Interview: 4-Star 2020 Mater Dei DT Sefita Tupe Updates Workouts and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When one speaks the phrase ‘Mater Dei football’, that comes with a lot of heavy weight. The Monarchs have captured back-to-back national titles per MaxPreps playing a national schedule every year. That type of success comes from a roster absolutely loaded with five-, four-, and three-star talent. But as everyone knows, football is won in the trenches and defensive tackle Sefita Tupe is a big part of that overall success for the Monarchs. With a four-star recruiting ranking given to the 6-0, 285-pound, defender and a big offseason of national camps on the schedule while preparing for three-peat, I sat down with Tupe for an offseason interview getting insight to his workouts and recruiting process.

Interview

Sefita, playing in the Trinity League is tough, what is a typical league game like in the trenches?

“It is live. Every play you are going full-on. It is active.”

What have you been working on this offseason with your game?

“I have been working on my explosiveness. I am moving down to nose guard this season. I will be double-teamed on every play so I have been working on taking on double-teams.”

What do feel are the strengths to your game as a defensive tackle?

“My strengths are my get off, I am working on having an even quicker get off so I can be quicker to get to the gap to beat the double-team into the backfield.”

How will you be used within the Monarchs’ defense scheme over last season?

“Everything is mixed up. I am reading where the center steps and I am to step there. I am doing a lot of reading and reacting.”

Over everything else, what are the most important goals for you to accomplish this spring and summer before the 2019 season begins?

“One of my goals before the season begins is to put my name out there at camps. I want to show the college coaches what I have before the season begins. I want a great senior season. I want no regrets. There is no time for regrets, everything has to be perfect.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?

“No, not yet. In the weight room I have been doing a lot of reps to build up strength.”

Have you attended any national camps this offseason?

“Yes. I went to an Under Armour camp and I went to an Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”

How did the Under Armour camp go?

“It went well. I did well. I won some and lost some but it went well.”

Are there any upcoming camps you may attend?

“Yes. I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland in May.”

Going into recruiting. I know you have an offer from Oregon State, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Fresno State, Colorado, and Utah.”

Are you planning on visiting any schools upcoming?

“Yes. Right now, I have planned a visit with Fresno State, I will go watch a game after receiving an invite, and I plan on visiting Oregon State on an official.”

Nice. When you are not working out or doing a football related event, what do you do for fun?

“For fun, I am working with my dad doing construction. That is not fun, but that is what I have been doing lately.”

That is hard work and builds character.

“Yes, sir.”

Is there a unique skill or talent you have people might be surprised to find out?

“I can play the guitar and the piano.”

Do you have a favorite song or artist you like to play?

“I listen to country, so I like doing Brooks and Dunn and stuff like that.”

Last question. For any of the college coaches who may read this but not know you personally, what do you feel separates you from the other defensive tackles in your peer group?

“What separates me from others, I take every play personally. Every play has to be perfect and I take no breaks. Some guys take plays off but I cannot do that.”

Sefita, I appreciate your time today wish you continued success with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Twitter.com; Sefita Tupe at the 2019 Under Armour Camp LA