Moliki Matavao details what he loves about UCLA tight end coach Jeff Faris
This offseason, Moliki Matavao transferred from Oregon to UCLA. There were a lot of reasons for this decision to transfer. However, one of the biggest reasons is tight end coach Jeff Faris.
During spring ball, Matavao explained what he loves about Faris.
“Coach Faris is probably the most real, 100 guy you can meet,” Moliki Matavao said “Like, when I came on my OV, he was the same way he is now. High pace, like shoot you straight, you know, great guy all around, but can get on me but also love me up too. So, he’s been real with me and I really love that.”
The transition to UCLA has had its ups and downs for Matavao. While he does love the coaching staff, the pace of the offense can be difficult to keep up with at times.
“Big thing was just how Coach [Chip] Kelly really cares about the players, cares about the guys. Learning the defense, not to always take to the ground and save each other,” Matavao said.
“But then also, the high tempo, high pace coach Kelly offense. Getting used to always getting back on the ball. Running from stations or running from period to period has just been a cool transition. And it’s been getting me in shape.”
Moliki Matavao on the UCLA quarterbacks
UCLA is in the middle of a quarterback battle, headlined by freshman Dante Moore. However, Moliki Matavao explained that he has confidence in all of the team’s quarterbacks.
“I love all of our quarterbacks,” Matavao said. “What’s going to be so good, one of the guys is going to be good because of so much competition. They all love on each other up. … Every one goes at it in that room. So it’s going to make the room better. Whoever comes out of it is no doubt going to take us all the way.”
Despite this, five-star recruit Dante Moore is the most interesting quarterback UCLA has and Moliki Matavao knows that he’s special.
“Unreal. I’ve had a lot of quarterbacks throw to me and he’s gonna be the next big thing coming out of college,” Matavao said. “Guarantee it.”