OREM — Noah Sewell grabs most of the individual attention for Orem football, and for good reason, although all his attention may somewhat diminish the recognition of several of Sewell’s teammates.
Sewell is simply the top football recruit the state has produced since Haloti Ngata starred for Highland High School almost 20 years ago. He’s reached the stage where he can hand-pick whatever school he wants to attend nationally, with top programs like Alabama, Georgia and Oregon under heavy consideration, among others.
But Sewell isn’t the only Orem player with the potential to star at the next level, far from it.
“There’s several guys we have who look to have bright futures playing college football,” said Orem coach Jeremy Hill. “We have Noah, who is amazing, but what’s been key for us is we have a good core around Noah who have all lifted their play this year and developed into guys who can play at the next level.”
Hill highlights six players on his team, all of whom have garnered collegiate offers, while giving perspective on what all six have meant to them team this season, in no particular order.
It’s often easy to overlook offensive linemen, although Kingsley Suamataia has proven one of the state’s best and is already tabbed a 4-star prospect by 24/7 Sports. Only a junior, the 6-foot-6, 295-pound prospect has warranted many looks from top college programs and looks to expand his list of potential suitors significantly this coming offseason.
“He never gets as much pub as he should, but here’s a guy who has started, I think, 42 straight games for us, and he’s only a junior,” Hill said. “He’s a phenomenal lineman who is getting a lot of college looks, and deservedly so.”
Joining Suamataia as a standout on offense while also contributing big on defense is senior Cayden Viertel. The 6-2, 200-pound athlete doesn’t have the attention Sewell or Suamataia have garnered, although he’s played a huge role playing at both running back and defensive back this season.
“He’s someone who does a lot of things for us,” Hill said of Viertel, who has amassed just over 900 yards of total offense this year on top of 17 tackles. “He’s so valuable to what we do because of his versatility and how he always steps up in the role that we give him.”
Buju Tuisavura is a 5-11, 186 athlete who plays a similar role to that of Viertel, playing on offense where he’s accounted for 599 total yards while racking up 57 tackles and five interceptions.
“Buju does a little of everything as well, with his main spot being at safety,” Hill said of the senior. “He’s also big in the return game and a guy who just makes big plays for us most games.”
Jakob Robinson is a 5-10, 150 cornerback who has totaled 33 tackles and four interceptions this season, proving a shutdown cover guy in Hill’s estimation.
“Jakob is a great cover guy and someone we use to lock down top receivers, return kicks and he’s just had a great year,” Hill said. “He’s getting some attention from colleges and should be getting more, in my opinion.”
Last up, but certainly not least are the two linebackers flanking Sewell. Jayden Ah You is a 6-2, 230 junior who has received plenty of early looks, along with fellow junior Paxton Skipps, a 6-0, 220 linebacker who leads Orem in both tackles and sacks with 85 and 12, respectively.
“Jayden has really improved and is someone we can move inside to give Noah a breather,” Hill said. “And then Paxton — he’s had a breakthrough sort of year and both of them should be getting a lot of offers over the summer. Both have been amazing for us this year.”
Hill was quick to credit his entire team, far beyond the core of six players who have really stood out next to Sewell, recognizing how fortunate Orem has been to cultivate so much talent.
“We have at least seven guys who I can say are absolutely guys who will play in college,” Hill said. “Not many programs can say the same, but what’s even better is how each of them have improved and really helped our team to the point it is now.”