After only two years of football, Wasilla lineman earns chance to play at college level

WASILLA — Less than two years ago, TJ Laumatia stepped onto the football field for the first time. Next season Laumatia will play at the college level.

Laumatia, a Wasilla High School standout lineman, officially committed to Allen Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, during a ceremony Feb. 23 at Wasilla High School.

The Wasilla senior earned the opportunity despite only two years of experience in organized football. Laumatia, a native of American Samoa, was first introduced to the game after moving with his family to Alaska.

“When I came here to America, the first thing I saw was an NFL game,” Laumatia said. “I saw the contact. I saw how everyone played. I said that’s the kind of sport I want to play in.”

Laumatia has made big strides in his brief career. He spent his first season with the Redington Huskies and was named the Peninsula Conference Lineman of the Year. After making the move to Wasilla High School for his senior year, Laumatia was named first-team all-state as an offensive lineman. Wasilla head coach Will Stout said Laumatia has tremendous potential.

“He’s very raw. He has two years of football only. But he’s been lineman of the year at the small schools and all-state at the large schools. That’s a huge jump,” Stout said. “He has a very high ceiling.”

Laumatia stands at 6-foot-4 and is at least 350 pounds, Stout said. In addition to the size, Stout said Laumatia has the skill set to be successful at the next level.

“He’s very explosive, very fast off the ball. He has heavy hands, he’s a good lineman,” Stout said.

Stout said Laumatia has put in the effort on and off the field.

“He studies the game. He wants to learn more,” Stout said.

After moving to Alaska and becoming interested in football, Laumatia found a way to learn more about the game.

“I watched a lot of YouTube videos,” Laumatia said.

Midway through his senior season Laumatia made the move from left tackle to center on the offensive line.

“I feel like when they moved me to center it was better than when I was at left tackle,” Laumatia said.

Laumatia is projected to play center or guard at Allen Hancock, a two-year program that competes in the Southern California Football Association. Stout said Laumatia is not just a great player, but a great person.

“He’s a great kid. Great personality,” Stout said. “He has a magnetic personality. Kids want to be around him.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.