Interview: 3-Star 2020 Mater Dei LB Kobah Fuamatu Gives Fall Camp Update
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you are a true fan of high school football, you will love Class of 2020 linebacker/athlete Jacobah “Kobah” Fuamatu. Fuamatu is that hard hitting linebacker, and running back, flying around the field bringing the pain on each play. He rocked opposing California offenses during his sophomore season with La Habra and is putting his skillset to the test in a big way with defending national champs Mater Dei in 2018.
No other way to put it, Fuamatu is a football player – and is loads of fun to watch. He led the Highlanders with 99 tackles in 2018 while coming up with 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries. When tough yards were needed, the 6-0, 200-pound, athlete took his talents to the offensive side of the ball running over Division-II defenders for 123 yards off eight totes with two scores posted. The same type of production can be expected during his junior campaign, but all the hard work may come against the toughest schedule in high school football this season.
Mater Dei opens the season with Bishop Amat and then travels to national powerhouse Bishop Gorman (NV) to take on the Gaels in Las Vegas. After another road game against La Mirada, the Monarchs return home to play St. Mary’s (Stockton) and then host another national power in IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) before starting Trinity League action against Servite at the end of September. Should the Monarchs make it through their non-conference schedule without a blemish, there are no easy wins in the Trinity League with national powerhouse St. John Bosco and season ending games against California dark horse title contenders in JSerra Catholic and Orange Lutheran.
In a Recruiting News Guru featured interview, I sat down with the six-offer do-everything athlete Fuamatu to find out about his offseason workouts and fall camp with the Monarchs while getting an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Kobah, you were a monster on the field for La Habra last season leading the teams in tackles as an outside linebacker. When the 2017 season ended, what were the strengths of your game as a linebacker?
“My strengths are stopping the run and my coverage. I am really good at recognizing plays.”
What did you work on this offseason with your game?
“I worked on getting better overall with all of my skills.”
You transferred this offseason to Mater Dei, how is the adjustment going on the field?
“It was hard adaption at first. It surprised me, but now I am ready.”
What are practices with the Monarchs like?
“They are pretty intense. There is a lot of competition every day. Every day I am pushing my body. We have no days off.”
Which position, or positions, will you play during your junior season with Mater Dei?
“Outside linebacker.”
You got some snaps in at running back last season, have you reminded the Monarchs coaching staff that you are a hard-nosed runner just in case?
“Yeah. Coach will use me in some packages. I am looking forward to that.”
With all the offseason work you put in, where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your overall game during fall camp?
“My pass rushing skills have increased.”
Entering the 2018 season, which college programs are showing recruiting interest?
“UCLA, Colorado, Colorado State, Washington State, Notre Dame, and USC.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have six; Arizona State, San Diego State, UNLV, San Jose State, New Mexico, and Fresno State.”
Nice. Do you have any planned visits set for this fall?
“Yes. I have a lot. I plan to visit most of the colleges in California, and I might go to Utah or Boise State.”
The Monarchs, as always, are absolutely loaded with talent this year, and you guys may need it with what I believe is the toughest schedule in the nation. You open with Bishop Amat, what kind of challenge will they give you guys?
“They are a fast-paced team. We have to come out hard and play faster than them.”
Game 2 against Bishop Gorman is one of those really-really tough games. Have you guys started preparing for the Gaels yet?
“No. Next week we will work hard on Gorman.”
What are some of the other games on the schedule this season you are pumped to play?
“IMG; that is one of my biggest games. And Bosco. That will be a fun game as well.”
Kobah, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the upcoming season, I am excited to see how it goes for you and the Monarchs.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Mater Dei High School; Kobah Fuamatu in 7v7 action