Southern California EDGE Simote Katoanga Previews Oregon SNL Visit
Dan Lanning and the Ducks have always prioritized the best West Coast talent. An early name to watch in the 2026 class is San Juan Capistrano (Calif.) J Serra Catholic EDGE Simote Katoanga.
He was in Eugene for the spring game and will be back in town for Saturday Night Live next week. ScoopDuck caught up with him ahead of his return trip.
“I just wanna showcase my ability as a rusher and also just to show them that I’m interested in Oregon,” Katoanga said of the reasoning for the trip.”
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defender reflected on his recent visit for the spring game, which left him impressed with the atmosphere at Autzen.
“It was pretty good. Even though it was a spring game the crowd was still crazy out there. They have a theme song or something like that and I was just watching the crowd. That’s one thing I look for in a program, the community and the culture. Other than that just watching high-level football to the next level makes it for me.”
What’s standing out most about Dan Lanning’s program is something that can’t be bought.
“Probably just their culture and the way they’re getting after it on the field and off the field,” he said. “The way they bond with each other stands out.”
One coach in particular has begun to build a strong relationship with him, but a few other coaches are involved as well.
“It’s mostly Coach (Tony) Tuioti. I talk to Dan Lanning and the linebackers coach (Brian Michalowski) sometimes. The linebackers coach came to watch our spring showcase.”
What’s he looking forward to most?
“I’m really excited to just get some D-line work in with Coach Tuioti and just to showcase my ability.”
Katoanga sounds like he might end up taking a trip to UCLA in the near future, and highlighted some of the schools that are standing out right now.
“Right now all the schools that have offered are standing out to me. But right now I’ll just name a few. Notre Dame and UCLA and probably UW (Washington).”
Simote Katoanga’s Game
“What I feel like I bring to the table is probably just my intensity and just my focus. When it comes to football I just love the physicality and the ability to play, the God-given talent that God gave me.”
Simote Katoanga the Person
“The most important thing in my life is God. I also like spending time with my family and bonding with them and bonding with my teammates is the important stuff outside of being on the field. Just have a good time with them.”
The post Southern California EDGE Simote Katoanga Previews Oregon SNL Visit appeared first on On3.
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