2024 season for Aquinas, which has won five CIF Southern Section titles in its history.

“We have many leaders, and I feel more confident than last year,” Asiata said. “It feels like we have more talented younger players. We are ready to play for one another and strive for a better season.”

The Falcons have quarterbacks Malachi James and Charlie Reyes, running backs Jusyis “Jojo” Solis and Champ Brown, and linemen T. J. Matatamua and Senita Kalavi.

Aquinas is big on tradition. Brusig said only one of the assistant coaches did not attend Aquinas. One of the traditions is the “Run Up Sterling,” where athletes and alumni run north on Sterling Avenue for two miles until they can see the stadium.

“We got up at 5:30 in the morning and there were already five alumni waiting for us and ready to go,” Brusig said.

Brusig and assistant coach George Agnostopoulos played for Aquinas during the 2000s and are an example of teammates who become lifelong friends. Brusig graduated Aquinas in 2005, and Agnostopoulos completed school three years earlier.

Asiata selected Utah because he saw some of the veteran players and thought he could see himself being in that position.

“I saw how everyone became better and thought ‘Maybe that could be me’,” Asiata said.

Other inland offensive linemen to watch this season

Isaac Adams, Sr. Cajon: 6-foot-5, 280-pounder earned first-team all-Citrus Belt League honors last year.

Carson Bahruth, Jr., Bonita: 6-foot-2, 290-pounder was a CIF Southern Section Division 5 first-teamer.

Jose Beltran, Sr., Hillcrest: 6-foot, 275-pounder is a third-year starter and all-River Valley League pick.

Elisha Faamatuainu, Jr., Murrieta Valley: 6-foot-5, 300-pounder already getting looks from top colleges.

Cole Fuller, Sr., Chaparral: 6-foot-1, 290-pounder is a returning start who has committed to Cal Poly.

Drew Hill, Sr., Centennial: 6-foot-3, 265-pounder and SMU commit was an all-Big West Conference pick.

Giovani Jandres, Sr., Tahquitz: Returning center for the Titans is one part of a veteran group of linemen.

Aaron Montes, Sr., Roosevelt: 6-foot-3, 260-pounder heads into fourth year starting on the offensive line.

Joseph Murillo, Sr., Jurupa Hills: 6-foot, 245-pound center was an all-CIF selection for section champions.

Drew Nichols, Sr., Murrieta Valley: 6-foot-5, 270-pounder and all-CIF pick has committed to Michigan State.

Joel Nunez, Sr., Ramona: 6-foot-1, 320-pounder helped the Rams win section and state titles last season.

Roman Ponce, Sr., Upland: 6-foot-1, 250-pound tackle was selected to the all-Baseline League first team.

Liam Porter, Sr., Chaparral: 6-foot-3, 295-pounder is a returning starter who has committed to Davidson.

Ryan Rodriguez, Sr., Norte Vista: 6-foot-2, 290-pounder has been starting on the line since freshman year.

Caleb Rye, Jr., Ontario Christian: 6-foot-5, 305-pounder was chosen for the Ironwood League first team last year.

Sean Saavedra, Sr., Cajon: 6-foot-4, 300-pounder earned first-team all-CIF and Citrus Belt League honors.

Daniel Shipp, Sr., Centennial: 6-foot-6, 275-pound tackle had strong offseason and committed to Minnesota.

Jacob Stewart, Sr., Ayala: 5-foot-10, 245-pound tackle is a third-year starter on a veteran group of linemen.

Cooper Suess, Sr., Los Osos: 5-foot-11, 225-pounder was an all-CIF Southern Section first teamer last year.

CJ Tautolo, Sr., San Jacinto: 6-foot-1, 265-pounder also will make a significant impact on defensive side of the ball.

Jayden Veliz, Sr., Colony: 6-foot-4, 280-pounder returns at left tackle after earning all-league honors last year.

Malik White, Jr., Rancho Cucamonga: 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle is a rising prospect who is collecting offers.

— Eric-Paul Johnson