He attended Andrew Hill High School in San Jose, California where he was an All-American in both football and wrestling.
In his senior season, Achica lost in the semi-finals of the state tournament, his first wrestling loss of his high school career.
He saw playing time as a freshman and USC won their second straight Rose Bowl, defeating Ohio State 17-16.
During his that season, Achica blocked a field goal in USC's game against rival UCLA that he later said was one of his most important football performances.
[3] With four seconds remaining, and USC leading 22-21, Achica blocked Norm Johnson's 46-yard field goal attempt, denying UCLA a trip to the Rose Bowl.
Achica was the first of four Samoans to be selected as All-Americans at USC; the others being Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, and Lofa Tatupu.
The team went from one of the worst in the league to earning a spot in the USFL Western Conference championship, which they lost to the Arizona Wranglers.