Havili uncertain but doing well

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Sep 1, 2006 | by Dale J. Neilson

Stanley Havili is at the top of the college football world. His next stop may be the NFL. Havili, who grew up on Salt Lake's west side and graduated from Cottonwood High, "has always loved football," said his mother, Elva.

"He mentioned one day that he'd be in the pros. We thought, 'I don't think so."' Later, he told her, "I'm going to get rich and buy you a house." When he's done with football, he may be able to buy her an entire subdivision.

For now, freshman Havili, 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, is the second- string fullback at college football power USC.

"In terms of athleticism, he's OK," said Cottonwood coach Tom Jones. "But in experience, the college game is so much faster. You just have to get into it and do it."

Initially, Havili said, "It was complicated because of the speed of the game." But he is now "understanding football and life. The first few weeks, it was hard to catch on, because you've got to know the plays. If you don't, the coaches will get someone else.

"I can't judge myself without playing the first game (at Arkansas on Saturday). My skills are catching, running and blocking. I have a lot of learning to do."

Havili was heavily recruited out of high school, including BYU, Iowa, Arizona and USC, but ended up choosing the Trojans over the Cougars.

"We fasted and prayed he would go to the right school," said his dad, Tevita. "Right now, we think he did."

"I'm just grateful (Stanley) can go to college and get an education," said Elva Havili. "It's been our dream the oldest to the youngest (child) would achieve that."

In 2005 at Cottonwood, the soft-spoken Havili racked up Reggie Bush-like numbers with 32 touchdowns and 2,213 all-purpose yards in 192 touches for an 11.5-yard. average per touch. Amazingly, Havili averaged a TD every sixth time he touched the ball.

As a senior, he rushed 151 times for 1,424 yards and 22 TDs, had 40 pass receptions for 739 yards and nine touchdowns, and returned a punt return 50 yards for another score.

Tevita Havili said that his son's speed has been evident since he was 14, when he won a 400-meter club championship race in 52 seconds. In the same meet, he also won the 200-meter and 100-meter races and the long jump.

Jones said Havili is "potentially an NFL player in four or five years," with a combination of speed, change-of-direction, acceleration and power to run through and away from people.

But how will Havili do against the likes of Notre Dame, California and Oregon? His high school coach said he will do very well, thank you. While Havili may feel inadequate at times, Jones still has faith in him.

"Stanley's a fast learner and will pick up the strategy," Jones said. "He's the best athlete I've ever coached at Cottonwood."

Having close friends in Los Angeles and calling home to family have helped Havili adjust to life away from home, he said. And while many LDS players opt to serve missions, Havili's status is undetermined.

USC coach Pete Carroll reportedly said he expects Havili to not interrupt his college career for a mission, but Havili said the decision is his.

"I don't think I promised him anything," said Havili. "I'm still thinking about (a mission) a lot. It depends on my coaches and how they look at it.

"I'll just play football whether it's four or five years. I'll just take it as it comes, focusing on the football season."