Interview: 2020 JUCO OG Brown Tuiasosopo Covers Workouts and Recruiting Options
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Los Angeles Valley College was one of the most improved junior college football teams in the state of California during the 2018 season. The Monarchs pivoted from a 4-6 season in 2017 to 7-3 going 5-1 in conference action. The offense for the Monarchs was prolific throughout the season averaging 46 points per game, hitting a big stride at the end of the year posting 68 points per contest over the final three. One of the big reasons (pun intended) for the Monarchs success in the passing game and on the ground was the work of guard Brown Tuiasosopo. The 6-3, 305-pound, road-grader routinely moved the line on rushing downs and kept the pocket sealed on passing plays. His work has netted four offers coming from Delaware State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, St. Francis, and Northern Colorado with schools still showing interest.
With a commitment nearing for the Class of 2020 lineman, I sat down for a catch-up interview with Tuiasosopo covering his offseason workouts and recruiting options to date.
*Click link for Oct. 3, 2018, RNG video interview with Brown Tuiasosopo
Interview
Brown, looking back on the 2018 season, what are you most proud of with your play on the field?
“My technique. From how I started at the beginning of the season and how much I improved, it was my technique. I am most proud of my consistency at doing my job.”
With all the work put into your game, where did you see the biggest gains with your run and pass blocking?
“The biggest improvement would be in my pass blocking, specifically my footwork and technique. Run blocking has always been there for me. It is not hard for me to move people. With my pass blocking, I was better at not leaning with my pass protection and doing my job at a high level with pass blocking overall.”
What type of offense did the team execute in 2018?
“We ran a pro-style.”
Is there an area of your blocking you are most focused on this spring?
“Mainly my base blocking, I am trying to perfect that. I am working on being fast and as physical as possible. I am working on gaining speed with my foot work and with my pulling – I want to do it as fast as possible.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“I have on a couple of lifts, but not with all of them. Right before the season began, my bench press was 405 pounds doing that three times and I did a 600-pound squat twice. On Wednesday, I maxed on power clean getting 315 and my overhead press was 315.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
When do you graduate from LA Valley?
“I graduate this semester. I will have my AA and be eligible to transfer.”
How much eligibility will you have left?
“I will have two years left, I went D-II out of high school, but I might get a third year back.”
Which schools are showing interest as you near your graduation date?
“I am receiving interest from Ohio and Northern Arizona.”
Which schools have offered you?
“Delaware State, UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), St. Francis, and Northern Colorado.”
Have you taken any visits?
“Yes. I have taken two official visits. I took one to St. Francis and one to Delaware State.”
How did the Delaware State visit go?
“It went really well. I had a good time and a great experience. It went well.”
What about the St. Francis visit?
“It went very well. I saw their spring game. I like the coaches and team there. I loved both of the schools.”
Do you have any planned visits ahead?
“I have a couple of in-home visits set. I have one with UAPB and one with Northern Colorado.”
Do you have a commitment date set?
“No.”
Brown, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with the in-home visits and with your decision process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Brown Tuiasosopo at Delaware State and St. Francis