NorCal star stock heating up
There is a player from Northern California who has really seen his stock soar after strong performances at camps. Most recently he was one of the most impressive players at the USC camp
The player in question is defensive end Matangi Tonga from San Mateo (Calif.) Aragon.
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Another thing that makes Tonga a very valuable recruit is his versatility. Though most schools like him as a defensive end, there are schools that are recruiting him as a defensive tackle.
Tonga was selected first-team all-league, first-team all-county, first-team all-CCS, first-team all-metro, first-team all-area and first-team all-state.
Not bad day at the office.
Tonga racked up 60 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. What makes his statistics even more impressive is he was double teamed much of the season.
So far Tonga has offers on the table from UCLA, ASU, Nebraska, Idaho, and BYU.
USC, Cal, Washington, Washington State and Utah are recruiting Tonga heavily.
Tonga is a hard worker and has great leadership qualities. He's the type of guy who helps teach younger guys the ropes.
In the weight room Tonga currently benches 315 pounds and squats 400. He has also recorded a very impressive 35-inch vertical.
Tonga also challenges first-teamers on offense to become better players by playing on the scout team.
"I play on the scout team because I want our linemen to be as good as they can be," Tonga said. "I also play fullback on offense so I want them to block good for me."
"I am very open regarding colleges right now," Tonga said. "But I am very interested in BYU and USC."
"I like BYU because my brother will be going there," Tonga said. "My brother will be a red-shirt freshman this season."
"I like USC because they have a good football program," Tonga said. "I also like the USC campus."
Tonga is a member of the LDS faith and will take his mission when he turns 19.