Interview: 3-Star California LB Christian LaValle Gives Insight to Utah State Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When we last left off with Class of 2018 linebacker Christian LaValle, he was again at the 100-tackle mark for the third consecutive season with Mission Viejo helping the Diablos to an 11-1 record and a No. 17 national team ranking before running into eventual California state and national champs Mater Dei in the CIF Southern Section Semifinals. The then- 6-0, 225-pound, now 240 pounds, linebacker was a commit and later a signee with Arizona State as a grey-shirt to be brought in with the 2019 class under the old staff. As things change, LaValle reopened his recruiting on Oct. 15 ready to take the next step of the journey. The new recruiting journey did not take long, in less than two weeks he had taken a visit to Utah State landing on Friday with a joyous verbal commitment by Sunday.

In a Recruiting News Guru verbal commitment interview exclusive, I sat down with the latest Aggies verbal commitment for the 2019 class to gain insight on how Logan, Utah, became his new home.

*Click link for November 2017 RNG interview with Christian LaValle

Interview

Christian, you wasted very little time finding that connection with Utah State announcing your commitment on Sunday, Oct. 28. What led you to the Aggies being the school and program for you?

“First off, I have a great relationship with Coach (Keith) Patterson (defensive coordinator), he recruited me while at ASU. After I opened my recruiting back up, we started talking and it went from there. Utah State fits my lifestyle a lot better than ASU. It is a smaller town, smaller school, and I will be able to go out and do the things in the outdoors away from football that I love to do.”

You took your visit to Logan over the weekend, what all did you do?

“We went to the game, that was awesome. They have a great student section. I toured the facilities and hung out with my host. It is the perfect fit. Their linebacker tradition there is amazing. The way they run their program is a perfect fit for me. Their style fits me.”

At what moment did you know this was the fit for you?

“I knew when I was driving into the town that this was perfect for me. It was absolutely perfect. From the airport driving it, it is a quiet little town. I can focus on football and school.”

How did you commit to the staff and what was their reaction?

“I committed Sunday morning at breakfast. (laughs) It was a great reaction from the coaches. Their linebackers’ coach, Coach (Stacy) Collins, and their head coach, Coach (Matt) Wells, were all there. I told Coach Wells I was committing. He told me earlier in the visit, put yourself in the players’ shoes. I told him I took what he said to me to heart, and I wanted to make it official. One of the coaches hit the table, it was a great reaction. They said we just got a lot better on defense and as a program.”

That was nice of them to share that. When do you report to USU?

“I report the first week in January.”

When you arrive on campus for the Aggies, you are bringing a wealth of experience with you. What do you feel you are bringing to the field from you time with Mission Viejo?

“I think with the way Mission runs their program, I am bringing a very good understanding of defenses. My football IQ is an asset and I am a hard-nosed guy in the middle there to set the tone. Knowing I can compete against the guys on the team puts a lot of confidence in me. Knowing I can compete with anyone in the program will help me from Day 1.”

When you suit up for the Aggies, which position will you be playing in their defensive scheme?

“I’ll be playing middle backer. They utilize their backers with everything, against run, pass, and blitzing.”

You’ve stated several times about the perfect fit with USU and your enthusiasm for the future with the school and program really shows. What has you excited about the future in Logan?

“Most people do not realize this, but they are ranked No. 18 in the country. No one knows how good their program really is. They are building something special there. Whether you are a starter or third-string player, everyone gets treated the same way there. They have a bunch of football junkies, that is what they call it over there. That is what they expect from their guys, play ball and go to school. That is perfect for me and that has me excited about the future.”

Christian, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and good luck in Logan.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: LaValle family; Christian LaValle at Utah State