TCU’s recruiting class just got a bit brighter— three stars brighter with Trinity Euless three-star defensive end Izaih Filikitonga.
8:10 AM | 2.7.18
The #FrogTrenches get another one! @cmakahununiu is official! #CarterBoys18 pic.twitter.com/qWufhAn5EH
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) February 7, 2018
Filikitonga verbally committed to play football for the Frogs after the Polynesian Bowl and made it official Wednesday.
“TCU has always felt like home,” he said. “The players learn so much from these coaches and do big things in the NFL.”
Filikitonga was the 20th commit for the 2018 class. He chose TCU over the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.
Trinity Euless head coach Chris Jenson said Filikitonga is an energy machine.
“He is what we call a potboiler, he gets the water boiling,” Jenson said. “He is upbeat, positive and will be an awesome teammate.”
Filikitonga said he decided to stay close to home because he is a family man.
“I am glad to be a role model for my siblings and cousins,” he said. “My family has always been there for me and I want to be there for them.”
He has four brothers and two sisters and said his family will always come first in his life. Jenson said Filikitonga’s family has a lot to do with his success as a teammate.
“He has a great mom and dad who taught him how to be a great man,” Jenson said. “He understands his size, skill and ability is a privilege and he doesn’t flaunt that in anyone’s face.”
Filikitonga’s high school journey wasn’t always easy.
During the fourth game of his junior season, he injured his foot and underwent surgery. After months of rehab, he was back for spring ball but hurt his foot again.
“After that second injury, I had a mental breakdown,” he said.
Rising 2018 Euless Trinity DE Chris Makahununiu (@cmakahununiu) is in crutches and will not play tonight #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/Hxtrv6O1Rb
— EJ/Holland (@EJHolland247) October 1, 2016
However, he didn’t let that mental block get in the way for long. With the support of family and friends, Filikitonga finished his rehab and made it back strong for his senior season.
“I felt successful — like I had done my job,” he said.
DE Izaih Filikitonga (@cmakahununiu) and Euless Trinity showed tremendous heart in today’s upset win over Duncanville. #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/TdCikhmbxY
— EJ/Holland (@EJHolland247) November 25, 2017
Although football is important to him, Filikitonga said he is also excited for the opportunity to have a great education.
“Not everyone has the opportunity to learn,” he said. “I can’t wait to soak up so much information like a sponge.”
Filikitonga will be on campus in the fall and will study kinesiology. He hopes to one day become a physical therapist to help injured athletes overcome mental blocks and strengthen their bodies.
