Interview: 3-Star 2021 Mater Dei OL Ross Maseuli Talks Recruiting and Top 5 Schools
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrighRNG
From his first California varsity football snaps as a freshman, Ross Maseuli has been a presence in the trenches along the offensive line. The now 6-4, 350-pound, lineman combines incredible strength with technique in the run game opening holes in a heartbeat for his running backs. On passing downs, Maseuli has grown into an elite talent setting up a wall of protection for his quarterback. The combined skills off the snap of the ball will be put to the test with California powerhouse Mater Dei High School during the 2020 season. College football programs across the country will be watching, but five coaching staffs will have a more intense view as the recruiting process for the three-star continues into the fall months.
In another visit to the RNG Lab, Maseuli catches us up on his workouts this summer with an update on his Top 5 released on July 13.
*Click link for Feb. 29 RNG interview with Ross Maseuli
Interview
Ross, you have been a beast in the trenches on offense since your freshman season playing varsity football at Cathedral Catholic. What have you been doing this offseason to take those skills to the next level?
Basically, I am working on making everything stronger. When it comes to run and pass blocking, I am making everything I do stronger and more useful.
What has been your workout routine this offseason?
I train with a coach in Lakewood, me and a few other players like (OL) Edward Riley from (St. John) Bosco. A lot of weight lifting and stamina work this offseason.
Where are you seeing the biggest growth with your pass and run blocking?
A lot of my overall growth is in my pass blocking, especially coming from a Wing T football team (Cathedral Catholic). I am improving on being patient, sitting and making a pocket for the quarterback. With my run blocking, it is all about the same working on a faster get-off – I am seeing growth on that. And finishing; I am working on getting to the linebacker, getting into his pads and driving him.
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
No, I haven’t had a true max yet.
Putting you on the spot. If you had to guess, what do you think your maxes are in the weight room?
On power clean, I have no idea. My squat max is around 520 or 530 and my bench is around 350.
Nice. Some camps have popped up throughout the region. Have you had a chance to compete at any this summer?
Yes. I just was at The Lineman’s Super Challenge up in Utah with Giant Skillz
How did that camp go for you?
It went really well; I don’t think I lost a rep. At the camp, there were guys from Washington, Utah, California, and Hawaii. Going against them all, it was pretty crazy.
When we spoke early in the offseason, your position on offense was kind of up in the air at either right guard or tackle. Has that ironed out?
With all that is going on, I really don’t know now. Our center might leave before season begins as an early grad. As of right now, I have no set position.
There was an opening for you getting some snaps in on defense with the Monarchs this season, is that still a possibility?
Yeah. Still a possibility, but it might be harder with our center leaving. I have talked to the coaches about getting reps on the defensive line this season. That is something they want me to do.
With the potential of losing your center, might you play center this season?
All up in the air. If my coach wants me to play center, I will play center. I have been practicing my snaps. I can play every position on the offensive line and I can go from a right or left-handed stance. Wherever they need me to play, I will play.
Turning to recruiting, one of your more recent offers was a big one coming from Alabama. How did the Crimson Tide offer you and what was that moment like receiving a scholarship from one of the best college football programs in the nation?
I was at the park with my cousin when Coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) called. During the call I just sat on the bench; I could not believe I was being offered by one of the best college football programs in history.
How many total offers do you have now?
Eleven.
Which programs were some of the more recent offers?
Hawaii was the most recent along with Miami and Alabama.
Which schools are showing interest?
Not getting any really with the virus. LSU and Clemson came out to Mater Dei before the virus, but nothing too serious is going on with them.
Which schools might you visit when the opportunity present itself?
Since I dropped my Top 5, those are the five visits I will take.
Which schools are in your Top 5?
Alabama, USC, Michigan, Miami, and Hawaii.
With all going on, have you decided on a commitment date?
No, I am just trying to see how everything goes this year and I will go from there.
Understood. When you make that final decision on your ideal fit, what will be the criteria that helps inform the decision?
I just want a college where I feel like I can make a home for myself and I want a place where I can live for the next four years and can call it home. Building relationships with coaches and players is important, and finding a place that can help make me a better person.
Ross, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success with your workouts this summer.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Maseuli family; Ross Maseuli at USC (2020)