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One More Add to the 2017 Class, Defensive Lineman Siulagisipai Fuimaono

For the second straight year, the Bears have a late add to their recruiting class. While last year's addition of five-star wideout Demetris Robertson was about as high profile as it gets, this addition flew under the radar, to the point where he was off the radar entirely. Meet Siulagisipai Fuimaono, defensive lineman, Kadena High School, Okinawa, Japan. The addition of the lineman was announced today after he committed to the Bears during a visit to Berkeley for the spring game.

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Fuimaono, who is unofficially listed at 6'4" and 275 lbs, provides the Bears with something that they need for the future, another big body that can be molded to the college game. Admittedly, the level of competition is not the highest in his film, Fuimaono is noticeably bigger than everyone on film, but he has a good getoff from his stance and has some quickness to him. His pad level will need to improve, but he won't be expected to play right away, and will have time to get acclimated under defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro.

The signing of Fuimaono makes him the 15th member of the 2017 class for the Bears, joining fellow freshman Gabe Cherry on the line.

UPDATE: Cal put out a release on Fuimaono, listing him at 6'4" and 295 lbs, and provided a pronunciation guide for his name (see-OO-la-ngi-see-pah-eee fu-EEE-mah-own-go), along with a couple relevant quotes

Justin Wilcox on Fuimaono

"We are excited about the potential we see in Siulagisipai," Wilcox said. "His film is good, and he is a big, strong athlete that we think will help us on the defensive line. He had a chance to visit Cal this spring, and we knew after meeting him that he would be a terrific fit at Cal both academically and athletically."

Fuimaono on his signing

"Even being considered to play for Cal has been a blessing for me," said Fuimaono, who claims the American Samoa village of Leone as his hometown. "I'm very excited to start working with the coaches and my new team."

The release also lists Fuimaono's accomplishments at the prep level as follows:

Fuimaono was an All-Far East, All-Okinawa District and post-season Tomodachi Bowl selection in each of his final three prep seasons.

Fuimaono added his team's Defensive Most Valuable Player honors during his senior campaign when he recorded 94 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks and one forced fumble to help his squad to a Far East Division I title, a spot in the Dodea Pacific Division I championship game and a 6-1 overall record.

Fuimaono was the runner-up for his team's Defensive MVP honors for squads that won back-to-back Dodea Pacific Division I titles during both his sophomore and junior campaigns. He was also a team captain as a junior for a club that finished 5-2 overall while his sophomore and freshmen squads were both 6-2. Fuimaono became a varsity starter when he was moved up from the junior varsity squad during his rookie prep season.

Fuimaono also competed as a thrower for his school's track and field squad as a junior and senior, winning the shot put with a throw of 43'0" in his final prep campaign. He was also on his school's wrestling team.

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