Update Interview with Overlooked 2019 JSerra OG Ryan Suliafu

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On the recruiting trail, experience coupled with ability should make Ryan Suliafu one of the more highly recruited offensive linemen in California’s southern section. After coming up through the ranks at powerhouse Centennial High School (Corona), Suliafu is now an anchor on JSerra Catholic’s (San Juan Capistrano) offensive line keeping the jersey clean for senior quarterback Caden Bell (Columbia) and is paving open gaping running lanes for future Class of 2020 four-star running back Chris Street as part of the No. 6 ranked team in the country.

Suliafu has tremendous upside but is already a road-grading guard with a nasty streak finishing off plays. He uses his 300-pound bench press for a strong punch on passing downs and holds his own no matter the play with a strong base coming off a 500-pound squat max. The highlight reel for the 6-2, 315-pound, lineman is not filled with cupcake defensive linemen 50- 60 pounds his inferior. The Lions have lined up against not only some of the best teams in California this year but in the nation taking on Calabasas, Bishop Amat, Pinnacle (AZ), Faith Lutheran (NV), No. 1 St. John Bosco, Orange Lutheran, and No. 3 Mater Dei.

College coaches have been slow to find Suliafu with interest coming in from Oregon State, Nevada, and UTEP. The talented lineman will finish the year against a tough Santa Margarita squad on Friday and then has showcase games throughout the Division-I playoffs displaying his might, will, and skill against some of the best defensive players in the country.

In an RNG follow-up interview, I got a few minutes with Suliafu after the Lions played the No. 3 Monarchs for a rundown on his season and recruiting.

*Click link for Sept. 16, 2018, RNG video interview with Ryan Suliafu

Interview

Ryan, we’ve done a few post-game video interviews over the past few months and I’m always interested to find out how your blocking is coming along and the areas of improvement in your game. With run blocking, where are you seeing the biggest improvements?

“My footwork. Every day in practice I am working on that part of my game. We are making sure we know what we have to do for that week’s opponent with a focus on getting to the second level. The linebackers in the Trinity League are the real deal. You have to stay square and get low.”

What about with your pass blocking?

“I am improving on staying low, that is always important against big strong guys. I am getting my hands inside and keeping them there holding my blocks.”

Which do you feel you are better at doing right now, run or pass blocking?

“Right now, my pass blocking. It is easier for me to let the guy make his moves and stop him.”

Have you been tracking pancake blocks and knockdowns this season?

“No.”

If you had to guess, about on average how many pancake blocks and knockdowns are you getting per game?

“I’d say at least five. But, I really do not know.”

You just mentioned your footwork, what other areas of your game are you always working on in practice?

“We’re always working on double-teams, working on staying low, and using leverage to dominate defensive linemen.”

The Lions just had a tough game against the No. 3 team in the nation, how did the game against Mater Dei go for you personally?

“I thought I did well. I also played goal line defense too, that was fun. As an offensive lineman, I did what my team asked me to do. I was getting to the linebackers on running plays and helping out on pass-pro.”

Losing a game is never fun but it can be helpful if utilized properly. How do you think the Mater Dei game will help the team come playoff time?

“I think this will be a great motivator for us. We came in motivated against Mater Dei, but I think we needed a little something extra. I think this game will do that for us. I feel bad for SM (Santa Margarita) on Friday.”

As mentioned, the regular season finale is on Friday against Santa Margarita (3-6), what kind of game are you expecting from the Eagles defense?

“I’m expecting them to play hard, Trinity League teams are good. They will play hard and be well-coached.”

Last question. As an aspiring college football player, when you watch a football game, are you watching the ball like a fan, are you watching the linemen, or both?

“When I watch football games, it is a little bit of both but I watch linemen to see their technique to learn more about the game and technique.”

Ryan, as always, I appreciate your time and good luck against SM.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Ryan Suliafu