Interview: 2020 California Recruit Desmond Taua Covers Breakout Season as Two-Way Athlete

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The sophomore campaign for Desmond Taua put the Vista High School talent on a path towards worthy collegiate attention as a defensive back. The overall stock on Taua took a sharp rise upwards after displaying the same skills as a defender yet again but also showcasing what he can do on offense against Division II California competition during his junior season. What was left on the field is bringing college coaches his way off of it.

In 2017, Taua put an end to 50 plays with a sack, two picks, and a fumble recovery as a safety. With opposing Palomar League teams well-aware of No. 3, the stat line was still filled but extra work was put in going for 34 tackles, 23 solo, one tackle for a loss, a pick, and five passes batted away. The feather in the cap on the year was how badly he dismantled defenses with his speed and big play talents. All the work went into 865 yards on the ground with nine scores off 89 totes along with nine receptions for 166 yards with another trip into the end zone. If that did not help secure his status as an athlete, perhaps his 66-yard punt return sways the opinion a little more.

With interest on the rise for the 5-11, 185-pound, playmaker, I sat down with Taua going over his play on the field in 2018, offseason grind, and growing recruiting process.

Interview

Desmond, the 2018 season was a fantastic one for you making a big impact in all three phases of the game. Looking back, how do you feel the season went for you?

“For me, coming off a shoulder injury at the beginning of the season, things picked up around midseason. I kept pushing myself and kept pushing myself as a leader. Overall it was a good season.”

Your field vision and yards after contact made you into an explosive player with big play potential. What were some of the other key parts to your game that took a big step forward during your junior season on offense?

“Another big part was following my blocks, and as you mentioned, using my vision. I improved catching the ball coming out of the backfield, that is hard for a lot of backs. That is another big thing I had going last year.”

On defense, you lowered the boom coming from your safety spot. If you will, tell me how your game come along on defense last season?

“My game improved a lot on reading the alley and my keys. I improved with my tackling, coming downhill, and making the hit.”

Given all that you do, what all might we see you doing on the gridiron in 2019?

“I will be playing all the same positions.”

Nice. Speed and agility are two other components to your game, I imagine you are working hard on that this spring. What are some of the other things you are working on with your overall game?

“I am working on my speed, getting stronger, fighting off tackles for extra yards, and my tackling as well.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason so far?
“Yes. I went to the Nike Regional in LA.”

How did the Nike camp go?

“It went pretty good. I got my reps in and made moves out there. I was competing against the best of the best.”

Do you have any upcoming camps you may attend?

“Yes. I will be at a San Diego State camp on the 28th. I might make a trip to Yale for a camp as well, but that is not a full go yet.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“I am receiving interest from Oregon State, San Diego State, University of San Diego  – they are recent interest, Cal, and Fresno State.”

Have you had a chance to take any visits this offseason?

“Yes. I have taken visits to Oregon State and Oregon. I took those visits last month.”

How did Oregon State go?

“It was amazing. I loved it. Every single second there I loved it.”

What about Oregon, how did that go?

“It was amazing as well. The brotherhood there was amazing. It was the same at Oregon State. All around an amazing visit.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up associated with camps or otherwise?

“I might go to Washington. I was going to Washington on the 28th but I am going to the San Diego State camp after receiving the invite. I will reschedule the Washington visit soon.”

Desmond, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Taua family; Desmond Taua at Oregon State