Bishop Gorman standout linebacker Palaie Faoa committed to Boston College on Saturday. Faoa picked the Eagles over Arizona, Cal, Colorado, Maryland Hawaii, Nevada, UNLV, Utah and Washington.

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So why did the three star recruit decide to venture east? Simple. He not only wanted a positive football experience. He wanted a school with strong academics. A school that can prepare for life after football.

“There are many reasons I chose Boston College. First off, the academics. It was a major part of my decision. The coaching staff and players also gave me and my family good vibes. Finally. Life after ball is very important to me and I feel like this program is the right one for me.”

Faoa is the second player from Bishop Gorman to commit to Boston College in the past two years. Running back Cam Barfield committed to the Eagles last off-season as part of the 2022 Class. The decision by both players to come east and play for the Eagles speaks to just how good a job Jeff Hafley and his coaching staff has done at making B.C a national recruiting brand.

Playing for Hafley and his staff has been the single biggest reason players in the Class of 2023 have cited as the reason they committed to Boston College. Perhaps it is because Hafley and the coaches are transparent with recruits and their families about what their role will be. Faoa was pretty straight forward when I asked him if the coaches told him what they envisioned for him on the field.

“Yes the Coaches have talked to me about where and how they will use me.”

On the field, Faoa is versatile. He can line up on the line of scrimmage or in the second level and impact a game in a variety of ways. He is a good fit in the Eagles scheme.

In today’s world of high stakes recruiting, being open and honest with recruits in terms of their role and playing time is important.

What is also important in this age of the transfer portal is finding the right school. Faoa is happy with his decision to commit to Boston College.

“I feel happy with my decision moving east. I feel like it’s perfect for me, I believe that me getting away from my comfort zone, close to home will help me become more successful on and off the field.”

It is that maturity and perspective that will allow Faoa to succeed at Boston College and beyond.