Van Fillinger is a three-star strong-side defensive end for Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. He spoke to Conquest Chronicles about his top schools, his thoughts on new defensive line coach Chad Kauha’aha’a, and when he plans to visit the USC Trojans.
Van Fillinger is a fast rising star in the class of 2020. In the past two months he has received eight offers from Division 1 programs including Arizona State, Boise State, Colorado, Kansas State, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, and USC.
“Every offer feels great, just a school giving me that type of opportunity is a blessing.”
After an impressive performance at the Under Armour All-America NorCal Camp, and a defensive line MVP award from the Rivals Camp Series Los Angeles, schools are starting to take an interest.
Few reps from the @UnderArmour all american camp ‼️ pic.twitter.com/aZ0LLqAmso
— Van Fillinger (@van_filli) March 10, 2019
Fillinger is rated as a three-star strong-side defensive end per the 247Sports Composite, the No. 22 in the nation, and No. 3 in the state of Utah.
The 6-foot-3, 255 pounder has recorded 100 total tackles, nine sacks, four interceptions, and four fumble recoveries through two seasons of varsity football.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan is an early favorite to sign Fillinger according to his Crystal Ball Predictions, though he hasn’t completely shut down the possibility of signing elsewhere.
“Michigan isn’t necessarily leading, don’t get me wrong I love Michigan and grew up a fan, but I’m not going to make me decision solely off of that. I plan on visiting some of my favorite schools this offseason to get a feel for the programs, then I will decide my top schools.”
USC is Fillinger’s latest offer, and he has an unofficial visit set for April 26. The high profile recruit had some good things to say about the Trojans’ new defensive line coach Chad Kauha’aha’a.
“Coach K is a real good guy. Super down to earth and I’m excited to see how he does at USC. I’m happy he is the new coach.”
Though born in Michigan and now living in Utah, USC’s historical prowess is not lost on Fillinger.
“USC has such a good football history in terms of always being contenders and a winning culture out there. I’m looking forward to the visit.”
Currently the Trojans do not have any defensive commits for the class of 2020, and have offered three other strong-side defensive ends, four-star Xavier Carlton and three-stars DeShawn Lynch and Tuli Tuipulotu.
Just a few reps from the All American combine ‼️ thank you @19AllAmerican @247Sports for the hospitality and coaching pic.twitter.com/NJneUMYLsQ
— Van Fillinger (@van_filli) January 8, 2019