Interview: 4-Star 2021 Utah OT Kingsley Suamataia Updates Season and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Orem High School always has next level talent on their team proving to be one of the toughest teams in Utah year after year, and Class of 2021 offensive tackle Kingsley Ah You Suamataia is carrying that tradition forward. The 6-5.5, 290-pound, road-grader has been a presence on the Tigers roster since his freshman year with college coaches from across the country falling in love with his abilities and unlimited potential. So far, 27 schools have dropped offers for the four-star prospect with interest coming in from teams like Auburn, Clemson, and Notre Dame. The big man camped at Georgia and Oregon over the summer, earning an offer from the Bulldogs on the spot while cementing his already earned offer with the Ducks.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of Utah’s top players regardless of grade classification to get an update on the Tigers first two games of the season and his play against Corner Canyon (UT) and Bishop Gorman (NV).
Interview
Kingsley, I always want to know about the progress of your game and workouts. Which areas of your skillset did you work on with your pass-protection over the offseason?
“I mainly worked on reading from the pre-snap to see where the blitzes are coming. I worked a lot on reading defenses before the ball is snapped. I worked on my punch and the different ways of hand-placement – I worked on that a lot.”
What about with your run blocking?
“I worked on my explosion, getting off the ball, and driving until the whistle.”
The Tigers have played two very good teams to start the season. Where are you seeing the improvements in your talents over last season?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements with my run block and going to the whistle. I can’t always hear the whistle, but I keep going until I know the play is over. With my pass-pro, I am getting my kick steps right. Sometimes my steps were not right last season. I did pretty good with that in my first two games.”
How are defenses trying to attack you or scheme against you?
“They try to throw in some blitzes here and there and switch up the formation. Other than that, everything is the same. We have played two good teams so far and I went against some great defensive linemen.”
The next game on the schedule is Skyline (ID). What are you expecting from their defense on Friday?
“We don’t have film on them. We went against a 3-down front and a 4-front. We have seen everything. It will be nothing new for us no matter what they run.”
With the season under way, which colleges are showing recruiting interest?
“Clemson, Notre Dame, and Auburn.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 27 offers.”
Suamataia’s Offer Sheet (27): Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Cal, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Pitt, Stanford, Tennessee, USC, Utah, Utah State, Virginia, Washington, Washington State, and Wisconsin
Did you camp at any colleges this summer?
“Yes. I went to Georgia and Oregon.”
How did the Georgia camp go for you?
“I think it went really great. I did not have an offer, so I wanted to show what I can do, and they offered me at the camp. Pitt actually offered me before they did at that camp.”
And Oregon, how did that camp performance turn out?
“I always love Oregon. Going back there, it feels like home. The camp, I love Coach (Mario) Cristobal (head coach) and Coach (Alex) Mirabal (OL). I love the technique I learned from them and I am putting that into my game. I really like their camps.”
Separate from the camps, did you visit any other programs over the offseason?
“Yes. This summer we hit Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, and Oregon.”
How did the Clemson visit go?
“I really liked it there, it is different. I liked meeting all the coaches. Their facilities are really nice. I had a good time there.”
And the Alabama trip, tell me about that one?
“I really liked Alabama. It was great spending time with Coach (Kyle) Flood (OL) and sitting down with some of the players. It was a great visit. I talked to their strength and conditioning coach (Scott Cochran), I got to know him. It was a good experience.”
Are you planning on visiting any schools this fall?
“My dad plans all those. I know we are visiting Ohio State.”
Kingsley, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Suamataia family; Kingsley Ah You Suamataia