Interview: 2020 St. Francis LB/WR Tanner Tomko is Proving to be a Rising Talent on Both Sides of the Ball

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

No matter the team, and no matter the classification or state, no high school football team makes the playoffs without a guy like Class of 2020 talent Tanner Tomko on the roster. Tomko stepped up big, and in a multitude of ways, for St. Francis High School during the 2018 season. The 6-2, 190-pound, athlete discovered he has tremendous aptitude and athletic abilities on both sides of the ball this season, and he appears to be just scratching the surface of those talents.

The Golden Knights ran their record to 6-5 going against California Division-II competition in 2018. The schedule included some of the best in the state colliding with Westlake, Paraclete, Cathedral, and Calabasas in the opening round of the playoffs. Through all 11 games, Tomko produced one big play after another pulling in 40 passes for 791 yards with seven touchdowns playing receiver and tight end. On the other side of the ball, the linebacker put an end to 72 plays with 42 solo stops, nine tackles for a loss, four sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and broke up two passes.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising La Canada area talent covering his junior campaign and offseason goals.

Interview

Tanner, you did a little bit of everything for St. Francis during the 2018 season playing on both sides of the ball. Going into the season, did you know you would play that big of a role on the team?

“I knew we had lost a lot of key players, and I knew we had some big shoes to fill. I wasn’t sure with the role or roles I may play, but I was ready to help the team out in the best way possible. I ended up starting on both sides of the ball. I helped my team the best that I could.”

You did it well. How were you utilized within the offense during your junior season?

“I was utilized at tight end and receiver. At the beginning of the season, I worked on my blocking a lot. I had to get that down. At receiving, I made some big plays. I just tried to do my best to get first downs and score when I could.”

How did your game improve as a receiver?

“My blocking got a lot better. At the beginning, I was alright. By the end of the season, I was 100 percent better. My coach, Coach Carrol, helped me with my routes. That helped me a lot.”

What about on defense, how did your game get better during the 2018 season at linebacker?

“I was able to read the run better and read my keys better. I am still working on transitioning to pass defense better. Coach Tarver, he has helped me with that. He taught me how to read everything and how to get to the ball quicker.”

Between playing offense and defense, which side of the ball do you like better?

“That is a tough decision. I like contact and hitting people. I like defense. I like hitting the quarterback and picking the ball off. I like scoring and running kids over when I can. That is a tough decision.”

I can tell. Of the 11 games played in 2018, which game was your best?

“That is a tough one as well. I’d say the Damien (La Verne) game. I had two touchdowns and a sack or two. I had some big tackles on defense as well.”

What was a challenge for you on either side of the ball, or on both sides, that you will work on this offseason?

“I will work on making sure I have every play down on offense, work on getting into pass coverage quicker, and work on picking up the right receiver when they switch. Anything to make my game better.”

I can hear you getting yelled at by a coach right now (he laughs). What are your offseason goals?

“My offseason goals are to get stronger, bigger, and faster – those are the main things. I’ve been going to the gym every day since the season ended to put on some weight. I will work on my route running a lot this offseason.”

Are you going to play any winter or spring varsity sports for St. Francis?

“Yes. I have played baseball the past two years. I will again this year.”

Which positions?

“Outfielder and pitcher.”

Are you a starting pitcher or coming out of the bullpen?

“I am a closer.”

Coming in with the wild heat. I like it. Tanner, it was great learning more about your skills on the field today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

*Click link for field level clips of St. Francis vs. Calabasas 2018 playoff game

Photo credits: St. Francis HS; No. 12 Tanner Tomko