Before BYU
- Three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN.com, Scout and Rivals
- No. 69-rated defensive tackle nationwide
- Helped Vista Murrieta High School advance to section championship with an 11-3 record while going 5-0 in league
- In two varsity seasons he totaled 104 tackles, 17 quarterback hurries, 11.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery
- First-team all league and defensive league MVP
- Played with former BYU linebacker Tyler Cook in high school at Vista Murrieta High School
- Coached by Coley Candaele
- Also recruited by Washington, Washington State, Utah, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Texas Tech, Baylor and Arizona.