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ROMAN SAPOLU
C, 6-2, 250 lbs.(Edison HS - Huntington Beach, CA)
(Offered Scholarship)
(Committed to Oregon State)
Rivals.com profile: http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/vi ... _key=95521
Rivals.com article: http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/co ... cid=923441
March 12, 2009
Sapolu discusses his commitment
Eric Machado
BeaverBlitz.com
In sports, there are bloodlines and then there are BLOODLINES. And Roman Sapolu, the 6'2", 250 lb offensive lineman out of Huntington Beach (CA) Edison definitely has the all caps version of the word.
Roman Sapolu is the first 2010 commitment for Oregon State
His dad, Jesse Sapolu, was an ironman in the NFL, spending his whole career with the San Francisco 49ers. He played in 182 games from 1983 to 1997, starting 154 games. In addition, the elder Sapolu collected 4 Super Bowl rings.
And now Roman is looking to carry on the torch of the family name in football. Last week he received his first college offer from Oregon State. Less than 12 hours later, he made a verbal commitment to become a Beaver.
"I was recruited by O-line coach Mike Cavanaugh," said Sapolu. "I'm real excited to learn from him."
Sapolu, who played right tackle last year, is moving to center on his high school team this year. He says that he'll likely end up at "either center or guard" at the next level.
And he's already preparing for next season. While he used to play volleyball, he stopped to focus strictly on football. His offseason workout program consists of lifting and running. In addition, he gets some extra special attention from a two time NFL pro-bowler.
"I go to a local community college everyday after school and work on techniques with my Dad," said Sapolu.
Even with the commitment, other schools are still after him. His Dad's alma mater, Hawaii, stepped into the ring earlier this week with an offer. ASU, UCLA, Colorado, UNLV and Washington State are other schools that have shown interest.
Sapolu will be headed to the Nike Camp at USC next month, where he is sure to attract even more attention.
While solidly committed to Oregon State, Sapolu is keeping his options open.
"I'll take different visits and look at my opportunities," said Sapolu of the interest.
One visit that is definitely on the agenda is a trip to Oregon State. Sapolu has yet to visit the Beaver campus, but has plans to do so during Mike Riley's annual football summer camp.
"I'm looking forward to coming up and visiting in June," said Sapolu.
Once in college, Sapolu plans to major in either Business or Finance.
"I'm good with numbers," said Sapolu.
Numbers and bloodlines...sounds like a good combination for a future college lineman.
... that'll be tough....
