The Seau legacy continues in San Diego with Class of 2016 LB Quinn

Exclusive interview with Quinn Seau

 

A self made football legend came from the seaside paradise of San Diego, California as a Class of 1988 recruit. The 6’4”, 250 pound, linebacker who would go on to be named a unanimous First-Team All-American at USC, be picked as the No. 5 overall selection in the 1990 NFL Draft, and play 20 years in the NFL registering 1,522 career tackles paved the way not only for kids in San Diego but also for Americans of Samoan heritage in pro and college football.

Already with a California (CIF) championship under his belt, Class of 2016 linebacker Quinn Seau is blazing his own trail through the high school ranks looking ahead to the opportunity to play college football.

The junior is already a beast on the gridiron standing 6’2”, weighing 210 pounds, with top colleges from around the nation keeping a close eye on the maturation of Junior Seau’s nephew.

After helping St. Augustine High School to a runner-up CIF championship in 2012 starting as a freshman, the budding talent helped the Saints win their first CIF Championship since 2006 last season. As a result Seau had numerous offers to top Division-I football camps like Stanford and Florida State but opted for two Nike camps (bay area and Redondo Beach) to help firm up his skills at linebacker.

Quinn sat down for a one-on-one interview covering topics from recruiting to the upcoming high school football season.

 

Congratulations on winning a CIF championship last season. How was the build up to the championship game?

“It was an awesome experience. Every day I was excited about getting to work on the field. When we beat Cathedral we got stronger and stronger as a team and knew we had a shot at winning the championship.”

What inspired the Saints last season?

“We had great team unity. We have a true brotherhood on the field and in the locker room.”

How do the Saints look going into the 2014 season?

“We’re looking good. This year we need a couple of guys to step up if we’re going to win another championship. We lost a couple of coaches but hopefully we can come out strong again this season.”

Who do you play in Week 1?

“We play Oceanfront. We opened with them last year. We play them on the road this year. Should be a good game.”

Is there a team you are looking forward to playing already this year?

“Cathedral Catholic High School, they are our rivals. I always look forward to playing them. The game is intense.” Seau later adds, “Everyone’s best game last year was against Cathedral. We all came together and played a great game.”

What is the strength of St. Augustine’s team this year?

“Our strength is our running game, same as every year. Our offensive line looks strong as does our running backs. On defense we’re looking good. Coach (Richard) Sanchez moved Frank (Buncom, 6’1”, 187 lbs) from cornerback to rover. (Francois) Sims is our other backer (6’0”, 220 lbs). We’re looking strong at linebacker. The defensive line is still competing for some spots. The secondary is working hard to get better.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“My preparation for every single game is my biggest strength. Knowing the other team’s tendencies and reacting to the ball are my strengths. I watch a lot of game film.”

When the ball is snapped what do you do best?

“Right now I’m best at run support. I’m ready to make every single tackle.”

You made some post season lists last year. What honors did you receive?

“I was Second-Team All-Sophomore All-State and Second-Team All-League.”

What are your personal goals for the 2014 football season? Any high tackle statistics or total interceptions you want to tally?

“I don’t focus on numbers. I just focus on being the best teammate I can be and bringing another championship to the area for the community.”

How will your role change this year compared to last season?

“They’re putting me in our Tiger formation (two tight ends).”

Are you going to catch some passes this year or are you in more for blocking?

“I’m getting some passes this year.”

How are your hands?

(Laughs) “I’m working on them.”

Are any schools starting to recruit you?

“I’m getting a lot of letters and invites to camps but no offers yet. Right now I just want to focus on football and see what happens this year.”

Have you had an experience in your life or a person that has inspired you with your football career?

“My dad (Savaii Seau) has had the biggest impact on my football career. He’s helped me so much throughout Pop Warner, Youth League, and now. He’s always trying to get me where I need to be. He’s always there for me.”

What has been your most memorable moment in high school football thus far?

“The moment that sticks out is my freshman year when we lost to Cathedral. That was one of the toughest and saddest things I’d ever seen. The upperclassmen were crushed.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part is the excitement and joy after beating a team. Coming off the field with all your brothers after working hard, coming is a great feeling.”

 

After talking to Quinn one cannot help but come away thinking how bright the future looks for the junior to-be. One can’t help but want to be in the San Diego area on October 24 when St. Augustine puts on the helmets and shoulder pads to face Cathedral Catholic.