The Weekend of Faoliu
Though Oklahoma has plenty of recruiting to do between now and Feb. 1's National Signing Day but over the weekend the Sooners were able to pour their entire recruiting focus into just one player. That player was recent defensive line offer Austin Faoliu of California powerhouse Santa Ana Mater Dei.
The 6-foot-4, 295-pound defender enjoyed the chance for he and his family to be shown around by a completely focused Oklahoma coaching staff.
"The coaches were very welcoming, they made me feel like I was part of the family when I went over there, I liked that a lot. The way they communicate with each other and the players, I felt like it was a family-like bond," Faoliu recalled. "I think (being the only visitor) helped a lot because it dedicated every thing toward me. I could ask all the questions I could ask during the whole weekend. That was a plus."
And there was one question that he really wanted answered that let to a response that will be news to many Oklahoma fans.
"I wanted to know how they were going to use me if I did commit over there. Things of that nature," he explained. "They said they would really love me at a three-technique (in a four-man front) but when they move to a three-man front they could put me anywhere, nose, four-tech, I could play anywhere.
"To be honest I like three-technique a lot, that’s my position, that’s my baby.
"(It is) more appealing (in a four-man front)."
He also had some very real interest in seeing what Oklahoma's depth was like along the offensive line.
"I like that a lot that they need people at my position because I don’t want to redshirt, I want to go and get my three years and leave, if that’s possible," he said.
Hailing from sunny Southern California many thought that the nasty weather that rolled into Norman might be more than Faoliu wanted to deal with. However it ended up being a novel experience for the big defensive lineman.
"I actually liked the weather, it felt good to me. It made the trip fun," he laughed.
Led by defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux Oklahoma's coaching staff made a strong impression on Faoliu and his family thanks to their subdued manner.
"I thought he was a pretty cool coach, he gave me a big hug and told me he had some barbecue waiting for me. It was a good impression, you could just tell he was a cool coach," Faoliu explained.
"Everything went well with all of the coaches when I went to coach (Bob) Stoops' house. He was very humble, all the coaches over there they weren’t the type to try and pressure me into committing – you know, giving me hints and stuff. They were just giving me their thoughts on why I would be a good fit for them."
California's No. 80 prospect enjoyed his trip to Norman enough to mention that he considered committing but when doing so admitted there is one issue that is holding back that decsion.
"(laughing) I’m not going to lie (committing did cross my mind). I liked everything, my parents loved everything too, the only thing that keeps coming in the way is the distance – it’s very far from home," he said.
Next weekend he'll be at the Polynesian Bowl, where he had said he would announce his college decision, and then had scheduled a trip to UTSA on Jan. 27. However it looks as though both plans are changing.
"We may have to replace (UTSA) with Oregon, I can’t afford to waste any more trips because I have to look at a school that I’m actually looking at going to," he said. That’s how it is right now, it’s between (Oklahoma) and Oregon.
"I’m going to (announce) on Signing Day."
Faoliu enjoyed his trip to Norman considerably but as soon as he returned he heard from one of Oklahoma's most well-known, and currently notable, commitments.
"(Jacob Phillips) has been texting me, he actually texted me like 20 minutes ago."