2018 California 4-Star LB/QB Matthew Tago Updates Season and Utah Official
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Quartz Hill is off to a 3-0 start to their 2017 season thanks in large part to two-way four-star standout Matthew Tago. Tago was the undisputed leader for the Rebels last season tossing for 1,728 yards with 14 scores while running for 476 yards with 10 more touchdowns tallied. On defense, he worked over opposing offenses for 45 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks, five quarterback hurries, two interceptions, and a forced fumble helping the Rebels to a 10-4 season. After three games, Tago is once again imposing his will on California competition.
Tago has already thrown for 820 yards with 12 touchdowns while picking up another 68 yards on the ground with two more trips to the end zone. Used less on defense because of his importance on offense, he has stilled racked up 13 stops with three tackles for a loss in the early goings of the year.
MaxPreps sees the Rebels as the No. 3 ranked team in Division-X, while college scouts see Tago as a four-star recruit. The 6-4, 228 pound, 2016 first team All-Golden League and All-CIF performer has 13 reported offers from Boise State, Colorado, San Jose State, Colorado State, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon State, Washington State, Utah State, New Mexico, Utah, BYU, and USC. Offer No. 14 came on July 27 from UCLA landing the prized area talent three days later.
Thanks to a bye week after downing Carson 33-21, Tago was able to take an official visit to Utah on Saturday taking in the San Jose State contest. Ahead of the Rebels Game 4 showdown against Knight High School, I caught up with Tago covering his season to date, with a look ahead, and his official to Utah.
Interview
The Rebels are off to a fantastic start with a 3-0 record, what is the team doing well on both sides of the ball contributing to the three-game winning streak?
“Last year we were a young team. We are a tight group and have more experience this year. We have a lot of seniors starting, we are more aware of the game and have a better understanding of the game.”
How has your game improved in the pocket from last year to this year?
“It has improved a lot. I’m not playing quarterback in college, this year I am more relaxed in the pocket. That has helped me more. I just broke our school record for passing yards in a game with 356 yards.”
What about on defense, what are you doing better on the field against opposing offenses this season?
“On defense, they moved me back to middle linebacker. I am clogging up the holes, playing aggressive, and being a good run stopper for our team.”
Of the three games played so far this season, which game was your best and why do you consider that your best game?
“Oxnard was my best game. Throwing for 356 yards with five touchdowns and one rushing touchdown was great. On defense, it was a good game as well – I had some key tackles.”
The Rebels had a bye week this week, what did you work on to fine-tune before entering the heart of the schedule?
“During our bye week, we were more relaxed after the “W” against Carson. We were in t-shirts and shorts getting healthy for our next game.”
You guys face Knight High School on Friday, what challenges do they present to you guys on offense and defense?
“We are worried about how we play. We know we can beat these guys. We have had a rivalry with them the last few years. It will be a good game.”
Even though you are committed to UCLA, are teams still recruiting you hard trying to get you to change your mind?
“Yeah. USC, Boise State, Washington State, and Utah are still in contact with me.”
You took an official to Utah over the weekend, how did it go?
“It was really nice there. I had a lot of fun. Their facilities are really nice. I had a very good experience there. It was really nice there.”
What all did you do during your visit?
“We took tours of the campus and around the town.”
Do you have any other official visits planned coming up?
“As of right now, I do not know where I will go next.”
When will you take your official to UCLA?
“I’m not sure yet. Later in the season or after the season. Maybe in December.”
Last question, with seven regular season games left the Rebels what have to do what to stay undefeated going into the playoffs?
“For us, we have to keep playing as a team. That is what we have been doing since the preseason. We have to stay focused not let anything get to us. We have to stay humble and keep working hard.”
Matthew, thanks for your time today and good luck against Knight.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Tago family; Matthew Tago at Utah (Sept. 16, 2017)