Interview: 3-Star 2021 California OL Elia Migao Talks Potential Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

California football teams lining up in the Southwestern League may have an extra reason to be upset about the quarantine – Class of 2021 offensive lineman Elia Migao has been making the most of the extra time. Already a dominating presence on Chaparral High School’s line, the previously 6-4, 315-pound, talent is muscling up adding five pounds to his frame with two-a-day lifting sessions in the home gym. The abilities in the trenches has college coaches smiling with 15 offers extended to the three-star recruit thus far.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Migao gives insight to his spring workouts with an update on his potential visits once the dead period ends.

*Click link for Jan. 2020 RNG interview with Elia Migao

Interview

Elia, we caught up last after the 2019 season then talking about your junior campaign. What have you been working on with the technical part of your game this spring?

“Nothing much is changing with our offense, so I have kept my same workouts working on my overall balance of skills, footwork, and endurance; that has been my main focus this offseason.”

Where are you seeing the improvements in the details?

“My overall understanding of our offense has improved along with my balance and understanding of the game; that has improved a lot.”

During the quarantine, what has been your daily routine?

“Because of the quarantine, we made a home gym. We got a rack and weights so we could workout. My brother (Enoka) and I, we lift in the morning, go to class, and then go back later that night to work out a different part of the body.”

You guys are putting the time in this spring. You may not have enough weights to throw around in the home gym based on our previous workouts, but have you maxed out lately?

“Yes, we maxed out before the quarantine. My squat is past 500 now and I just hit 315 on bench. I am hoping for 325 soon. My power clean is 315. On deadlift, we did not have enough space on the bar for me to max out. The plates are too big.”

Based on the weights you had, where did you end up?

“I ended up at 540.”

Nice. Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“San Jose State, they recently offered my brother and were talking about me. UCLA and Washington are showing interest.”

How many offers are on the table?

“I have 15 offers.”

Which programs were the last couple to offer?

“Sac State, Colorado State offered last night (Monday), San Diego State, and Arizona.”

Migao’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Colorado, Colorado State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, San Diego State, Sacramento State, UNLV, Utah State, and Washington State

Going back to January, did you get any visits in before the dead period began?

“Yes. I was lucky to visit Colorado before Coach (Mel) Tucker went to Michigan State.”

Coming up, are there any planned visits ahead, official or unofficial?

“For official visits, none yet. As soon as the quarantine lifts, I will go to the schools that are closest. We want to start in Washington going to Washington State then down to Oregon, Oregon State, San Diego State, Arizona, and Arizona State if possible.”

That would be fun. Going a little bit deeper on recruiting, when you talk to the various college coaches, what are some of the type of conversations or information shared that makes the calls or meetings a good one for you?

“Every phone call that is enjoyable, it is not just about football but there is some small talk. In the football sense, I like when they talk about how I will fit in their offense, about the school, and about academics; those are good and enjoyable phone calls.”

Given your status with recruiting, are you planning on putting out a Top Schools list?

“I have been working towards a top schools list, but I would not say I’m in the final stages. Those schools that are showing interest, I want to give them a chance to offer. I am hoping to drop my list before the season starts.”

Have you started thinking about a commitment date?

“Before the quarantine I was hoping to commit before or during the season to give my focus to the team. But I think it is better to go on the visits when it all opens back up. I will probably commit during the postseason.”

Makes sense. No sense in committing early if you are unsure. Last question for you. What is the ideal fit looking like for you?

“I’m aiming for a school that wants me as much as I want them. How I feel about the school is a factor. I don’t want to miss home the whole time. The school needs to feel like a second home. I need to enjoy the staff and being a part of the team.”

All good points. Elia, as always, it has been great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and your brother continued success in the home gym.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Migao family; Elia and Enoka Migao at Colorado