Interview: 3-Star 2021 California LT Elia Migao Dominated Again
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Football is not for the timid or the mentally weak. Being on the gridiron, especially lining up against an offensive lineman like Elia Migao, you have to be on point or you will be dominated. Migao got after it again in 2019 at left tackle for Chaparral High School showing hopeful defenders that their “A” game is not enough. The 6-4, 330-pound, talent continued his progression as one of California’s best earning Southwestern League Lineman of the Year and CIF Southern Section first team honors with offers coming in from Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, and Washington State. Despite how good he already is on the field, hearing Migao talk, he is just getting it going.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the three-star 2021 recruit going over his impressive run through Division-IV defenses receiving an update on his possible offseason recruiting visits.
*Click link for May 2019 RNG interview with Elia Migao
Interview
Elia, how did your junior season on the field go overall?
“I was really happy with it, not just how I performed but also how the team performed overall. We did not have the outcome I wanted but I cannot complain about the season overall.”
We’ve talked about how you get after it in a good and nasty way on the field before. Did you count your knockdowns or pancake blocks this season?
“Yes. I think it was 40 pancakes and I think I had four really good knockdowns where I de-cleated the kid.”
Nice. With your blocking, which areas of your game improved the most?
“My run blocking. That was the most drastic improvement. My overall aggression improved and so did my ability to perform with anyone put next to me.”
Was there anything you did differently with your technique during the season?
“Yes. I wasn’t as conservative with my energy. I left it all out there. Before I tried to conserve my energy, but I was more aggressive but smarter with what I did on the field.”
How did you prepare for each game throughout the week?
“Going through practice taking as many reps and mental reps as possible. In meetings, I made sure I understood our assignments, knowing what we were doing and why.”
What do you feel are now the strengths to your overall game?
“My run blocking and my versatility – I can be put anywhere on the line; I knew every role on the line.”
Did you line up in other spots besides left tackle in 2019?
“They mainly had me at left tackle but sometimes I played at right tackle and at guard.”
Which game was your top performance in 2019?
“It had to be the third game, Yucaipa. I was named Offensive Lineman of the Game in that one. I had seven good pancakes and two knockdowns. I left it on the field in that one.”
With recruiting, you have the six offers, which schools are showing interest but haven’t offered yet?
“Cal, USC – I visited them for a game day, Washington, Kansas State – they have come to talk to me, UCLA, and Colorado State.”
Did you take any other visits besides USC during the season?
“I went to Arizona. I watched a practice, saw their facilities, and met their coaches. It was an amazing visit.”
How did the USC visit turn out?
“It went well. I missed the tour, but I got in for the game. It was an amazing game and an amazing atmosphere.”
Coming up, do you have any planned visits scheduled?
“I want to visit every school that has offered so far. I know I will visit Oregon and Washington State for their Junior Days.”
Back to football. Have you maxed out in the offseason yet?
“We just maxed out before break. My squat was 495, 295 for bench, and 295 for power clean. Those are the lifts that get us into our 1,000-pound club.”
What are your workout goals over the offseason?
“I want to work on being a better leader. My head coach, Coach (Andrew) Ramer, he has put me in position to be a good leader. I want to guide my team where we are all successful.”
Elia, great catching up with you again today. Good luck with your winter workouts and with the upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Chaparral HS/Migao family; No. 75 Elia Migao