Recruiting and Season Update Interview with 4-Star 2021 TE Moliki Matavao

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is no other way to describe Moliki Matavao but as the do-everything tight end who does everything really well. The 6-6, 240-pound, talent is essentially another offensive tackle in the run game and another receiver when asked to run routes in the passing attack. Matavo ended his sophomore season with Liberty pulling down 18 passes for 327 yards with five trips into the end zone. He has pushed beyond that in 2019 with 27 receptions covering 377 yards with three scores going up on the board. The scary aspect to Matavao’s game, he is nowhere near his peak performance, but is already dominating Nevada 4A competition. All that ability has made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2021 class with 37 offers extended.

For an update on his season and a glimpse into the Patriots’ first-round playoff game, along with insight on his recruiting process, we sat down for a great in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Moliki, the offense has been consistent all season putting up points against a national schedule and against in-state challengers. What has worked for the offense allowing 34 on average going up on the board?

“We had a rough start, but we found our missing piece at quarterback (Daniel Britt). He is a dual-threat. With him running and passing, the offense is opened up. He has led us in the right direction. With him at quarterback, we have established the run game and that has opened up the passing attack.”

How has your game come along this season as a blocking tight end?

“It has come along a lot. I worked on that this offseason. You have to do both as a tight end, block and catch passes. I love blocking, I take pride in that. That has stepped up a lot from last season.”

What about as a receiving threat, how has that part of your game come along?

“That has also improved a lot. My lateral quickness and being a downfield threat has improved. Teams know who I am now, so they bracket cover me. I learned how to read the zone better so I can find the openings. That is why I had 18 catches last season and I have 27 this year, and the year is not over yet.”

Of the games played this year, which has been your best game?

“Either Coronado (NV) or the Chandler (AZ) game; Chandler is one of the best teams in Arizona.”

Why do those two games top the list?

“I caught the ball well in both games. I had eight receptions in the Chandler game and seven against Coronado. I blocked well in both games as well. I had pancake blocks in those games. I think I had 90 yards against Chandler and 100 against Coronado.”

Which game this season was the most challenging?

“The St. John Bosco game was the most challenging. Playing against all their D-I recruited players, they have the best corners and best backers, I struggled at first. But I realized what I could do against them. It started clicking for me in the second half.”

How did that challenge make you a better player?

“It gave me no fear on the field. We are all built the same. Overcoming the No. 1 team in the nation, or whatever they were ranked at that time, that gave me confidence. It gave me confidence that our team can come in and play whoever we want and compete at that level.”

Going into recruiting. I know you have a ton of offers. How many are you holding?

“Thirty-seven.”

Matavao’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, BYU, Cal, Colorado, Colorado State, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio State, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Diego State, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, UNLV, USC, Utah, Utah State, Washington, and Wisconsin

Wow. Are there any schools left showing interest or have they all offered already?

(Laughs) “Oklahoma is showing interest. One of their coaches came by school Thursday of last week.”

With all the offers on the table, have you had a chance to visit any schools over the last couple of months?

“Yes. Over the summer I took visits to Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. This fall, I went to Washington for a game and then down to USC two weeks ago for a game.”

Looking at the most recent visits. How did the trip to Washington go?

“It was great. That was my first college football game ever. It was surreal. It seemed like there were 75,000 fans there. It was electric. Seeing the whole vibe on game day and seeing how they work, that was great to watch.”

And the USC visit?

“It was great. I loved seeing how USC plays, and they are close to home. The Coliseum, it was great seeing how big and nice their stadium is. I got to meet the coaches and players as well. It was a great visit.”

Are you taking any more visits coming up?

“I want to take one to Penn State but it depends on our playoff games. I am trying to hit a Georgia game also this year. When the spring rolls around I will take a trip up in the Midwest to visit some schools.”

When your time comes to start narrowing down schools in the process, what will be some of the criteria points that separates the different programs from one another?

“I am looking for a family environment. A lot will depend on how I connect with the coaches and how the offense works; is he used in the passing game or just a blocking tight end? That family feel is definitely important to me. I am looking for a place where I can perform to the best of my abilities, build my body and performance up to be the best player I can be.”

Last question. You guys get Clark in the opening round of the playoffs, what kind of game can the fans expect in that one?

“A good one. That is a home game for us; I love playing at home and playing in front of our student section. We will be ready to play. It will be a nice hard and well-fought game.”

Moliki, it was great spending time with you today gaining insight on your skills and recruiting process. Wishing you and the Patriots success in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Matavao family; Moliki Matavao at USC