Vista Murrieta 2017 4-Star OT Chuck Filiaga Gives Camp and Recruiting Update

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As much as things change, it does the heart good to know that somethings never change. Case in point, when first interviewing Chuck Filiaga in May of 2014, he was a “scrawny” 6’6”, 275 pound, defensive end for St. Augustine High School in San Diego. He finished his freshman year with 52 tackles, seven sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and three quarterback hurries as he was just trying to figure out the nuances of the game.

When the season ended and as teams started laying the groundwork for future recruiting classes, a few teams were already showing interest in Filiaga. Among the few included Stanford, UCLA, Texas, Boise State, San Diego State, University of San Diego, and Washington State. Before his sophomore season began, Chuck and his family moved from the San Diego area with the budding talent ending up at Vista Murrieta High School. Once there, coaches saw the talented young man as a future cornerstone – franchise left tackle, and boy were they right.

Filiaga has shed his “light days” in the 275 pound range and is now 6’7”, 330 pounds. The other things that have changed are the amount of reported offers, with the thought that there are a lot more, but just not reported. The southern California talent has 20 offers from teams like USC, UCLA, Oklahoma, Cal, Baylor, Arizona State, Tennessee, South Carolina, Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Arizona, just to name a few. The other thing that has changed dramatically is the overall recruiting ranking for Filiaga. He has gone from a virtual unknown to a 4-star recruit ranked as one of the Top 130 players in the nation for the 2017 class, the No. 18 player in California (per Rivals), and the fourth best offensive tackle in the nation. That is saying a lot.

The one thing that has not changed, and in the best way possible, is Chuck Filiaga. Chuck remains a polite, thoughtful, and kind soul even with all of the attention and accolades and even if his play on the field would lead one to believe otherwise.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Filiaga after Vista Murrieta won their first round high school basketball game to get an update on his offseason workouts and the latest on his recruitment process.

Interview

Chuck, the Broncos had an excellent season last year going 12-2 before a 21-14 fourth round playoff loss to Mission Viejo. Looking back, how did the 2015 season go for you personally?

“It went very well. I improved a lot in many areas that I needed to improve. One of the main areas was my pad level. Tall guys struggle to stay low. If you don’t get low the small quick defensive ends will get you. I worked a lot on my footwork especially getting to the linebacker at the next level. My stride was too long. I shortened it and played more under control. I was not as wild on the field during my junior year as I was during my sophomore year. Overall it was a great season, I loved it. I wished it would have never ended.”

How are your offseason workouts going?

“I’m playing basketball this year. We are in the playoffs so I’ve been doing more of that than hitting the weights but I’m going to start back up as soon as our season is over.”

How is basketball going for you?

“I’m a reserve and more of a role player. I support the team anyway that I can. I’m just happy to be there.”

When you last maxed out on bench and squat, what numbers did you put up?

“I haven’t maxed out in a long time. I think the last bench max I did was sometime last year and I was at 315 and my squat was at 405.”

Considering your age, height, and long arms, that is really impressive.

“Thank you.”

Looking over the Vista Murrieta roster, it looks like you guys will be stacked next year with quarterback Karson Greeley (2,346 yards passing, 25 TDs, 7 INTs; 281 rushing yards, 8 TDs), running back Cole Dubots back (795 yards, 14 TDs), and 2018 wide receiver Khalil Shakir (46 receptions, 914 yards, 10 TDs). Are all those guys coming back next year?

“Yeah. The team should be stacked next year.”

Looks like it on offense. What about 2019 defensive end Keyon Ware-Hudson, is he expected to come back?

“Yeah. He’s one to watch. I think he’s going to be really good. He kind of reminds me of me when I was a freshman just trying to put it all together. I think he will really excel and be the next J.J. Watt or someone like that.”

Will we see you on the defensive line next year or are you sticking at left tackle going forward?

“I think I’m sticking at left tackle. I think that’s where I belong. The camps I’m going to, I’m going as a left tackle.”

Which camps are you going to coming up?

“I know I’m going to the Nike and Rivals camp. I will be attending USC’s Elite Day. I’m not sure about their Big Man Camp or their Rising Juniors Camp yet.”

Are you going to any other college camps?

“Not as of right now. I’m still talking to my mom (Judy) about it.”

I know you have at least 20 offers out there.

“That sounds about right.”

Of all the schools that have offered you, which ones are in contact with you the most?

“I’d say all of them are in regular contact with me.”

How about the same question but slightly different. Which ones are showing a little bit more interest than some of the others?

“The Tennessee Volunteers, Baylor Bears, Washington Huskies, Oregon Ducks, Ole Miss Rebels, Oklahoma Sooners, ASU Sun Devils, USC Trojans, and UCLA Bruins.”

Are you going to take any unofficial visits coming up to any of the schools that have offered you?

“I do not know right now. My mom and I are still coordinating what we’re going to do for that.”

Did you take any unofficial visits during the 2015 season?

“Yes, I took one to USC for the U of A game (Arizona).”

Was that a fun experience for you?

“That was a great experience for me to attend a college game like that. I loved it.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“It is going great. I have a 3.0 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, not yet. I’m planning on taking the tests towards the end of the semester.”

You have a playoff game against Cypress tomorrow. Will it be a tough game for you guys?

“It’ll be a tough game but I think we have a good chance of winning. We play together well. We have a great group of guys.”

Good luck with your playoff game tomorrow and the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: 247sports.com; Chuck Filiaga at Vista Murrieta.

Photo credit: rivals.com; Chuck Filiaga at a Rivals camp.