Alabama in heavy pursuit of in-state defensive lineman

Isaia Faga committed to Utah on December 10, 2022. His uncle, Luther Elliss, is the defensive line coach for the Utes. He was offered by the Pac-12 program as a freshman. The family connection is an important one, and it’s not the only thing he likes about the school in Salt Lake City. Alabama, along with a few other schools, are in contact often, to show how important he is to their recruiting class.

Faga, who stars for Central High School in Phenix City, has several others top programs pushing for a flip. He is only focused on four schools- Utah, Alabama, Texas and Florida. He has an official visit scheduled with the Longhorns on June 16-18. The dates for the other three schools will happen soon.

His father, Faauo, is an Army Ranger and stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. He will deploy in June to serve the United States. He will not attend official visits, at least in June, but is available to take a visit or two early this fall. Faga and his family took unofficial visits during the spring to Alabama, Florida and Texas.

He shed light on each program still in consideration with an emphasis on the relationships with the defensive line coaches.

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Alabama: “It’s the relationship and communication I have with them. It doesn’t compare to other schools. I have also been doing my own research, and talking to Coach (Freddie) Roach about what my future would look like if I went there. The culture there is like no other. I really like that.”

Florida: “I really like Coach (Sean) Spencer and the energy he brings during practice. We have a good relationship with each other. They have a really good thing going on down there. I love the culture.”

Texas: “Coach Bo (Davis)– I talk to him every day. He tells me what it is and what my future can look like at Texas. He and I have built a good relationship. My parents also have a good relationship with him. He’s a good coach.”

Utah: “The big thing with Utah is just keeping in touch with Coach Elliss. I also have a home feeling there. It’s different from other places. I’m from Vegas, and it has the same feeling there. Nothing against other places. It’s just completely different.”

Alabama visited Faga multiple times this spring

12/28/21 MFB Practice
Alabama Defensive Line Coach Freddie Roach
Photo by Kent Gidley

Alabama has increased the recruiting intensity in recent months. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele visited Faga’s school on Tuesday. Coach Roach visited on May 1. They are in communication almost daily, per Faga.

“My relationship with Coach Roach is really good,” he said. “He doesn’t try to sugarcoat anything. He tells me like it is. He is a family-oriented coach. He talks to my Pops a lot. We have a really good connection.

“Coach Steele is awesome. It’s sort of like talking to my grandpa. He keeps asking if I am ready to come play for him. He said he is really hoping that he will be coaching me for the next three-four years.”

Faga had plans to attend Alabama’s spring game or visit a few days prior to the game. He had to cancel the visit, but he is expected to return in the summer for an official, unofficial or possibly both. The culture in Tuscaloosa is playing a major factor in his interest.

“For sure, the culture,” Faga said in an interview with BamaInsider earlier this spring. “It doesn’t matter who’s there; the standard is the standard. I love that that won’t ever change. I could see myself playing there. Feel like the players themselves don’t accept mediocrity. That plays a big role in why I like Alabama so much.”

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Final decision ahead

Faga will enjoy the summer and fall visits. He will wait for his father to return home from duty before making a final decision. He remains committed to Utah, but the schools in pursuit will make things tough with Alabama and Texas appearing to have an upper hand. Florida, however, can potentially gain ground this summer.

“I am just really looking forward to being on these official visits for the whole two days,” Faga said. “It’s really just about being there and feeling comfortable. I want to wake up there, walk around and see how I feel living in the state and city. I want to observe everything. It’s something that will be super important to me.”

Faga had 29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during the 2022 season. The 6-foot-2, 285-pounder doesn’t have a preference as far as his college position. He can play anywhere on the defensive front or wherever the team believes he will fit best.

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