Going One-on-One with 3-Star 2020 Bishop Gorman DB Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Respect on the gridiron is earned, not given. The high regard given to Bishop Gorman High School’s football team has been earned the hard way over years of consistent winning and not backing down from a challenge. The Gaels won their tenth consecutive Nevada state title in 2018 but sought a national championship playing eventual national and California champs in Mater Dei, Arizona title winners in Centennial, Oregon state champs in Orem, and norther California CIF title winners in De La Salle. The Gaels posted an 11-3 record against the tough competition thanks to a defense with guys like safety/defensive back Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner leading the way.
Tuioti was ever present on the Gaels defense playing as the last line of defense, going down in the box as a walk-up safety, and going over the slot as a nickel taking on receivers, tight ends, and running backs on passing downs. The result was an All-League season and USA Today first team All-Defense recognition after picking off a pass, forcing a fumble, tallying three tackles for a loss and putting an end to 32 plays with 20 solo stops.
What follows at Bishop Gorman for high-achieving players is recruiting attention. The rising 6-1, 200-pound, defender picked up his first offer from Hawaii late in his junior season and is receiving interest from Nevada, Fresno State, Cal, UCLA, Utah, and BYU, among others. To talk about it all, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one with one of the top players in Nevada’s 2020 class.
Interview
Lincoln, the Gaels always play a tough schedule. Going up against all the top competition, playing what amounts to a national schedule, how do you feel your game improved last season?
“Going against the best in the country, that makes your play go up a level. Playing against the best helps make you better. It pushes you.”
Is there an area of your game you feel may get overlooked?
“I feel like my cover skills get overlooked. A guy my size normally plays linebacker. My abilities covering receivers gets overlooked.”
You play in the back at strong safety and come in the box as a free to help stop the run and cover. Where else do you line up and what all are your responsibilities on defense from one game to the next?
“As you said, it does depend on the team we are playing. I can line up against a top receiver or in the box stopping the run. My versatility is my best asset.”
Which game last season was your best?
“My personal best was the Mater Dei game.”
Why was that game your best?
“I had eight solo tackles, an interception, and I forced a fumble”
Going against the back-to-back national champs (MaxPresp), that certainly qualifies as a great game. What was it like capturing a Nevada state championship in 2018?
“It was awesome. We worked hard all season. We started off in a slump and picked it up for a tenth straight title. It felt good to bounce back after our tough start.”
When you found out you had earned USA Today first team All-Defense honors, what was going throughout your mind?
“It was humbling. I was grateful. There are a lot of very good players in Nevada. I thank the Lord for the blessing. I could not have done it without my teammates and my coaches.”
What are you working on this offseason with your game?
“I am working on my speed. That is something I am always work on. I am also working on reading receiver route combos, quarterback tendencies and other team tendencies. I am working on keeping my hips loose and making form fit tackles in open field.”
Are you going to showcase your skills at any upcoming national camps or combines?
“Yes. I am going to the Oakland Nike Opening, Adidas Three-Stripe in California, the Under Armour All-American Camp in northern California, and the Polynesian Combine.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered?
“I am receiving interest from Boise State, Utah, BYU, UCLA, Nevada, and Fresno State.”
I know you have an offer from Hawaii, when did they offer you?
“I received my offer during the semifinals of the playoffs.”
Nice. That is a big moment for any player, receiving their first offer. What was that moment like for you?
“It was awesome and humbling. They came to a practice, and we had a good conversation. I got a call later that night letting me know I had received an offer. It was a good feeling receiving that offer.”
Have you visited any schools yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to BYU and Cal.”
How did the BYU visit go?
“It was good. I went to a spring practice last year and I visited after the season with my Dad.”
What about Cal, how did that visit go?
“It was nice. They have a nice weight room and locker room. They are doing awesome stuff there at Cal. I am related to their defensive line coach, he is my uncle (Troy Tuioti).”
What a great resource to have as a family member to ask questions about the recruiting process. Do you have any planned visits you may take this spring?
“Yes. I have scheduled one with BYU and Utah. The week after that I will be at UCLA and USC.”
Lincoln, it was great learning more about you and your game on the field today. I appreciate your time and wish you success on your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bishop Gorman HS; No. 20 Lincoln Tuioti Mariner