Interview: OG Nofoafia Tulafono is a Rising 3-Star 2020 California Recruit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There seems to be an uprising of very talented California offensive linemen, perhaps one of the better two to three-year groupings in some time. One of the talented propping the class up on his massive 6-3, 305-pound, frame is Nofoafia Tulafono.

Tulafono was an anchor for Oak Hills High School during the 2018 season moving defensive tackles and nose guards out of the way for his tailbacks. The result was a 9-3 season for the Hesperia area squad and over 3,200 rushing yards out of the backfield. When the ball was going the other way, Tulafono continued to show his nasty streak as a defensive tackle in total earning All-CIF and All-League offense and defense honors. With Tulafono’s play on the field, college programs have started responding with three offers extended to date; New Mexico, UNLV, and UTEP with big interest building.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star Class of 2020 steamrolling lineman for a deeper look at his game and growing recruiting prospects.

Interview

Nofoafia, the Bulldogs were a road-grading run team in 2018 pushing around teams for 3,255 yards with two 1,000-yard rushers (Martinique Finn and Isaiah Gray). You were obviously a big part of the success. What was the mindset of the offensive line allowing the backs to be so productive?

“Our mindset was to impose our will on the other team as early as we can in the game so as the game goes on it will be easier to do what we want to do.”

Did you count pancake or knockdown blocks?

“No.”

If you had to guess?

“I would guess about 30 each game.”

After watching your game film, that seems about right. Was there a defensive lineman that challenged you at all last season?

“The Camarillo game was challenging. Their defense was fast and quick. They were hard to block.”

How did that challenge help make you better in the long run?

“I worked quicker in my area to get to my block, especially when they slanted. I had to fire off faster and rely on technique to get my blocks.”

How did your run block game improve last season?

“In the first part of the season, we didn’t run the ball as much but when we went into league we picked it up. We were only throwing a couple of times a game in league. My game improved a lot since getting to Oak Hills. My explosion has been more powerful, my footwork is quicker, and I have gotten better at staying low.”

Even though you guys did not do a lot of it, how did your pass-pro get better?

“My pass-pro got better. During practice, our defensive line tested us. Going up against them in practice made it easier in the game. I feel that my footwork and my punching at the point of attack got a lot better.”

What are you working on with your offensive line skills this offseason?

“This offseason I am working on everything. I am working on my technique and I am focused on trying to improve upon last year.”

What about on defense, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“My game improved a lot against the pass knowing how to move my hips.”

Which side of the ball do you like playing a little bit more than the other?

“I like playing on the o-line.”

You show a lot of strength with your blocks, what are your maxes in the weight room?

“My bench is 325, 525 on squat, and my deadlift is 400.”

Impressive. Which national camps have you attend so far?

“I went to the Nike Opening Regional and the Under Armour All-American Camps in LA.”

How did the camps go overall?

“The camps went well. I was competing against the best. I showed that I can move and hold my own.”

Are you going to any other camps upcoming?

“I am going to the Poly camp (Polynesian).”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I am receiving the most interest from BYU, Oklahoma, and Arizona.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have three offers from New Mexico, UNLV, and UTEP.”

Have you visited any schools yet?

“Yes. I have taken a visit to UNLV.”

How did the UNLV visit go?

“It was good. They were very welcoming. They showed me the new facility being built.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“I am going to Oklahoma after our spring break.”

Are you competing in any other sports for Oak Hills?

“Yes. I compete in track and basketball.”

Which event in track?

“The shot.”

How is track season coming along?

“This is my first time doing it.”

Last question. On the field you are a line mover ready for the challenge, what are you like off the field?

“I am a very compassionate guy, very humble. I am blessed to have the opportunities like this – the interview, the offers, and being looked at by these colleges. Not everyone has these opportunities. I know the feeling from coming from the bottom, my family does not have that much. I feel blessed.”

Nofoafia, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with your track season and with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Tulafono family; Nofoafia Tulafono at UNLV