Interview: 2017 LB Taj Hoard Ready to Help Defend Bullpups State Title

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Gonzaga Prep had a season to remember in 2015 getting a collective team effort rolling through a perfect season topping Skyline 34-16 for the Washington High School State Championship. A new season brings new challenges and Bullpup senior linebacker Taj Hoard is ready for the fight.

Hoard was a stat machine against 4A competition during his junior campaign. The Spokane area native had 115 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, 15 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and one pick on the year. Colleges are interested to see how the 6’0”, 215 pound, playmaker will respond during the 2016 schedule before a load of offers are dropped on the table.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Hoard to get an overview on his summer college camp circuit, off-season workouts, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Taj, I know you were busy this summer hitting up a lot of camps. Where all did you camp this year?

“I went to Nevada, Sac State, Montana State, Colorado State, Wyoming, Washington State, UDUB (Washington), EW (Eastern Washington), and a few showcases. All in all it was a very good experience for me.”

Which camp do you feel you performed best?

“I think I performed best at UDUB and Colorado State.”

What did you do well at both of those camps that made you feel like you showed out?

“I did well on my runs and I did well against running backs, slot receivers, and tight ends in the one-on-one sessions.”

What did you learn from all the camps that you will take with you into senior year?

“Coverages. I have improved my coverage. I picked up little tidbits here and there that will help a lot this year.”

What was the overall feedback you received from the coaches at the different camps?

“The schools have been telling me to send in my film after first two-three games of the season. They want to see my consistency over the last two years. I’m on the board as a senior evaluation. I have received a lot of interest since the camps.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“Montana State, Colorado State, Sac State, and EW, those are the main schools. Western State Colorado has offered, they are D-II. Other Big Sky schools have told me I am on their board. Portland State and Weber state want to see how well I do this year.”

What all have you been working on to prepare for your senior season this summer?

“This off-season I’ve been working on my quickness and speed. I’ve been working on my hip explosion and my all around strength.”

What gains have you made?

“I’m faster and I’ve added four to five inches on my vertical jump.”

Have you maxed out lately in the weight room?

“Not yet. We will max out soon. We’ve been working on pumping up the weights we lift continuously.”

What are you aiming to get when you do max out?

“I’m aiming for 425 on squat, 275 to 280 on power clean, 265 on bench, and 505 on deadlift.”

How does the team look as the season gets closer to kickoff?

“We look really good. During summer camp we did better than I expected. We have a lot of young guys coming up. They have executed well within a short time frame. Our offense is hard to learn and they did really well.”

I know the coaching staff does not like for guys on team to play multiple positions, but will your role with team expand or change this year?

“This year I will be doing some inside linebacker, but mainly I’ll be on the outside. During summer camp our middle linebacker was gone, I did well at that when he was gone. The coaches said I did a good job handling the defense. I’ll be on special teams this year.”

The Bullpups have some tough games on the schedule. Are there any teams you are getting pumped to play already?

“Oh yeah. On Sept. 2 we play Eastside Catholic. They were state champs last season as well. They have a solid team again this year. On Sept. 9, we get a championship game rematch against Skyline. I’m looking forward to that.”

Two really tough games to start the season. That should be fun.

“Yes sir.”

I’ll get you out of here on the classroom. What was your GPA for your junior year?

“I got my GPA above a 3.0 cumulative at the end of my junior year.”

That’s great. Good job.

“Thank you.”

Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet?

“Not yet. I’m scheduled to take my first test on Sept. 10.”

Taj, good luck on the ACT and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Hoard family; Taj Hoard at a camp.

Photo credit: Hoard family; Taj Hoard doing agility drills.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Taj Hoard visiting UCLA.