Interview: Versatile 3-Star 2022 Utah OC/OT Weylin Lapuaho is That Dominating Force
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When scouting high school football offensive linemen, it is one thing to be big, another to be strong, and a whole other realm to be dominating while showing versatility with that size and strength. When Weylin Lapuaho takes the field for South Jordan’s Bingham High School, the coaches know the three-star talent will get the job done, and at any position asked of him. The 6-4, 295-pound, recruit anchored the Miners’ line at center in 2020 and will further showcase his versatility during his senior campaign lining up at left tackle.
Fresh off his performance at the Under Armour All-American Camp in Phoenix, Lapuaho stopped by the RNG Lab covering ground on his performance and offseason workouts.
Interview
Weylin, the Miners are a ground and pound kind of team on offense and you were the anchor in the middle. What is the offensive philosophy of your team?
We did a lot of man scheme, one-on-one blocking, where you had to beat the guy across from you. The goal was for us to tire them out over four quarters in a physical game.
It is not enough that you snap and get down and dirty, but they also have you pulling from the center spot. Talk to me about your footwork, your explosion out of your stance, and hand placement on your blocks.
My brother taught me a lot, and my coaches. I was playing guard, so pulling and snapping was not a big factor. I knew how to do it, I just had to make sure the snap is there and then go hit that dude and make the hole.
What do you feel are the strengths to your game as a run and pass blocker?
My technique and my footwork. Even if I miss a punch my feet help me. I can slide over and not give up on the play. If I lose at the beginning I can win in the end because of my technique and footwork. In the run game, knowing the scheme and knowing what everyone is doing from right to left tackle.
What are you focusing on this offseason with your skills?
This season we have a new offensive coordinator, we won’t be running the I-formation. We are moving to an RPO (run-pass option) and zone offense. I will be playing left tackle this season. I am working on my kick, hand placement, skip pulling, and getting out in open space blocking.
Going into the weight room, what are some of the lifts and workouts you are doing to increase your strength and overall power?
At school, they strive in the weight room. We are doing cleans, bench, and squats during first period. I do all my three main lifts at school and then I do extra work with my trainer and with my football brothers. I am getting a lot stronger this offseason.
Have you had a chance to max out this winter or spring?
We just maxed for our base number for this offseason. My squat was 475, my clean was 275, and my bench was 285. I have a lot of room to improve upon this next quarter. My goal is to get them up a lot more.
On March 27, I saw you competing at the Under Armour All-American Camp in Phoenix. How did that showcase event go for you?
I thought I did really well. Getting ready, I stretched out and felt good early. I was one of the first to go through every drill and did the 40 and shuttle. Coaches at the camp were telling me I was looking good and doing a good job.
After that, we went to do the offensive line drills. We did flexibility moving; I did well on that. Then we did run tech and then we did one-on-ones. You don’t get many reps at this camp, so when you do you have to show out. I lost one, but won the other three. That is not bad.
What did you showcase of your skills on that big stage?
During my first rep, I messed up the snap but I hit him with my off hand, He had my punch, he was bull rushing, but I yanked him to the ground. Then I walked over him for the intimidation factor while he was on the ground. At guard, I did a punch to the chest on the first rep coming at him. After that, he was going heavy, so I sat back. He came at me and I locked him up.
Are there any other camps coming up you may attend?
I am hoping to do some more camps, but I believe I am done with the national camps. I got the exposure I needed, and I am thankful for that. The close colleges, Utah, BYU, and Utah State, I plan on going to their camps. Other than that, my camp season is most likely over.
Let’s stick with the colleges. Which programs are showing interest?
Utah State, they are showing love, Weber State, BYU, and I am getting love from Cal. I just talked to Air Force coach. They are considering me.
You have a really big offer. Which program offered you?
Utah.
When did get that?
Spring of last year.
Congratulations on that.
Thank you, sir.
This summer, are there any visits you may take?
Definitely. I want to visit the U (Utah), Utah State, BYU, and Weber.
Weylin, after seeing you in action I enjoyed getting to learn more about you and your game today. Wishing you the best with your offseason workouts and upcoming camps until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: NIL/Lapuaho family; Weylin Lapuaho