Mater Dei 2017 LB Fa’avae Fa’avae Updates Unofficial Visit with USC Trojans

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When the 2015 season had drawn to a close, Mater Dei High School had unleashed a new defensive weapon on opposing California high schools – outside linebacker Fa’avae Fa’avae. Fa’avae did a little bit of everything on the outside which included shutting down the run, defending the pass, and rushing the quarterback. His stat included 59 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, a strip-six, a pick-six, and three passes defended.

Fa’avae, pronounced Fuh-Vy, has become one of the hotter linebacker prospects in southern California seeing his offers jump from a first extension from Arizona State to nine total. The other schools wanting the talents of the 6’1”, 210 pounder, includes Boise State, Louisville, Colorado State, Hawaii, Nevada, San Jose State, UNLV, and Washington State.

Any and all offers are big, and more big offers should be coming down the line for Fa’avae. He just wrapped up an unofficial visit to USC on Saturday laying the groundwork for another potential offer. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Fa’avae after his visit to get the inside scoop on his time with the Trojans.

Interview

Fa’avae, if you will, please walk me through your visit with US.

“I got there around 7:30 8:00 in the morning. I called Coach (Johnny) Nansen, USC’s linebackers coach, to let him know we were there. Coach Alex (Rios – director of recruiting) came down to get us and we took a tour of everything. We saw the weight room, went into the locker room, met the players, and I met head coach Clay Helton. Everyone was riled up for practice, which was fun to see. We stayed for their practice and afterwards I talked to Coach Nansen some more and then we went back home. They did invite me to one of their camps.”

How did the camp invite come about for you?

“Coach Nansen said, “Man you can take as many unofficial visits as you want with us to help build this relationship.” Coach (Jim) Mora (UCLA) told me the same thing. He said they want me to come to their spring game at the Coliseum.”

Did Coach Nansen or any of the coaches talk to you about where you are at on their recruiting board right now?

“We talked about what I am doing in the offseason, my plans. I think they are close to offering but that is in God’s hands. Coach (Clancy) Pendergrast (defensive coordinator) wants to check me out in person. When they come out I’ll show out (Mater Dei spring practices).”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have nine total. It’s a blessing.”

Other than USC, which schools are in touch with you but have not offered you yet?

“Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Texas A&M have been in touch but have not offered yet.”

Of the nine that have offered, which ones are pushing the hardest to land your commitment?

“I can honestly say all of them are. I’m getting handwritten letters and they are DM-ing (direct messaging) me. All the offers – it’s a blessing.”

What other unofficial visits do you have planned coming up?

“I’m going to Louisville for their spring game on April 19. I think that’s it for now. I’m checking out UCLA but I’m not sure when, maybe in the next couple of weeks. The main priorities are the schools that have offered me.”

Fa’avae, congratulations on all the success and the successful and fun visit to USC and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fa’avae family; Fa’avae with USC senior WR Darreus Rogers

Photo credit: Fa’avae family; Fa’avae guest pass.