Wow! Did you see what that guy just did? Man he is one talented guy! Where is he going to school next year?
These are the words of more and more fans and coaches who are watching the contunued rise of Bellermine Prep's star athlete Sefo Liufau. The 6'4" and 220 pound QB Prospect is among the Nation's Best and was just honored by Rivals.com & WashingtonPreps.com with a prestigious 4 Star rating. Something that is only given out after careful consideration of his film anf his ability to project at the next level.
The top Rivals.com staff in the country were impressed by Sefo after he showcased at the Army All American Combine and they had a chance to watch him up close and personal. The concensus was that his physical size, speed, and ability set him apart from the crowd. Other Washignton Qb's like Max Browne (5 Star), Kolnjey Cassel (3 Star) and Isaac Dotson (3 Star) will certainly all stand out as well but there is something about Sefo that really is special.
"He is big and commands respect out there. This is not some Linebacker or Defensive End pretending to be a QB. This guy is the real deal and has been on this path since 9th grade," said a local Seattle football coach who we refer to for questions often.
In 2011 Sefo took the Lions to the final 4 and did so putting up 2,250 yards hitting over 60% of his targets. He threw 23 TDs and only 6 interecptions. His overall QB rating was good at 120.
He also posted 8 running TD's and 300 yards was was used in short yardage and goal line situations very effectively. The big QB is only going to be bigger and faster so we will look forward to seeing him used, although sparingly for his safety, in these situations again this year.
When he is not tearing up the grid-iron he is getting it done on the hardwood and right now he is heading into the Semi-Finals of the WIAA Dairy Farmers of Washington State Basketball Championships at the Tacoma dome. In the opener yesterday he put up 20 points and 22 rebounds in the 65-50 win over Mount Rainier. That was one of many such impressive games played by Liufau this season.
"Our team is 24-3 and we just keep playing hard fought physical basketball. It has been a great year and really rewarding for us all," said Liufau last week as we spoke by phone. "The trip we took out to Washington DC at the start of this year helped us alot. We played really well against some of the top teams from all over the country and we realized then if we could play with those guys and compete we could play with anyone."
All Sefo says the boys of Bellermine want is a chance to win it all. And they will get a shot to do that tonight if they can turn back the boys of Yakima and AC Davis High School. It should be a great match up and you can catch it live right here on NWPR or at http://washingtonsportsnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=249.
Back on the topic of football Sefo laid out his plans with us as he still works towards his first offer.
"Patience in this process is what I am planning. There are a lot of things happening and I have a lot of invites as well. Lately Alabama and Nebraska and quite a few schools like that are in touch with me. And I will make some camps. But right now it is all on basketball so football has to wait," he said. "At least a few more days!"
The student-athlete carries a very high GPA and is being recruited by over 20 major schools. The biggest question anyone appears to have right now is who will be first?
We will track the progress of Sefo Liufau as he moves out of basketball and into football. Safe to say this 4 Star Northwest Native has the Wow Factor working for him now.
Coach H
March 2, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Dirk, Great story on a wonderful young man. Sefo has been making incredible plays on the gridiron and hardwood since he was in 3rd grade. He played center and linebacker. In 6th grade he made the transition to quarterback for LIONS Youth Football Club. He had been slated to be QB1 from his first game under center when he ran the ball and threw the ball with great natural talents… Sefo has always been a born leader since his elementary school days with his best friend and Stanford bound wide reciever Michael Rector. There is a wealth of talent in the Tacoma area and it will continue to grow.