Interview: 2021 Neavda FB Jared Tufele Sets the Tone for Liberty Out of the Backfield

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Football fans of a certain age have a deep love and admiration for a true fullback. Linebackers have always been beloved, but a good fullback can nullify any top linebacker plowing open holes for his tailback. Throwback football fans of the game, I introduce to you Class of 2021 Liberty High School fullback Jared Tufele; someone you will quickly love and respect for the way he plays the game.

There is one quality all good fullbacks take to the field on every play, no other way to describe it other than they play offense like a linebacker looking to finish plays off like a nasty offensive lineman. Tufele has that needed mentality for the Patriots setting the tone of the game out of the backfield with his style of play. No linebacker or defensive end is too big or too fast for Tufele to handle in the run or passing game. He breaks down on his block like a true lineman but makes powerful contact taking the defender out of the play… and that is just his blocking. The 5-11, 225-pound, bruiser is also an all-purpose back with speed capable of picking up yards on handoffs or on passing downs off routes to the flats.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the hidden gems, for now, out of Henderson, Nevada, to learn more about his overall game and approach to being a fullback.

Interview

Jared, you are a true throwback kind of player who sets the tone of the game out of the backfield. How did you develop that needed nasty streak?

“When I put on my helmet, I zone in and become a different person. Off the field I am nice, but when I am on the field turn into a mean person.”

I believe it. Did you play linebacker coming up through the ranks?

“Yes. I did. I played linebacker last year on JV.”

I see that in your style of play. Did you get to play any linebacker this season?

“Not really, but next season I will.”

The Patriots coaching staff utilize you in so many ways, as a blocker, ball carrier, and a receiver out of the backfield. What do you love about your role on offense?

“I am just trying to help out my team. I make sure my running backs can score running off of me. That is my focus.”

Even though you bring the hammer with your blocking, you also have very good speed. What is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“At a camp I clocked a 4.87.”

My friend, you have gotten a lot faster.

(Laughs) “Thank you.”

I’ve asked a lot of different questions about your game, is there an aspect that even I am overlooking?

“Not really. I’m always trying to getting better and improve my overall game.”

The Patriots are on a roll winning three consecutive games, what is working well for you guys right now on both sides of the ball?

“Our defense is spectacular, they are really-really good. I can say about all of them, they are all D-I athletes. On offense, we are working on our receiving game, but our run game is good.”

On Friday, you guys face Coronado (4-5), what kind of game are you expecting from the Cougars in the regular season finale?

“We are expecting a blowout, hopefully. I expect them to challenge us. Every team we have played has been a challenge.”

Last couple of questions. In school, what are some of your favorite classes?

“Math, geo-science, and history honors.”

Tough question. As of this week, which teams do you see in the College Football Playoff?

“That is tough. I’m guessing Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Oregon make it.”

Jared, thanks for your time today and good luck against Coronado.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Liberty High School; Jared Tufele