Fresno State Athletics
Sapolu named one of the nation’s top young coaches
9/18/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State football assistant coach Roman Sapolu was named on Friday to 247Sports' 30Under30 list. The Bulldogs' 28-year-old offensive line coach is one of 30 rising stars under the age of 30, and one of six in the Mountain West, as tabbed by the organization.
Sapolu was charged to lead the offensive line by head coach Kalen DeBoer after his first season with the 'Dogs as an assistant to the offensive line - alongside offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. In addition, Sapolu also received the promotion of having run game coordinator duties for DeBoer's team.
Former Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford hired Sapolu away from Idaho State prior to the 2019 season. Sapolu's 2018 season with the Bengals was his first full-time assistant coaching position. That season's squad saw eight offensive players earn all-conference honors as the Bengal offense tallied 5,403 total yards, the third most since their 1981 National Championship season.
After Sapolu's playing career at Oregon State (2010-14), he began his coaching career at Nebraska. There he was a graduate assistant for three seasons (2015-17) for NU's offensive line.
Sapolu was joined on the 30Under30 list by league counterparts, Matt Miller (Boise State pass game coordinator), Kenny Guiton (Colorado State wide receivers coach), Jordan Thomas (San Diego State defensive line coach), Kevin Cummings (San Jose State wide receivers coach) and Tre Watson (UNLV cornerbacks coach).
A Fresno State staffer has now made 247Sports' 30Under30 list for three consecutive years. Current Bulldog wide receivers coach Kirby Moore made the list by 247Sports in 2018 and 2019 at the ages of 28 and 29. Moore is now in his fourth season with the Bulldogs.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Sapolu was charged to lead the offensive line by head coach Kalen DeBoer after his first season with the 'Dogs as an assistant to the offensive line - alongside offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. In addition, Sapolu also received the promotion of having run game coordinator duties for DeBoer's team.
Former Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford hired Sapolu away from Idaho State prior to the 2019 season. Sapolu's 2018 season with the Bengals was his first full-time assistant coaching position. That season's squad saw eight offensive players earn all-conference honors as the Bengal offense tallied 5,403 total yards, the third most since their 1981 National Championship season.
After Sapolu's playing career at Oregon State (2010-14), he began his coaching career at Nebraska. There he was a graduate assistant for three seasons (2015-17) for NU's offensive line.
Sapolu was joined on the 30Under30 list by league counterparts, Matt Miller (Boise State pass game coordinator), Kenny Guiton (Colorado State wide receivers coach), Jordan Thomas (San Diego State defensive line coach), Kevin Cummings (San Jose State wide receivers coach) and Tre Watson (UNLV cornerbacks coach).
A Fresno State staffer has now made 247Sports' 30Under30 list for three consecutive years. Current Bulldog wide receivers coach Kirby Moore made the list by 247Sports in 2018 and 2019 at the ages of 28 and 29. Moore is now in his fourth season with the Bulldogs.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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