8/16/2017 football Edit

Pac-12 focus early for 2019 four-star DE Sua'ava Poti

Adam Gorney • Rivals.com

National Recruiting Director

BELLFLOWER, Calif. – Sua’ava Poti already has a bunch of impressive offers especially from the Pac-12 but he’s excited for his junior season to have an opportunity to get even more exposure.

So far, the 2019 four-star defensive end has landed offers from Boston College, BYU, FAU, Illinois, LSU, Oklahoma, Oregon, San Diego State, San Jose State, TCU, UCLA, Vanderbilt and Washington State.

All this with limited exposure on the varsity level.

“I’ve been very shocked,” Poti said. “It just feels good to see the hard work pay off this offseason. It’s been a blessing, everything that has happened, but I have to keep grinding this season especially with some big games coming up.”

The Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco prospect said Oregon and UCLA stand out most of the schools that have offered and he’s also keeping a close eye on USC after spending time there this summer as well.

“One of the schools that I don’t have an offer from but I show a lot of interest in is USC,” Poti said. “That’s a big one for me.

“Oregon really impressed me, just the coaching staff there is really good. UCLA, of course. Coach Angus (McClure) is a big d-line coach for me. I love the school, too. Those are some of the schools now but they’re all pretty much equal.”

As for USC, Poti said defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze has expressed a lot of interest but might also want to see him during the season before offering.

The 2019 prospect is excited to show coaches what he can do.

“I talked to coach Udeze over there,” Poti said. “He liked me a lot at the camp I attended there but he wants to see a little more of me during the season. I didn’t really have much opportunity to show off last year but this year I have all the opportunities in the world to prove myself.”

Across town, UCLA has been really involved and Poti isn’t forgetting it.

“It’s been good,” Poti said. “I’ve been talking to coach Angus and coach (Demetrice Martin), too. We’ve talked a few times and I like the vibe they’re giving off over there. Coach (Jim) Mora is great and it’s a great coaching staff.”