Three-Star DE Isiah Chala commits to Fresno State
San Francisco (Calif.) Archbishop Riordan 3-Star defensive end Isiah Chala reached his decision on Monday after an official visit to Fresno State. He committed to the Bulldogs over offers from Cal, Oregon State, San Diego State, Idaho and NAU.
Chala said it did not take long into his official visit weekend to realize Fresno State was the fit for him.
“I would say from the start, before going on the official visit and stuff, it felt like they wanted me,” Chala said. “It felt like a family. Of course going on the official visit, it was amazing out there. Great football community, great people, I liked the whole entire city. And you see that’s a pretty good team right there, Mountain West Champions and about to play in their bowl game against Washington State.”
Spirits were high around Fresno State this weekend as the Bulldogs are still fresh off a 28-16 win at Boise State for the Mountain West Conference Championship. Chala said he took notice of the Bulldogs’ turnaround season that went from a four-game losing streak to an eight-game winning streak and MW title.
“That’s the thing I liked about them is that they had a great story this year,” Chala said. “They started off 1-4, and that’s hard adversity. Tough people look at it as a time to learn, move on and work harder and learn from your mistakes. Some programs might have just said, ‘Oh, the season is over. ‘ But they won eight straight, Mountain West Champions. I want to be a part of something great like that.”
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Chala stands at 6-foot-5 and 250 lbs. He holds an 83 rating by 247Sports, ranking as the nation’s No. 149 edge players.
“My strengths for sure are my speed and my agility,” Chala said. “The way I can maneuver through tough O-Linemen. There are things I can work on, like double teams, getting stronger in the weight room and playing more low. All of that will be handled at Fresno State.”
247sports National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman wrote of Chala’s game, “He does a nice job of shedding blocks, using his hands and trusting his technique, and not just relying on a bull rush. He can stand up or he can put his hand down and be effective both ways and he also has a frame that should support more weight without costing him any quickness.”
Chala was the second commitment of the day for Fresno State. Fresno City College offensive lineman Hayden Pulis also committed to the ‘Dogs on Monday. The Bulldogs now have eight commitments in the 2023 class.