Interview: 3-Star 2021 California TE/OLB Keleki Latu has Two Official Visits Set
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Foes of Jesuit High School in the Delta League best start preparing for tight end/outside linebacker Keleki Latu now. The 6-6, 205-pound, athlete was limited to four games during the 2019 season due to a sprained MCL, but was able to showcase the growing skills, especially on defense with 19 stops, 6.5 tackles for a loss, a sack, and one forced fumble. While Latu has the look of a collegiate All-Conference backer, his future as a next level All-Conference performer may be on the other side of the ball at tight end. With six offers on the table and unlimited potential to his game, the future for the three-star California recruit is wide open.
In an RNG initial interview, Latu runs down his play on the field last season with offseason updates.
Interview
Keleki, when the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as an outside linebacker/end?
“I learned a lot throughout the season, progressing with my game and my skills as a defensive end. Because of my injury (MCL), that disrupted my season. Coming back, I had the mindset of getting back to where I started. My hand fighting to get past the offensive linemen was one of the biggest improvements.”
What front were you executing with the Marauders in 2019 and what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
“For us defensive linemen in our 4-4, our responsibility was to keep our gaps so the linebackers don’t have to find open gaps and shoot up field as fast as we can.”
Are you guys running the same scheme in 2020?
“Yes.”
You got snaps on offense a year ago as a tight end, are you doing more of that this year?
“Yes, I am planning on getting more snaps at tight end, I think I will start. I have been training a lot for tight end with a lot of conditioning. Some schools want me as a tight end, which I like if that school is the right one for me.”
When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a tight end?
“I have good height and good arm length. I can catch over people easily, and I am getting faster. With my blocking, I have progressed and I have been practicing on that this offseason. I have good form when I am blocking.”
How have you prepared this offseason for your senior year?
“By going to training three to four days a week, with a lot of strength and conditioning, but mostly conditioning. My trainer knows I want to become a tight end. This offseason, I have been building my strength at home.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are reaching out but have not offered yet?
“Washington just called me two days ago, they seemed very interested. I talked to their tight ends coach.”
How many offers are in hand?
“Six.”
Latu’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, California, Nebraska, Oregon, Sacramento State, and Utah
Going back to the start of the 2019 season, did you get any visits in before the mandated NCAA dead period?
“Yes, I went to a Junior Day at Cal and a game day at Washington for my brother (OLB Laiatu Latu).”
The visit to Cal, how did that go?
“It went very well. The campus is very beautiful. I love the coaches there and met some of the players who were really cool and nice. The football program is really strong, and they have a good brotherhood from what I saw in practice.”
And the Washington visit?
“It went well. I saw the weight room, their athletic facilities, and I saw a game. The crowd at Washington… it is indescribable. They have traditions with the fans there, things I have never seen before.”
When you can, do you have any visits coming up?
“Yes, I want to take an official to Cal and Utah, and an unofficial to Washington, and the rest will depend on who is showing interest.”
After the break in normal action, what has you excited about getting back on the field for practices and/or games?
“What has me excited is getting back together with my teammates, that is something I look forward to and to practicing every day.”
Keleki, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Latu family; Keleki Latu at Cal (March 2020)