I am excited to have him at tackle playing next to me.”
In the weight room, you have always put up monster numbers. Have you maxed out lately?
“We haven’t maxed out. My last max at JSerra, I benched at 370 and squatted around 520.”
Nice. Are you competing at any camps upcoming?
“On Sunday I will be at a Rivals camp and then I will be at the Best of the West, and the Polynesian Bowl Camp.”
I saw you at the Under Armour All-American Camp. How did that showcase go for you?
“It went really well. I dominated most of my reps, and I got some defensive reps in there too. It was a good experience.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have yet to offer?
“Alabama, Miami, SDSU (San Diego State), Washington, Washington State, I have talked to an LSU coach – they seem interested, I talked to Ohio State when they were here, and Cal.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Six.” I just got my sixth offer from Kansas.”
Maseuli’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Fresno State, Kansas, Michigan, Oregon, and USC
*Maseuli received his seventh offer from Washington State after this interview was conducted
Over the last couple of months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I visited USC. I was up there and I am going again on March 7.”
How did the visit with the Trojans go?
“It went really well. I am building relationships with coaches and the people there. Shortly after that visit, I got the offer from them.”
That’s awesome. Are you planning any visits upcoming?
“I’m not too sure. I might wait for the summer to take officials. Arizona might be an unofficial visit I will take soon.”
Have you started thinking about which schools will receive an official from you?
“The only official visit I will take as of right now that is for sure is Michigan.”
Ross, it is always great catching up with you. Thanks for your time today and good luck at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit Maseuli family; Ross Maseuli at USC