Interview: Big Season from 3-Star 2021 ATH Zyrus Fiaseu Helps Carry Patriots to Nevada Championship
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Even though there are always many talented high school football teams in the state of Nevada, teams like Desert Pines, Centennial, Bishop Manogue, Arbor View and the like, for a decade-plus the conversation about the best of the best has begun with and ended with Bishop Gorman. But that conversation has now been shifted. After an 0-5 start to the 2019 season with a brutal out-of-state schedule that included No. 15 nationally ranked Chandler (AZ), Miliani (HI), No. 1 St. John Bosco (CA), No. 14 Centennial (CA), and Liberty (AZ), Nevada’s Liberty High School went on an improbable 10-0 run through the state’s 4A ranks earning a regional and state title knocking off 10-time defending state champs Bishop Gorman along the way. One of the reasons the Patriots hoisted a trophy in the 50-7 finale against Centennial was the play of three-star athlete Zyrus Fiaseu.
Fiaseu is that talent on the gridiron who will surprise you in more ways than one. If you pick up on him when he is on defense, you will see an outside linebacker/safety who can cover and stuff the run with highlight reel/bell-ringing hits. When the field is flipped and he is carrying the rock, his speed is further showcased along with his shiftiness and footwork not only using his brute strength for extra yards but a crafty nimbleness making defenders miss.
When the 2019 season had ended for the 6-1, 210-pound, standout, he had earned first team All-League honors at running back second team honors at outside linebacker. The stat line posted through 14 games has Fiaseu with 896 rush yards off 139 totes with 15 scores and nine passes secured for 109 yards with another trip into the end zone. His play on defense stopped 29 snaps, 18 solo, with a forced fumble and three picks. All that athleticism and talent has brought eight offers to Fiaseu with other college programs taking notice.
In an RNG exclusive one-on-one, I sat down with one of the leaders on the Patriots squad going in-depth on his season and recruiting process.
Interview
Zyrus, to start off, congratulations on a terrific season.
“Thank you.”
I hope there is still a smile on your face with all that you and the Patriots accomplished in 2019.
“Yes, sir.”
The Patriots season was so amazing and capped off with two titles, beating Bishop Gorman and then getting the NIAA 4A trophy with a big win over Centennial. What was this season like for you going from an 0-5 start to state champs?
“It was all about maintaining focus and faith on our team. We started out 0-5, that kept us humble but lit a fire. With the in-state games, we killed everyone. In the playoffs, that is when a new season started. We beat Bishop Gorman for the first time in history. State – that was unbelievable. All my friends, family, and teachers were there supporting us; it was a great atmosphere.”
The overtime win over Bishop Gorman was historic stopping the Gaels state winning streak at 10 straight championships. What was the locker room like after that win?
“It was loud. Everyone was signing their names on the wall and the coaches were celebrating with us. It was great. I could not believe it. In the locker room, everyone was happy and everyone was all smiles. It was amazing.”
Looking back on the season, what are you most proud of for you and your teammates?
“Everyone sticking to the process and staying on their grind. We had to prove all the doubters wrong, no one expected us to beat Gorman.”
You are a two-way standout for the Patriots. Where all did you lineup during the 2019 season?
“I lined up at running back, outside linebacker, and strong safety. Wherever they needed me, I lined up.”
How were the coaches feeding you the rock within the offense?
“We had a great offensive line and a dual-threat quarterback. If he wasn’t getting the ball, it was me. Defenses could not stop us. The offensive line blocked really well – I want to give a shout out to them for how hard they played this season. With the play calls on running plays, we ran a lot of zone, powers, and RPO (run-pass option).”
When you run in traffic, all the time on the ladders doing footwork drills shows with quick feet and your agility. In which other ways did you see your game improve as a running back?
“My balance got better, my speed is there – but I am trying to get faster every day. My field vision improved this season. During my freshman year, I was pretty good with my vision but I can see the whole field now.”
And on defense, no matter where you lined up, you were bringing the sledgehammer to the party with vicious hits. How did the other parts of your game grow throughout the year?
“It was more about being a dog. They told me what to do, and I did it. They other teams need to know, I will hit you.”
Yes, you will. Given all the top competition you played against, which game was your best personal performance?
“The Liberty-Arizona game. I had over 100 rushing with three touchdowns.”
Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“I have eight offers.”
Fiaseu’s Offer Sheet: Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, San Diego State, UNLV, Utah State, and Washington State
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Boise State and Colorado are showing interest.”
Looking ahead, are you planning any unofficial visits?
“I am talking to coaches about taking visits. Nebraska is one, and Washington State. I am still thinking about the others I may take.”
The offseason is here, given all that you do on the field how will you focus your workouts to prepare for the 2020 season?
“I will work on getting faster, faster with my feet, and getting stronger. I will work on playing faster – playing with a faster game speed.”
Zyrus, congratulations again on the big season for you and the Patriots. Thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Liberty HS/Fiaseu family; No. 30 Zyrus Fiaseu (2019)