Interview: 2017 California ATH Leo Tamba a Raw Talent for the Next Level

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Time and time again, college football coaches echo the sentiment that they want football players. At the high school level, not all that suit up get to play the position they are more likely to play in the collegiate ranks, but that does not make them any less the football player. It seems that the act of college coaches taking on a raw player transforming said talent into a top of the line player is a notion that is long gone. One California talent that might be somewhat raw but is a football player to the thought worth checking out is Leo Tamba.

Tamba has primarily played defensive end for Mission Viejo High School over the past two seasons sprinkling in some time at running back and linebacker. At 6-1, 205 pounds, Tamba is nowhere near the prototypical defensive end, even at the high school level. Regardless of his size, Tamba made it work helping the Diablos to a 16-0 season in 2015 and an 11-1 mark in 2016. Using grit, determination, speed, quickness, physical strength, and a high football IQ, Tamba finished his senior year with 28 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble. Even the stats are very misleading. The Diablos ransacked much of their competition in 2016 putting the starters on the sidelines during the second half of most games. Adding to his numbers, Tamba lined up at right end going up against most teams’ best player at left tackle.

A couple of schools are showing recruiting interest with one offering, but few programs thus far are seeing past Tamba’s high school position envisioning what he could become at the collegiate level over time. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the southern California recruit covering his senior season along with his recruiting prospects so far.

Interview

Leo, at 6-1, 205 pounds, you were playing out of position at end for the Diablos. How do you see yourself as a next level player?

“I call myself an athlete. I know I can play running back or outside linebacker at the next level. Safety too.”

Where all have you played on the gridiron?

“Over the last two years, outside linebacker and defensive end. In the summer of my junior year I was playing running back.”

Out of all the positions, which position do you like best?

“Honestly, I have to say running back or outside backer. I cannot decide between the two.”

When did you start playing varsity ball?

“I started playing my junior year.”

The Diablos had a great season going 11-1 playing a lot of big California powerhouse teams. Which games were some of your better ones?

“One of the better games for me would be Oak Hills (won 42-28), that was the Honor Bowl. We did that game for the Armed Forces. I had two tackles for a loss and four tackles. El Toro (won 54-13), in that game I had five tackles and two tackles for a loss. Against Servite (won 49-28) I had three tackles and one tackle for a loss (playoffs). Against Tesoro (won 41-0) I had three tackles.”

What are some of the things you feel you do well on the field as an outside linebacker?

“I think my pursuit of the ball, reading plays, being quick off the ball, and I like to hit.”

How did you step your game up in the playoffs?

“In the playoffs I understood that this is the hardest part of our schedule. We were going up against teams with a lot of D-I players. I had to get in my mind that we will be challenged for an entire game. I lifted harder to make sure I was ready each week.”

How did you overcome being smaller against bigger offensive tackles?

“That was something I knew going in every week that was about 100 pounds lighter than the guy across from me. I attacked their outside shoulder. I worked to make sure that my size would not be a detriment. I locked on during run plays, I’m stronger than I look, steering the linemen. In pass situations, I used my speed and hands to the best of my abilities.”

You mentioned your strength. Do you remember your weight room totals from the off-season?

“I do. My bench was 325, power clean was at 310, and my squat was 440.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran over the summer?

“The best time I ran was a 4.6 at a camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Utah State.”

Which schools have offered you?

“College of Idaho.”

Do you have any visits planned upcoming?

“On Jan. 20 I am visiting College of Idaho.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 2.84. With my grades now, I should be back to a 3.0 by the start of next semester.”

What was your best score on the ACT or SAT?

“I took the SAT and got an 1100.”

Are you playing any spring sports for Mission Viejo?

“I’m throwing the discus, long jumping, and I might try to do some sprints this year.”

How did you do last year in track?

“That was my first year throwing. I did not have the right shoes but I did a standing throw of 138 feet. I made league finals.”

Nice. What all will you work on during your off-season football training?

“In my off-season workouts I have been doing sprints across the field and getting my hands ready. Some coaches might want me to play as a rush outside linebacker. My hands need to be better. I’ve been hitting the bags for hand movement. I’m mainly working on my speed, getting my 40 time faster, and lifting as often as I can.”

What is one thing you would want all college coaches to know about you as a football player?

“I’m coachable, I listen, and I’m a hard working football player.”

Leo, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your visit to College of Idaho.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Robert Govier Photography; No. 28 Leo Tamba in action.