Interview: 4-Star 2018 Utah OLB Salua Masina Caught the Eye of Recruiters with Breakout Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

It seems like every year, for the size of the state, Utah produces some pretty amazing collegiate football talent on par with some of the more highly recognized recruiting battle states across the country. One rising Utah star all college coaches will want to check out is 2018 outside linebacker Salua Masina.

Masina had a meteoric rise up recruiting boards in 2016 after playing sparingly as a sophomore. The sophomore outside linebacker had 28 tackles and a sack trying to pry playing time away from upperclassmen. When Brighton High School hit the field this year, there was no doubt Masina had drawn the spotlight his way coming up with over 100 tackles, 12 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

The 6-4, 215 pound, talent pops off game tap showing physicality in the trenches and at the point of contact. He is quick too, covering sideline to sideline tracking down plays going the opposite direction. His versatility adds to his overall playmaking abilities lining up with a hand in the ground or standing up setting the edge or coming down the line to put pressure on the quarterback on passing downs.

As fast as Masina is to the ball, it seemed college coaches were even quicker to extend a scholarship offer. One of Utah’s best in the 2018 class now has nine offers from top schools like USC, Utah, UCLA, BYU, Utah State, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, and Vanderbilt.

The Bengals had a tough season in 2016 but Masina remained a bright spot throughout. In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with the four-star recruit to get his thoughts on his junior campaign while receiving an update on his recruitment.

Interview

Salua, how did season go?

“It didn’t go as planned. We had a rough beginning and we could not get the momentum going.”

How well did you play this season?

“I felt like I did well in most of the games. Some of the games I did not play as well as I could have. I am happy with what I ended up doing.”

Were you surprised at how well you played this year?

“Yes. I did not have that many varsity minutes last season. I tried to play the best I could.”

What are some of the things you do well on the field as an outside linebacker?

“I feel like I can read the linemen fast, I’m quick, and I can get the linemen’s hands off me fast. I like to hit. Off the edge, I love coming off the edge and I love blitzing. There is nothing better than knowing you can sack the QB.”

Which parts of your game are you working on going into the off-season?

“I’m still working on my speed, I’m not as fast as I could be, and my strength. I’m trying to get in the gym more so I can get stronger and gain more weight.”

You’re game speed looks really quick on tape. What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran during the off-season?

“I ran a 4.6 at a UCLA camp.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have nine offers.”

Of the schools that have offered which ones are showing the most interest?

“Probably Colorado and Utah. Oregon has been talking to me a lot lately but they have not offered.”

Which schools other than Oregon are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“Washington and Florida State. FSU is showing a little interest but not too much.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I’ve attended some Utah games this season as a recruit. I have also been to Utah State and BYU.”

Do you have any visits planned coming up?

“I’m planning on taking a visit to USC, UCLA, and Cal in the spring. I want to visit Washington. I’m trying to plan that out. Maybe Notre Dame.”

What is your overall GPA?

“Last time I checked it was a 3.5.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, not yet. I start taking test in December.”

Are there any players at the next levels that you watch to learn more about the game?

“Mostly my brothers (Utah and USC). I watch how they played and study what they did, how they ran, and how they played the game. I am studying them seeing what they did and trying to improve upon it.”

Salua, thanks for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: scout.com; Salua Masina at UCLA.

Photo credit: Masina family; Salua Masina at Utah.