Interview: 3-Star 2020 California DL Soane Toia Covers Team Camp and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One great thing about game film, it does not lie. The truth is out there for Class of 2020 defensive lineman Soane Toia. Toia was beastly in the trenches for Grace Brethren during the 2018 season racking up 85 stops, 55 solo, 30 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, forced two fumbles, picked up a fumble and registered a mind-blowing 73 QB hurries. The hard work went into a 14-2 season for his Lancers’ squad that culminated in a 21-14 state championship win over Del Oro (Loomis). The skill, upside, and productivity of the 6-1, 285-pound, game changer was not lost on college coaches with offers going out to the Simi Valley area talent from Arizona, Hawaii, and San Jose State.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got a few minutes with Toia getting insight on his offseason workouts, the Lancers’ fall camp, and recruiting process.
Interview
Soane, I am sure you’ve fielded some form of this question a thousand times this offseason; the Lancers captured a Division-IV championship last season, can you guys do it again in 2019?
“Yeah. We sure can. We have a lot of seniors this season and we are looking stronger than last year. We will go back to CIF and hopefully state.”
What will be some of the strengths of the team this season?
“Our offense line. We have guys like my brother Jay on there; they are stronger than last year.”
You guys have a tough schedule, as a senior how are you leading the squad making sure they are ready from the start?
“At practices, I am making sure they are executing on each rep. I am making sure they are listening to the coaches.”
Which areas of your game have you been working on preparing for your senior season?
“I have been working on my hands, having quicker hands, my get off, and my moves. I have been working a lot on splitting the double team.”
One part of your game that you have dialed in is breaking the pocket and putting pressure on the quarterback. What are the things you are doing well that helped you get 12 sacks and 73 QB hurries last season?
“I have a fast get off and I am strong. The coaches move me around to create mismatches and confusion. I am using my speed to get to QB.”
What do you feel are the other strengths to your overall game?
“I am good at handling double-teams. There are a lot of offensive linemen who are bigger than me, I have to get lower and be stronger than them.”
Your strength does show on your reel. What were your offseason weight room maxes?
“My bench was 405 and my squat was 495.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Not only did you line up at defensive end and tackle, but you also got some snaps at fullback as a devastating lead blocker. Are we going to see you on offense again this year or filling any other roles?
“Yes. I am going in again at fullback again this season.”
When your senior season has ended, what personal goals will you have accomplished?
“My goals are to get more sacks, win state again, and be a better football player.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Oregon State, Utah State, UCLA, and Fresno State.”
Which schools have extended offers so far?
“Arizona, Hawaii, and San Jose State.”
Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes. I went to Fresno State.”
How did the Fresno State visit go?
“It was good. Their defensive line coach, Coach Will Plemons, is good. I liked all their coaches.”
Which schools are you planning on visiting this fall?
“I will take official visits to Arizona, San Jose State, and Hawaii and an unofficial to Fresno State.”
Soane, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Lancers another successful season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Crossview Studios/Toia family; No. 56 Soane Toia in action