2024 Interview with Stephen Naputi from Washington High School (Charles Town, WV)

 

Stephen Naputi

Washington High School (Charles Town, WV)

Center/IDL

2025

5'8 215

How long have you played football? What are the reasons you continue to play?

I have played football since I was in 2nd grade. The reason I continue to play is because I love the game and my teammates. I do not know where I would be without those two things!

How long have you been a long snapper, and how did you get started at it?

I started long snapping my sophomore year just as an extra skill to pick up to get more playing time. I eventually saw the field more as a center and put long snaps to the side.

What is the toughest part of being the center?

Having to see the entire field from every position on the lines perspective can be a challenging task at times.

What is the most rewarding part of being at the center?

Being the "quarterback" of the offensive line. Always making the calls, breaking down the film, and being the one who coaches can rely on.

With this being your final high school football season, have you prepared any differently?

Ever since we hired our new strength coach, Tommy O'Connor, myself and my teammates have been working harder than ever in the weight room. All of my numbers have gone up significantly from last off-season to now!

After the season is over, if you earn an invite to any of the all-star games, will you play?

It would be an honor to play in an all-star game! I'd love to gain more experience and meet more coaches and players around the state and nation!

Where should the state finals be held?

I believe the state finals should stay in Wheeling. If not there, I would say WVU.

What is the strongest part of your game?

I believe the strongest part of my game is my willingness to learn and compete. Letting someone out-work or out-smart is one of my biggest pet peeves, so I make sure it does not happen often.

Which part of your game must you improve on to be a better overall player?

Besides getting stronger and faster, the biggest thing I have been trying to improve this off-season is my one-on-one blocking ability. I struggled more than I like to admit in that area of my game last season. 

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

The two best players I have ever played in a game would be Jaishaun Offut at Handley High School and Rashad Reid at Martinsburg High School. Those guys are the most fundamentally sound players I have personally faced. 

Why should a college coach recruit you?

I believe my GPA and work ethic are the two biggest reasons a college coach should recruit me. I take school work very seriously; after all, the student comes before the athlete!

Are you hearing from any colleges? Please name a few if you are.

I have spoken with coaches at a few D3 schools, including Keystone and Manchester!

What is your favorite type of music?

My favorite type of music is old-school soul and R&B. I could spin Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" 24/7!

Outside of sports, what do you do for fun?

Outside of sports, I enjoy playing instruments! I mostly play the piano and bass but occasionally bang on the drums!

What is the one sport that you cannot watch on TV?

The one sport I cannot watch on TV is the NBA. No offense to those guys, but I feel like I am mostly watching free throws and door-dash ads when I turn an NBA game on.