Interview: 5-Star 2021 Utah OL Kingsley Ah You Suamataia Covers Season and Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some high school players just have the gift and the incredible talent shows even at a young age when they are just scratching the surface of their given abilities. One of those players who falls into the aforementioned criteria but is already dominating is Class of 2021 offensive lineman Kingsley Ah You Suamataia. Suamataia is a beast in the making who will have all the Power 5 Conference schools fighting for him in the years to come.
Suamataia spent his sophomore season refining his craft playing right tackle for Orem High School. The result was a 12-2 season for the Tigers and a 4A Utah state title with a wake of disheartened defenders left behind him. The 6-5, 285-pound, lineman has the raw power, quickness with hands and feet, and has that nasty streak in him college coaches love. His work up front has already brought in 13 offers coming from Michigan, USC, Washington, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, Oregon State, Utah State, Washington State, and BYU. With the spring evaluation period coming up along with national camps and combines, expect the offer sheet for Suamataia to grow quickly in the following months.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the five-star rated recruit, ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2021 class by 247Sports, covering his season, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting prospects.
Interview
Kingsley, I mean this in the best way possible, you’ve turned into a real brute on the gridiron. You were dominating ends and tackles as a right tackle in 2018. In your own words, how did the season go for you as a blocker?
“I think it went great. We had an incredible offensive line coach and I had incredible teammates. It was great playing with Jayden Ah You, Peni Mounga Jr., and Freddy Prescott. I could not have done it without our offensive line coach.”
Did you track pancake and knockdowns?
“Yes, but I don’t remember my numbers.”
What would be your best guess on average per game?
“I’d say about eight.”
I would not be surprised if it was even more. You killed it. Which areas of your game as a run blocker improved the most during your sophomore year?
“I think it improved a lot. I improved at getting lower than my opponent and driving until they were on their back. I got better at not stopping until the whistle.”
What about with your pass blocking, how did that get better?
“I think my hand work got a lot better. I was placing my hands better this year. There were more moves I could stop after seeing all the moves at all the camps during the offseason.”
Is there a technique or style of play that was difficult for you to block during the 2018 season that you will work on throughout the offseason?
“Probably picking up reads faster. I will see them coming, but my reaction was slow. I don’t know why.”
Which other areas of your game will you work on this offseason?
“This offseason I am focusing on getting faster with my hands and my feet.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 13 offers.”
Which programs were the last two to offer you?
“Ole Miss and Nebraska.”
Fantastic. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Ohio State, Notre Dame, Arizona, Miami, and Wisconsin are showing interest.”
When college coaches have talked to you, what are they telling you they like about your talents?
“They like the way that I move for my size.”
I can’t let you go without asking you about winning a Utah 4A state championship. What was that run like for you and what was the feeling like bringing home the title for your school and the fan base?
“This one it meant a lot more. Last year I was just a freshman, this year it had more meaning to it. Playing with all the great players on my team, it meant a lot more being a little older. I wanted to do it for our teammates. It was great to see the seniors leave off on a good note.”
Kingsley, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Suamataia family; left to right – Apu Ika (LSU), Puka Nacua (Gatorade POY), and Kingsley Ah You Suamataia
Photo credit: Orem HS; Kingsley Suamataia in action