Tustin’s Star Sophomore Defensive Tackle: Jon Ioane
Jon Ioane is a 4 Star recruit who plays Defensive Tackle at Tustin High School. Ioane is ranked as the 224th best recruit in the class of 2027 and is ranked as a top 25 Defensive Tackle in the class as well. In addition, Ioane is listed as a top 25 recruit in the state of California and is listed as the #5 Defensive Tackle in the state of California. He holds offers from schools such as Notre Dame, USC and Penn State.
Who are some role models in your life?
My role models are my parents and my siblings. They’ve always supported me and been by my side through everything. They’ve stuck with me since the beginning, and I owe a lot to them.
What artists do you listen to pregame to get hyped up?
Pregame, I like listening to Lil Baby, Gunna, Kendrick, and sometimes DJ Quik. I go for uptempo music, but nothing too wild—just something I can vibe to that helps me get focused and locked in.
What are the strengths of your game?
I think my biggest strengths are my quickness and twitch. Not many guys my size can move the way I do, and I think that gives me a real edge on the field.
What is your favorite memory of your career?
My favorite memory so far has been playing in Miami. It was such a cool experience, especially being able to do that as a kid. That trip is something I’ll never forget.
Who is the best player you’ve ever played with or against?
The best player I’ve played with is Jordan Davidson from Mater Dei. He’s just different. On top of being an elite player, he’s a cool and fun teammate to be around.
What advice would you give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Stay dedicated. The road is long, and not everything will go your way. Be patient, control what you can control, and keep working. If you do that, things will fall into place.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’d love to go to New York. Being from the West Coast, I’ve always wanted to experience the New York City lifestyle—especially around December when it’s all lit up for the holidays.
How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
I didn’t fall in love with football right away—it came as I got older. I realized that this game could be something I’m great at, and even help me provide for my family while having fun doing it.
If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
I’d want to meet LeBron James. I’ve looked up to him for as long as I can remember. He’s more than just an athlete—he handles business off the court and stays true to who he is.
What is your favorite sports moment as a fan?
As a 49ers fan, my favorite sports moment was definitely last year’s NFC Championship game. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but when we pulled out the win, I was hyped. Moments like that remind me why I love this game.
