Leif Fautanu, the skilled football center, brings his talent and ambitions to Arizona State University (ASU) this year, aiming to make a significant impact on the Sun Devils’ offensive line. After transferring from UNLV, Fautanu is determined to rise above and achieve greatness in the conference and beyond.
“I want to be the best center in the conference,” declares Fautanu, his eyes gleaming with determination. The departure of Ben Scott has paved the way for Fautanu to take the reins as the starting center, and he has set his sights on the prestigious Rimington Trophy, bestowed upon the nation’s most outstanding center. Fautanu’s unwavering commitment to excellence drives him forward as he dreams of claiming this esteemed accolade.
But his aspirations don’t end there. The entire offensive line is also in his sights for greatness. “As an offensive line, I want to have the goal of the Joe Moore Award, which honors the best offensive line in the country,” Fautanu passionately proclaims. In the trenches, the offensive line forms the backbone of any successful football team. Fautanu understands the importance of their role and strives to lead his comrades to victory, one hard-fought yard at a time.
Confidence exudes from Fautanu as he shares his ambitions. “We talk about it all the time,” he says, referring to the team’s shared goal. “We want to be the best offensive line in the conference, and the only way we start to win games is with the offensive line.” His dedication to the team’s success and the sport is evident as he embraces the responsibility of being a key player on the gridiron.
Having earned an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection in 2022, Fautanu proved his mettle as he anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher for the second consecutive season. His performance earned him recognition as the fifth-highest graded center in the MWC by PFF as a pass blocker. Impressively, he didn’t allow a single sack throughout the season, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force on the field. Such achievements showcase his continued improvement and dedication to his craft.
Fautanu’s football journey began at UNLV, where he started all 12 games in 2021 and four games in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Having redshirted his freshman year in 2019, Fautanu worked tirelessly to hone his skills, evolving into a player to watch. His exceptional performance made him a preseason candidate for the 2022 Rimington Trophy and Polynesian College Football Player of the Year, garnering recognition beyond the football field.
As Fautanu embarks on this new chapter at ASU, he finds familiarity in the offensive scheme, which shares similarities with his previous team. “I’d say it’s kind of similar because both my head coach (at UNLV) and coach Dilly are from Oregon,” Fautanu reveals, highlighting the common ground between the two systems. He effortlessly assimilates into ASU’s lineup, embracing the team’s approach while adapting to the slight differences.
Looking ahead to the fall camp, Fautanu is focused on enhancing his speed and strength, eager to bring his A-game when the season commences. His commitment to self-improvement and tireless work ethic serves as a testament to his passion for the sport and his unwavering determination to lead ASU to victory.
Leif Fautanu’s presence on the field brings a renewed sense of optimism and aspiration to the Arizona State University football team. With his lofty goals of being the best center in the nation and leading the offensive line to victory, Fautanu embodies the spirit of a true competitor. As the season unfolds, football fans eagerly await the remarkable feats this talented center will accomplish and the legacy he will create at ASU and beyond.
