Cal Football

Afalava Talks About Fit at Cal

By Jim McGill

July 15, 2022

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On Wednesday, 3 star Bishop Amat (La Puente, CA) defensive lineman Tiumalu Afalava‍ became the sixth addition to Cal’s 2023 recruiting class to-date.

“I thought Cal was a great choice for me because I thought I’d be a great fit there, both academically and athletically,” said Afalava.

The 3 star D-lineman made a pair of trips up to Cal for Junior Day and for camp and felt at home on both visits, particulary with the strong growing Polynesian presence in the program.

“It felt great up there,” said Afalava. “It’s a great environment and I love the atmosphere up there.

“I think it’s great because finding other people who are from the same culture you are, they share the same values as you so it’s really easy to feel at home there.”

Cal defensive line Coach Andrew Browning played a role in Afalava’s interest, as well, with the strong relationship they’ve built.

“It’s great,” said Afalava of their relationship. “I love the guy. I think he’s a great coach who will be able to develop me as both a player and as a person. He said I’d be a great interior lineman for them and thinks I could play other positions on the line, too. I also think Coach Wilcox is a great guy. I talked to him on the phone the other day and he seems like a really cool dude and is all about the players.

“The way the players carry themselves at Cal, you can tell they have a lot of respect for the coaches and the team.”

A 4.1 student, academics are particulary important to Afalava, who would like to one day be a physician and study on a pre-med track in college.

“My family loves Cal,” said Afalava. “They see their academic prestige and think it’s a great choice for me.

“Cal’s academic reputation is important to me because I want to be set for when after I’m done playing football. With Cal’s degree, I’ll be set up well. I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will come for me playing for Cal.”

Afalava joins fellow defensive lineman Ashton Sanders‍ as well as linebacker Cade Uluave‍, safety RJ Jones‍, cornerback Sailasa Vadrawale‍ and receiver Nyziah Hunter‍ in Cal’s 2023 class to-date.