Interview: 2018 Nevada 3-Star OL Jacob Isaia Talks Michigan State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A long and windy road along the recruiting trail ended on Sunday for two parties when Class of 2018 offensive lineman Jacob Isaia committed to Michigan State. Not only are the Spartans picking up one of the more highly recruited linemen in the nation, but they also secured a MSU Hall of Fame legacy.
The path forward for Isaia becoming a three-star recruit with 25 scholarship offers was not an easy one. Starting off at Iolani High School in Honolulu during his sophomore year, Isaia was an overachieving 6-3, 235 pound, starting left tackle frustrating ends, defensive tackles, and linebackers alike with his raw power and quickness. A move from Honolulu to Las Vegas landed him at powerhouse Bishop Gorman. Unsure of what to expect, Isaia grew by leaps and bounds in more ways than way earning a starting job with the national power at right tackle. His dedication to the game showed on game tape but also in the weight room where he worked to add 30-plus pounds in the offseason.
The change in venue further enhanced Isaia’s recruiting stock. Aided by the Gaels 15-0 record in 2016 earning MaxPrep’s high school national championship honors, college coaches could no longer question if Isaia was capable of playing at the highest level in the high school ranks – he was helping define what it means to be the best of the best. The offseason saw a flurry of recruiting activity for Isaia growing his offer sheet to include Michigan State, Washington State, Ole Miss, San Diego State, UCLA, Kansas State, Indiana, BYU, Virginia, UNLV, Minnesota, Georgia Tech, Hawaii, Syracuse, Arizona, Iowa State, Connecticut, Boise State, Utah, and Vanderbilt, just to name a few, by the time of his commitment.
The Gaels are once again one of the top teams in the nation with Isaia helping anchor the offensive line now at left tackle. A buzz saw out of state schedule that included DeMatha (MD), Mater Dei (CA), Miami Central (FL), and De La Salle (CA) contributed to an uncharacteristic 2-2 start but consecutive wins over De La Salle, Bonanza (NV), and Spring Valley (NV) have Bishop Gorman back on track and ranked No. 5 in the nation.
After Bishop Gorman upended Spring Valley 63-0, Isaia took an official visit to East Lansing to learn more about the Spartans program and to see his grandfather, Bob Apisa, get inducted into the Spartans Football Hall of Fame. What ended up happening was a surprise to all, even for Isaia, a win-win for all involved.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Isaia covering his official visit to Michigan State and how he committed to the Spartans.
Interview
Jacob, congratulations on your commitment to Michigan State. I know the Spartans were one of the first teams to offer you. How did they recruit you throughout the process?
“They weren’t really pressuring me at all to visit or to commit early. They kept their distance but kept in touch. They convinced me they wanted me as the person that I am, not because of my grandpa. They were recruiting me to help the team out on the offensive line.”
You took an official visit to East Lansing on Sept. 30. The trip obviously went well, what all did you do during your visit?
“We got to see a lot of the facilities that the players use during their time at Michigan State. I got to go to the freshman dorms and the off-campus dorms for the upperclassmen. It was nice and cool to see how the players interact with one another away from the field.”
Did you come up with a Top 5 list of schools you were most interested in during the recruiting process?
“Yeah, I did. At the time, when I was visiting they were not high on my list. My grandpa was being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was there to support him. I went to enjoy the visit, and then I committed (laughs).”
What was the tipping point for you that led you to end the recruiting process and announce your commitment?
“I had a lot of different viewpoints on the recruiting process during the journey. I had a lot of people telling me to commit in the spring and then in the summer. I wanted to visit a lot of places before I committed. The reason I committed, I felt like it needed to end. I did not want to wait too long. The recruiting process was getting tiring. It was hard to keep up with everything. The time was right.”
How did you notify the Spartans staff you were committing?
“I talked to Coach (Mark) Dantonio (head coach) on my last day there (Sunday).”
What was Coach Dantonio’s reaction to your commitment?
“He was a little surprised. I don’t think they expected me to commit on the visit. I was hoping to commit by this weekend. I wanted to commit after thinking about if for a long time. I knew it was time to commit and end it. I surprised everyone. I feel like I made a great decision.”
Which position are they recruiting you to play?
“They see me as a center, but they are fine with me playing anywhere on the offensive line.”
The commitment to MSU runs deep, you are a legacy. What was the reaction from your family when you told them you wanted to be a Spartan?
“They were very supportive. I only told my mom before I committed but no one else. When I told Coach Dantonio in front of my dad and step-dad, they all stepped in to support me. I knew my dad was comfortable with the decision, he gets along with offensive line coach, Coach (Mark) Staten, and all the other coaches. He feels comfortable with me there. Additionally, Detroit is a great airport for anyone to come into for games. My family from all over the country can fly into Detroit to come see me play.”
The recruiting process can be grueling, are you happy it is all over now?
“Yes. I’m glad this it is over. I can focus even better on the season now. When the season is done, I can sign in December and get my workout regimen from Michigan State. Then I can start preparing myself for college football.”
Let’s shift the focus to on the field questions. The Gaels are 4-2 with a three-game winning streak knocking off California powerhouse De La Salle, Bonanza (Las Vegas), and Spring Valley (NV). What has come together for the team contributing to the Gaels three-game win streak?
“I think it is the realization that we needed to come back together as a team. We were hit in the mouth twice. The first time we lost (Mater Dei 35-21), we gave it our all. The Miami Central game (lost 24-20), we let our guard down. We underestimated them. We let ourselves go. Against De La Salle (won 34-7), we came together. We are no longer underestimating our opponents. Our goal is to win state and finish off the season on a high note.”
You guys get Clark on Friday, how will their defense challenge you and the offense?
“We have the talent and hard work that nobody can beat. Since we lost, I feel like the blood is in the water. Teams think they can beat us. We are ready to rally the offense. We will go 100 percent no matter what and bring the fight to them.”
Are there any games left on the schedule after Clark you are pumped to play?
“Next week, that is homecoming (Desert Oasis) for us then we have senior night (Oct. 26 vs. Sierra Vista).”
Last question, what did you do or do you plan on doing to celebrate your commitment to Michigan State?
“Right now, I am spending time with the family. Tonight (Monday) we are going out to eat to celebrate.”
Jacob, again, congratulations on your commitment and good luck with the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
*Isaia’s grandfather, Bob Apisa, was a running back for the Spartans from 1965-67. His career numbers include 1,343 rush yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 receptions for 133 yards with another score. Mr. Apisa is widely honored as one of the first Hawaiian based players to open the recruiting doors to college football that have helped hundreds if not thousands of other in-state players since.
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Photo credit: Isaia family; Jacob Isaia and family at Michigan State.