By Frank Rajkowski, SJU Writer/Video Producer

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - As one of the few players returning who saw extensive playing time in the Saint John's University football team's defensive-line rotation in 2019, Metoriah Faoliu knew he'd have to take on a more vocal role in the huddle this fall.

And that wasn't necesarrily something that came naturally to the 6-foot-1, 265-pound soft-spoken Californian, who is used to letting his play on the field speak for itself.

"I knew my role would be changing this year," said Faoliu, a senior nose guard who graduated from Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, Calif., in 2018. "Two years ago, I was more of a role player. This year, I have to be one of the leaders. 

"I've always been a guy who just goes out there and plays. I show up on Saturday and do everything I can to help us get the win. But this season, it's my job to help some of the new guys get adjusted to their spots."

And Faoliu said he has adjusted to his new responsibilities - even managing to find some measure of enjoyment in them. 

"It is kind of nice to be someone other guys look up to," said Faoliu, who will turn 22 on Saturday - the same day his team (4-0, 2-0 MIAC), ranked as high as No. 5 nationally in the most recent American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III poll, plays host to Augsburg (2-2, 2-0 MIAC) in a Homecoming matchup scheduled for 1 p.m. at Clemens Stadium. 

"It's nice to have more of a voice in what's happening."

Faoliu has earned that voice through his play. 

After seeing action in just one game as a freshman in 2018, he broke out as a sophomore, recording 27 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss, and three sacks as SJU advanced to the Division III national semifinals for the first time since 2003.

The Johnnies did not play a competitive season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this fall, Faoliu has picked right up where he left off two years ago – recording 14 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss, and one sack in his team's first four games.

"I stayed in Minnesota for the first time this summer," Faoliu said. "And I worked out with (SJU head strength and conditioning coach) Justin Rost. That was a great experience. It made me get into the gym more consistently. And I came into this season a lot stronger and quicker than I've been in the past."

SJU head coach Gary Fasching said the results have been noticeable.

"(Faoliu) is one of those guys who have gotten better and better every year," Fasching said. "And he's playing at an elite level right now. We've had a lot of good nose guards here over the years and, with the way he's playing, he fits right into that group."

Faoliu is one of a number of Vista Murrieta graduates who have gone on to stellar careers at Saint John's over the past decade – a group that also includes current senior All-American wide receiver Ravi Alston.

"There's a connection there," said Faoliu, who lived in Missouri until he was in middle school. "I already knew I wanted to go to school outside of Caifornia. I was looking at schools in Texas, Chicago and Minnesota. But when I came here on my visit, I fell in love.

"It was snowing, which was great. And I really liked the sense of community."

One of six siblings, Faoliu is majoring in integrative science and hopes to one day work as an athletic trainer, coach or in some other position in the sports world. Because of an NCAA ruling granting athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the impact COVID had on the 2020 season, he is able to return for another year next fall if he so chooses.

He said he's leaning toward doing so. But, for now, his focus is on helping the Johnnies advance as far as possible this year.

"The goal is to win a natty," he said. "I think that's what drives everyone on this team. We all want to be part of bringing another national championship to Saint John's."