Four-Star Lineman Talks Washington, Recruitment

Even with almost two dozen scholarship offers, Isendre Ahfua wanted to compete at the Avery Strong College Showcase earlier this month.

Held at the University of Puget Sound on June 4, hundreds of high school prospects displayed their talent in front of a number of college coaches. Among the schools in attendance was the University of Washington with a number of assistant coaches, including offensive line coach Scott Huff and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

After the linemen portion of the showcase ended, Ahfua stood at midfield with Huff for a few minutes. And then Grubb joined in the discussion before head coach Kalen DeBoer chimed in, creating a trifecta of Husky coaches speaking with the top offensive-line prospect in the 2024 class from Washington.

Before the conversation, Ahfua wasn’t sure where things stood.

The 6-foot-4, 310-pound interior offensive lineman for O’Dea High School received his scholarship offer from UW under the previous coaching regime back in July 2021. Since then, a number of national powers have joined the hunt, including Miami, LSU and others.

Although DeBoer kept Huff from Jimmy Lake’s staff, there was still a missing element of clarity for Ahfua.

And there it is !! Home state strikes at ya boi 💯 Feels great to know that your own crowd of people wants you and believes in you. 🟣⚫️ #GoDawgs #HuskyNation @tfordfsp1 @RealMG96 @RyanClaryFSP @CoachTFord @scotthuffUW @JGlenn_UW pic.twitter.com/3lREA64OLo
— Papa Ahfua (@IAhfua) July 30, 2021

“I was kind of a little confused,” Ahfua said. “I didn’t really know if I still had it [an offer]. But they made it clear today that I’m still on their list.”

Last weekend, the four-star lineman took his first official visit to Texas A&M, with two more trips planned this month to Miami (June 23-24) and Utah (June 19-20). In previous years, recruits were only allowed five official visits.

Earlier this year, the NCAA changed that rule. Beginning July 1, recruits will be allowed to take an unlimited number of official visits, but they can still only make one official to a school. Being the in-state school, there isn’t as much pressure for Ahfua to get an official this early.

Establishing a relationship, however, is key.

“I’ve always thought about it growing up as a kid,” Ahfua said, when asked if there’s any special pull to stay home and play in front of family and friends.

“Just thinking, man, I know I have the talents and I know that I can pursue my dreams. But if I do have the option, would I be able to be a Dawg? That has crossed my mind a lot – staying home and being in my hometown doing what I love.”

Aside from his scheduled visits, Ahfua is only considering a trip to the UW, a positive sign for the local school. Additionally, the four-star lineman plans to wait until after his senior season is over before making a commitment to allow himself as many opportunities to be seen and grow.

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