Interview: California 2017 JUCO LB William Lulu Fielding Opportunities down to NSD
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The time leading up to National Signing Day can be nerve racking for all involved – players, parents, and football coaching staffs at all levels across the country. Weeding through the process to find that unique connection that works both on the field and off the field for players and coaches is not a simple process. For Mount San Jacinto 2017 linebacker William Lulu, the process has been a tough one that is still ongoing.
Lulu has been a consistent playmaker for Mount San Jacinto since his freshman season when he tallied 71 tackles, an estimated 17 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and broke up six pass plays. The Eagles had a tough 2016 season going 3-7 against California competition. Posted stats for their 6-0, 230 pound, linebacker through 10 games had him with 65 stops, eight tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and one interception to close out his sophomore season.
Interest has come from Division-I teams like Virginia, North Carolina State, UAB, UCF, Miami, Arkansas and Florida with a lot of offers from D-I AA programs. In a Recruiting News Guru update interview, I sat down with Lulu covering his recruiting process as Wednesday, Feb. 1, looms large.
Interview
William, how did your sophomore season go overall?
“I made first team All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference. I had 87 tackles, 20-plus tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and three pass deflections.”
How did your game improve in 2016?
“Compared to last year, I cut the unnecessary weight from my freshman year. I came off my hamstring injury that I had my freshman season and had a good season. That was a big part for me coming off that injury.
“I took advantage being a vet. I knew the playbook so I could focus on technique and fundamentals. My coverage was better. I was more flexible, my change direction was better, and my hips were better. I did a lot of film study during the season. I worked on that a lot. I could see the plays developing and react to them better. I did a lot of studying on run schemes so I could have a great season, better than my freshman year.”
Which schools have shown recruiting interest in you leading up to National Signing Day?
“I had a couple of schools that were talking to me – New Mexico, Florida Atlantic, and San Jose State. Those were the main three. UTEP, UMass, and Sacred Heart, they are D-I AA, have been showing interest. I had six D-I AA offers but I would have had to accept them in December.”
Have you taken any official visits yet?
“I took two, one to Duquesne and one to North Carolina Central.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“Not right now, but I have been talking to Sacred Heart.”
What are you looking for in a school?
“One – I am looking for a good competitive conference that I can play in at the FCS level. Two – a place I feel welcome and comfortable. School is school. I will go to class, study, and get my degree. Football wise, I want to wake up and be happy to play for the coaches on the team.”
What sets you apart from other junior college linebackers?
“My nose for the ball. My instincts are natural. I’ve been told that by many coaches. How I tackle. When I tackle they never get yards after contact. I always stay square. My leverage on tackles and when I take on a lineman. All of that sets me apart from other linebackers.”
William, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Mount San Jacinto; No. 44 William Lulu and teammates on the field.
Photo credit: jucofootballforever; No. 13 William Lulu