In-state 2024 DL Isaia Faga says Alabama’s culture is like no other

A cycle after missing on a couple of key in-state defensive linemen, Freddie Roach and Company recently landed a commitment from top-100 junior Jeremiah Beaman. Now, the next Alabama-based target along the d-line who the Tide are hoping to add is Phenix City (Ala.) Central High’s Isaia Faga.

Faga committed to Utah last December, but remains in contact with a few other colleges. He’ll officially visit Texas from June 16-18, and is aiming to officially visit Alabama and Florida as well.

“Those are the only four schools keeping in contact with me and I’m keeping in contact with them,” Faga told BamaInsider in person last Wednesday. “I’m talking to all of them every day. They’re all sending my parents messages, still blowing up my parents’ phones. I would probably say Texas and Bama [are pushing Utah the hardest].”

Roach, along with defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, are leading the pursuit of the 6-foot-2, 270-pound prospect.

“Coach Roach and Coach Steele are my guys. I mess with them,” Faga said. “The culture at Bama… what I got from there is that if you’re not all in, you’re kind of in the way. I respect that. I like that. It reminds me how my dad raised me. You’ve got to be all in with everything: School and sports. If you’re not, somebody is going to be on your butt about it.”

Faga, whose father, Faauo, is an Army Ranger and will deploy in June to serve the United States, attended Alabama’s junior day on March 4. He also returned for a couple of spring practices. Faga has visited each of the four schools he’s in contact with, but Bama has separated themselves in one key area.

“All these places, you can compete for a national championship, but the culture there is different for sure,” Faga said of Alabama. “I feel like that’s what sets them apart. When I’m looking at these four schools, the culture there is completely different from the rest.”

Isaia Faga modeled his game after a former Alabama defensive lineman

On his March 4 visit to Alabama, Faga was accompanied by his parents and his grandfather (Sope). His grandfather had been talking throughout most of the trip, but Faga says he was speechless on their ride home. What made this visit special, in particular, was the news delivered to them by Nick Saban.

“That was pretty cool to talk with Coach Saban in front of them and be offered in front of them,” Faga said. “That was crazy to be offered by the G.O.A.T. in front of the people who made it happen.”

A few weeks prior to offering him, Saban brought up a player comparison for Faga when talking with Central High’s staff. That player was former Alabama d-lineman DJ Dale. Roach and Steele have told Faga that they believe he can play anywhere along the defensive line.

Faga, who compared Roach to a funny uncle, enjoyed watching him in action this spring.

“The drills they were doing were intense,” Faga said. “It was awesome to watch. He coached everybody the same, regardless if they were messing up or not. Nobody moved on without everybody getting the rep right. I like his attention to detail.”

Alabama’s history of sending players in his position group to the highest level is piquing Faga’s interest as well.

“It’s just awesome knowing you have the option to go to a program that sends d-linemen to the NFL,” Faga said. “When I first started playing d-line in the eighth grade, I used to watch Quinnen Williams highlights. I’d try to mimic my game after those guys who went to Bama. I love Bama.”

As for why he’s still solid with his Utah commitment, Faga pointed to his relationship with defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss. His uncle, defensive ends coach Lewis Powell, is on Utah’s staff. The Utes being the first program to offer him and the home feeling in Salt Lake City are also keeping him in their class.

Faga does not currently have an official visit planned to Alabama, but is open to taking another unofficial visit before that OV takes place.

Alabama fans, also be sure to join the discussion about Isaia Faga on the Talk of Champions message board. There’s always a lot of great team, recruiting, and off-topic conversations going on. So, we look forward to talking with you all there!

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