Interview: Utah 2021 OL Kingsley Ah You Suamataia Stocked Full of Unlimited Potential
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
From time to time, word along the recruiting trail sparks unusual interest in a circle normally filled with oddities helping draw even more attention. In Orem, Utah, Kingsley Ah You Suamataia, an eighth grader, is capturing the imagination of possibilities in the most usual of ways, by straight up dominating the opposition.
Suamataia has a long way to go on his path towards National Signing Day in 2021 but the early tell-tale signs of immense talent is already there. There are current college players six, seven, and eight years his elder wishing they had his size in junior high. Suamataia stretches the tape and tips the scales at 6-4, 260 pounds. Easy for a young man Suamataia size to whip up on players in his peer group lining up at offensive or defensive tackle but the Lakeridge Junior High talent has stretched his domination beyond his local playing fields proving what he can do against the best of the best.
The size of Suamataia will instantly draw attention but the budding prospect has more going for him than that. He has speed and quickness clocking a 4.9 40-yard dash. His physical abilities and mental toughness were pushed at the 2017 Under Armour All-American Junior Camp in Los Angeles on Feb. 18 where he took home Most Valuable Player honors.
In addition to being named a Bert Cooper All-American, Suamataia has another thing going for him, a very talented football bloodline. Kingsley’s grandfather, Junior Ah You, is an all-time Arizona State Sun Devils great being drafted by the New England Patriots in the 1972 NFL Draft. Ah You opted to take his talents to the Canadian Football League over the NFL, most notably with the Montreal Alouettes (1972-81). After one year stints with the Chicago Blitz (1983) and the New Orleans Breakers (1984), Ah You called it a career after his 1985 season with the Arizona Outlaws. Ah You is one of the most widely recognized names in the Hawaiian-Polynesian football world after the former defensive end entered the Sun Devils’ Hall of Fame, had his jersey retired by the Alouettes, and earned a selection into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame.
The bloodline stretches out across college football with family members lining up for Oklahoma, Utah State, Tennessee, Dixie State, Austin Peay, and BYU to name a few over the years. For Suamataia, a few colleges already have an eye on him. UCLA and USC have already hosted Suamataia on an unofficial visit laying down the groundwork for a relationship to be forged for years to come.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the young rising stars in the U.S. finding out more about his on the field skill set and his off-season plans.
Interview
Kingsley, where all did you play on the field during the 2016 season?
“At center, guard, and tackle on offense and at tackle and end on defense.”
Which position do you like best?
“I like offensive tackle best.”
How did your game get better last year?
“I trained a lot and watched a lot of film after every game to correct my mistakes. My pass blocking has gotten better. I have been working on that the most.”
Did you track your pancake blocks and/or stat line on defense last year?
“I think I had five sacks and 11 pancakes. I’m not sure how many total tackles I had.”
What honors have you received so far?
“Bret Cooper All-American Lineman Award, 2017 Under Armour All-American Junior Camp MVP, and Team USA All-American Team Captain.”
How did the Under Armour camp work out for you?
“The camp went really well. I learned a lot of new things. I learned new techniques and different ways to move people.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“My explosiveness and my strength.”
Where all will you line up on the field in 2017?
“I will try to play both offense and defense this season.”
Because of your size you might have a chance to skip a level, what level are you expected to play next season?
“The sophomore (JV) level. I am hoping to get reps on varsity too.”
Are you already hitting the weight room hard?
“Yes, sir.”
What is your max on bench?
“My bench max is 245.”
What camps might you attend this off-season?
“USC’s Big Man Camp and maybe a Rivals camp (April 8).”
Are any schools already showing recruiting interest in you?
“Yes, sir. USC and UCLA. I have taken an unofficial visit to both schools.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“I like math.”
Are you playing any other sports?
“I play basketball.”
Which position?
“Center.”
What do you do for fun when you are not working out or doing football related activities?
“Eat.”
What is your favorite dish or food?
“Hawaiian food.”
Kingsley, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Ah You Suamataia family; No. 76 Kingsley Ah You Suamataia moves the line (2016).
Photo credit: Ah You Suamataia family; Kingsley Ah You Suamataia Team USA team captain.
Photo credit: Ah You Suamataia family; Kingsley Ah You Suamataia at UA Jr. Camp (2017).
Photo credit: Ah You Suamataia family; Kingsley Ah You Suamataia (right) with Junior Ah You.