Fa’avae Fa’avae Gives Inside Details on Commitment to Washington State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
On Friday night, Washington State added their first linebacker to their 2017 recruiting class landing California three-star recruit Fa’avae Fa’avae.
Fa’avae started jumping on recruiting boards after tearing it up for one of the bigger powerhouse teams in the nation, Mater Dei. The southern California squad is always loaded with talent and Fa’avae was one of them throughout his junior season. The 6-1, 215 pound, playmaker ended the 2015 season with 59 tackles, 19 TFL, 12.5 sacks, 20 QB hurries, 1 INT pick-six, strip fumble for a touchdown 10-yard, two forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. All the big plays helped the Monarchs to a 10-3 season.
Colleges took notice of Fa’avae pulling in scholarship offers from Boston College, Hawaii, Louisville, Colorado, Fresno State, San Diego State, New Mexico, San Jose State, Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Nevada, and Colorado State. Southern California football fans found out about the commitment first off a local radio show but the Washington State faithful were rewarded with a little patience seeing the following post on Twitter:
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Fa’avae after his commitment to find out how the offer from Washington State grew to a verbal commitment.
Interview
Fa’avae, what influenced you to commit to Washington State?
“There were three factors for me when I committed to Washington State. The first was their academics. I wanted to go to a school that was good for business. The second was playing time as a true freshman. The third was the long-term relationships that can be had through networking at Washington State. Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, is up there. That kind of networking is second to none.”
When did you actually commit to Washington State?
“I committed to the coaches a little while ago on Oct. 2. and then announced it today on a radio show (Petros and Money).”
Who did you commit to on the staff?
“I committed to Coach (Mike) Leach (head coach), their wide receivers coach, Coach (Dave) Nichol, and their linebackers coach, Coach (Roy) Manning. I Facetimed them and committed that way.”
What were the reaction of the coaches?
“They were jumping up and down. They were stoked. Some of the players were there too. They were all happy and jumping up and down as well.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“To be honest, I was super nervous. I felt like I was playing in the (St. John) Bosco game. I was happy to let it out that I am officially committed. Today is a big day for me and my family.”
Is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?
“Yes, as soon as I committed, I took a big deep breath and thought ‘the recruitment is over.’ It was truly as sense of relief.”
Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season?
“I’m only taking one. That is on Dec. 9 to Washington State.”
Are you going to start helping recruit players to join you in Pullman?
“Now that I am committed, I will be the recruiting god of California for Washington State.”
How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?
“I’m going to tell them we are doing something special. If you want to dominate, play early, and win Pac 12 championships, come to Washington State. I just want to meet my new family. I’m really excited.”
Was there another team that made your final commitment tough for you?
“Yes. Louisville.”
Last question, you mentioned early playing time. Do you plan to be an early enrollee?
“We have not discussed that yet. As of right now it is not a big priority.”
Fa’avae, thanks for your time today and congratulations on your commitment to Washington State.
“Thank you.”
Washington State Cougars 2017 Verbal Commitment List (12)
CB George Hicks, 5-11, 180, Cajon HS, San Bernardino, CA
CB Zaire Webb, 5-11, 170, Duncan U. Fletcher, Neptune Beach, FL
LB Fa’avae Fa’avae, 6-1, 210, Mater Dei HS, Anaheim, CA
DE Kelle Sanders, 6-5, 215, River Ridge HS, Olympia, WA
DE Joe Tyron, 6-5, 230, Hazen Senior, Renton, WA
OT Alec Kuzmack, 6-5, 285, Eagle HS, Eagle, ID
OT/DE Abraham Lucas, 6-7, 256, Archbishop Murphy, Everett, WA
OT George Moore, 6-7, 308, College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA
OT Dontae Powell, 6-5, 314, Richland HS, Richland, WA
QB Connor Neville, 6-2, 183, Wilsonville HS, Wilsonville, OR
WR Derrion Grim, 6-0, 195, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA
WR Anthony White Jr., 6-1, 170, Miami Central HS, Miami, FL
Photo credit: Fa’avae family; Fa’avae Fa’avae WSU announcement.