Kansas Football: Interview with 9-Offer 2021 Manhattan DL Damian Ilalio
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Damien Ilalio is a warrior on the defense line for Manhattan High School and helped lead the Indians to a 9-2 record in 2019. During his junior season, the 6’2”, 250-pound, play-maker racked up 68 total tackles including 13.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. After the season, Ilalio won numerous individual honors for the hard work put in on the field and college programs have taken notice.
Ilalio possesses great strength and athleticism blowing through opposing offensive line to make tackles whether it be in the passing or running game. This class of 2021 recruit currently holds nine college offers including Army and Air Force and is also drawing interest from several big-time college programs including Kansas State.
Ilalio not only works hard on the football field but also in the classroom where he currently has a 3.97 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up Damian to discuss his junior season at Manhattan High School and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Damian, how would you grade your individual performance last season and why?
“I would grade my performance an 8 out of 10 last season. I don’t believe it’s anywhere near my full potential, but I played at one of the highest levels in the state. I was really good last season.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“My most memorable moment was hugging Turner Corcoran after our battle. It was the most fun I ever had playing football, and I respect him a lot as an opponent.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strength and finesse make it very hard to block me, as I have multiple weapons to get hands off of me. Against the run or pass game, the combo gets me through anything.”
Did you receive any individual honors last season?
“I received Centennial League Defensive Player of the Year and was put on the All-State Defensive First Team SIK.”
What are some of the challenges you faced last season?
“Some challenges I faced in the beginning of the season was an early loss in the season. We had to learn to put the past behind us after we lost that game, and we prevailed very well afterwards.”
How did you overcome this challenge?
“Relentless hard work over and over again until we got where we needed to be. We are a team that works hard and gets results.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“During the offseason is your grind season or your build season. The offseason focuses primarily on destroying your body physically so you can get stronger. You can’t destroy your body during the season, so the offseason is definitely the time to do it.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“My maxes are 370 pounds on bench, 490 pounds on squat, and 325 pounds on hang clean.”
What do you like most about playing on the defensive line?
“The thing I love most about the defensive line is the freedom that I get to have when I play. For O-linemen, there’s like a whole plan and they have to follow every step. But for D-linemen, I just have an area I have to protect. As long as I protect that area or gap, I’m fine. That lets me be free and independent.”
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“I love Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald, the way they both play is awesome. But I also look to Reggie White for inspiration. He was a beast.”
How many college offers do you have right now?
“I have nine total offers including Army, Air Force, Cornell, Emporia State, and Eastern Illinois.”
What other schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Kansas State, Yale and Washburn have also showed interest.”
Have you been to any college camps?
“The Coronavirus hasn’t let me go to any college camps, but I’ve been to a Kansas State once in the past. I also went to one at Stanford University.”
Which camp was your favorite and why?
“My favorite camp was the Stanford one because it was over two days, and I made a lot of friends. The competition was great and I got named King Of The Board Drill.”
Have you been on any college visits?
“I’ve been to Kansas and Kansas State.”
Which one was your favorite and why?
“The Kansas State visit was really inspiring. Everyone was friendly and the game went really well. The whole experience was great.”
What is your favorite subject and why?
“My favorite subject is probably math, because I’m naturally really good at it. There’s no confusion with math since they’re only one answer, so you can’t debate whether you’re partially right or if you’re kind of wrong. There’s only you got it or you didn’t.”
What is your GPA?
“I have a 3.97 GPA.”
What do you like most about playing at Manhattan High School?
“I believe my coaches are the best quality of coaches you can find anywhere. They prepare us for the game impeccably and our team is so lucky to have them. Also, my teammates are hungry, and I love that. We each want to go do the best we can and shock the world. It’s awesome.”
Do you have any early goals for your senior season?
“One of my personal early goals is to maintain contact with college coaches while this whole quarantine is going on. I want to make sure I can still make visits and attend camps as soon as they’re open.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Hudl.com; Manhattan DL Damian Ilalio
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Manhattan DL Damian Ilalio during his visit to Kansas State