Interview: Overlooked 2020 ATH Osaro Aihie Did Everything for San Leandro Last Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Whoever was keeping stats for San Leandro High School during the 2018 season became well-aware of Osaro Aihie and his on the field talents in a hurry. The 6-1, 215-pound, athlete led the Pirates in rushing yards with 569 taking seven carries into the end zone and pulled in five passes for 139 yards. Playing linebacker on defense, he put an end to 76 plays, 42 solo, with five tackles for a loss, two sacks, and broke up two passes. College coaches are now finding out about Aihie with three offers on the table and interest coming in from all over.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Osaro Aihie to learn more about one of the more overlooked prospects in California’s 2020 recruiting class.
Interview
Osaro, going into the 2018 season did you know that you would have as big of an impact for the Pirates as you did being the leading rusher and coming in third in total tackles?
“Yeah. Honestly, going into the season, I had a lot of big shoes to fill. As a sophomore, I was playing with the upperclassmen. I was playing with the 24 or 25 seniors we lost. I had a big role to fill that I had to do well for us to be successful.”
With your heavy workload, how did you prepare week-to-week for a game?
“Each week, after each game, we would get film for the next opponent. My biggest thing was watching film on other teams to see what they are doing and then put it all together in practice making sure all the young guys had it down as well.”
You went from 11 carries in 2017 to 102 last season, how did your skills on offense improve overall in 2018 with the increased workload?
“Oh, my skills definitely improved a lot. The entire summer was essentially me training on offense. I knew what to do on defense. I studied plays and went on the field with my quarterback running routes. My yards after contact improved a lot this year. This year I learned how to run low, because a lot of people were hitting me low. When I started doing that, I got more yards after contact.”
What about on defense, how did your game improve?
“On defense, I improved a lot by me being more of a vocal leader as compared to my sophomore year. I communicated really well. We were jumping on plays early and reading everything well with better communication.”
If Osaro the running back was squaring off against Osaro the linebacker, who wins the showdown?
“Eww. That’s a good one. I would say the linebacker. My heart is on the defensive side of the ball. I love playing defense.”
During your senior season, are you keeping the same role on offense and defense or are things getting mixed up some?
“Yes. I am keeping the same roles as my junior year. I am playing running back and linebacker.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my speed. I know in college I will have to have better speed. I am a good sized, so some schools are looking at me at safety. If I make that transition, I need more speed.”
Are you going to any camps this offseason?
“Upcoming I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland.”
Do you have any college camps on the schedule yet?
“I am looking at attending camps at Cal, Sac State’s Rising Stars Camp, UCLA, and USC, and Stanford.”
You will be busy this summer. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving the biggest interest from Fresno State, Army, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado State, Air Force, Rice, and some from Stanford.”
Which schools have offered?
“I have two offers from Dartmouth and Navy.”
*Aihie picked up his third offer from Howard after the interview
Which schools have you visited thus far?
“I have taken a lot of visits. I have been to UCLA, USC, San Jose State, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Florida Atlantic, FIU, and Miami.”
Wow. That is a lot. How did the Cal visit go?
“It went well. They started with me early in the recruiting period, their special teams coordinator came by school to meet with me. They have talked to me since my sophomore year. I have to go to a camp there and perform well for an offer.”
The Oregon State visit, how did that go?
“I talked to their linebacker coaches, director of player personnel, and some of their recruiting assistants. They are showing a lot of love. I appreciate what they are doing for me.”
What about Fresno State, tell me about that one if you will?
“Brian Clay (dir. of campus rec.) brought me down to watch a practice. I talked to Coach Kenwick Thompson (LB) and tried on the uniform. They said I was one of their top guys and their coaches will come by during the open period to see me this spring.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“This week I am going to Cal Poly. Next week I am going to USC and UCLA when we are in Los Angeles for the Best of the West tournament.”
If I were to take a poll of your teammates asking what type of teammate you are, what do you think would be the response?
“I think the response would be someone who hates losing. I am a winner, and I am a leader on and off the field. I am someone who is always there to motivate at all times and I humble person.”
What is one question about your game on the field I did not ask you about today that you wish I would have?
“One of my main things I do on the field that stands out to coaches is my physicality. I am very physical.”
Osaro, I appreciate your time today and wish you success on your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Aihie family; Osaro Aihie at Fresno State and Oregon State