Folsom Athlete of the Week: Ari Patu has bright future with scholarship to Stanford

Ari Patu has a lot to look forward to. Not only is he closing in on his senior year of high school, but also his first season as full-time starting quarterback on Folsom High's football team. And even further into the future, Patu recently accepted a scholarship to attend Stanford University. The potential in the 6-4 quarterback who can run the ball as well as he can throw it has Folsom High's football coaches excited to see him lead the team. They're also proud of his scholarship from Stanford. "Ari's commitment to Stanford is a direct reflection of how he carries himself on campus," Folsom High coach Paul Doherty said. "He's a young man that takes himself seriously as a football player in every sense of the word, both as a student and athlete. We're incredibly proud of him and looking forward to some great local college football." Folsom Telegraph: What are your hopes/plans for after graduation? Ari Patu: The current plan is to graduate in May of 2021, and continue preparing for both enrollment into Stanford as well as football camp/season. FT: What are your thoughts on your scholarship from Stanford? AP: It's an absolute honor, a dream come true. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to play and attend a university as such and can't thank God enough for the situation he put me in. FT: Any other schools recruiting you? Why did you choose Stanford? AP: I'm hearing from the coaches at USC still and a few other colleges check in from time to time as well. I chose Stanford for multiple reasons, but all in all I chose because I want to be great. At Stanford you're surrounded by greatness everywhere you go: on the field, in the classroom, in the position meeting rooms, everywhere. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in terms of the mix of ball and school is unmatched anywhere, and I feel great about the offense Coach Pritchard and Coach Shaw run. FT: Do sports run in your family? AP: Definitely. My mom played softball at the University of Oregon, alongside my dad who played football there. He then went to play eight years professionally in the NFL and AFL. My older sister, Saniah, currently plays basketball at Valdosta State in Georgia, and my older brother, Orin, is a redshirt freshman outside linebacker at the University of Cal Berkeley. My little brother also plays football, basketball and runs track. FT: How long have you been playing football and how did you get your start in it? AP: My first year of football was in sixth grade, and I was actually playing up with the seventh graders at that time. Starting off as the youngest and smallest guy really taught me the value of perseverance, because at that time hard work was the only way I could even come close to the level of play the older guys had, and I carry that mindset of separating yourself through the small things with me today. FT: Have you ever been involved in other sports? AP: Yes sir, track & field as well as some basketball early on in high school. FT: What do you like about football? AP: Everything. I know it's cliché but it's true. From the team bonding, to the communication, leadership, relationships, highs and lows, there's always something valuable to take away. That what makes this game, for me, the greatest sport to ever be played, because it's so much more than football and the X's and O's that goes into the success of the team. FT: How did you become a quarterback? AP: I actually started my career playing WR, haha. One day while playing catch with my dad and brothers my pops mentioned that my throwing wasn't too bad and I might want to try playing quarterback. I figured why not and so the next season I did just that, and I fell in love with it ever since. FT: What do you like about playing the position? AP: The biggest part of this position to me is the leadership. On and off the field, you have to be one of the guys that sets the example, and that pushes teammates when they might not want to be pushed or need some extra juice to get going. At the same time, it holds me accountable and keeps me focused too. FT: Looking back, how did your first year at Folsom High go both on and off the field? AP: Going back, I wouldn't change a thing. On and off the field, I made numerous relationships with guys and we all fought through adversity together. That adversity on the field shaped us as a team and made us stronger, and building relationships off the field only made the journey sweeter. FT: What are you looking forward to this upcoming season? AP: I'm just looking forward to stepping on the blue with my guys around me. We know what mission we're on, and I'm excited to do my part in making that a reality. FT: Assuming it will be played, what are your thoughts on the upcoming season? Any idea of how good the team will be? AP: I have no doubt in my mind our team will be ready and is capable to overcome any situation thrown at us. FT: With the pandemic restricting team activities, what are you doing to stay in shape for football? AP: Both weight workouts and throwing with our skill guys multiple times on a weekly basis. FT: How is distance learning going? AP: It's going good! Going into this there were plenty of unknowns, but now that we've had a chance to settle in all is going smooth. FT: What do you miss about school? AP: One thing I really miss is interacting with people, whether it be the teachers, teammates, coaches or friends. I'm looking forward to getting back to normalcy here soon. FT: What is your favorite class/subject in school? AP: Math, easily. FT: Favorite music? AP: I'd have to say a split between hip-hop and country music. FT: Favorite Food? AP: Definitely have to go with a barbecued ribeye, medium-rare with char. FT: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them. AP: Yes sir, one cat and his name is Battle. Short for "Battle Cat" from He-Man. The most energetic but chill cat you'll ever meet. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? AP: I like to cook, play chess, bike ride, go to the lake, adventure with friends, or hangout with the family. FT: What inspires you in sports? AP: There are many inspiring factors. One would be my parents. Seeing all the sacrifices they've made throughout my life, not only for me but my brothers and sisters as well, I just want to be able to pay them back (or try to) for everything they do. FT: Is there a particular job or profession you'd like to have after college? AP: I'm not locked in on one but something in the realm of architectural engineering or business management would be clean. Possibly coaching as well.