Interview: 4-Star 2022 Louisiana DE J’mond Tapp Ready to Take Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When Ascension Catholic took the field on Fridays during the 2019 season, No. 7 looked like a one-man army colliding against Louisiana teams. J’mond Tapp was a force on both sides of the ball, especially on defense lining up at end and in the interior depending on the matchup and down and distance. Full season stats have not been released, but partial numbers have the Donaldsonville standout with 10 sacks, 12 QB hurries, and 10 passes batted down while securing eight touchdown passes on offense with one rushing score. The play on the field has brought 10 offers and four-star recruiting status to the 6-3, 243-pound, athlete.
With another big season ahead and college football programs across the country watching, Tapp lets us in on his spring and summer workouts sharing the scoop on his potential recruiting visits.
Interview
J’mond, when you get after it on Friday nights it looks like you are playing a different game than everyone else on defense. Your athletic talents are a big key to your success, but what else goes into all that makes you an impact defender?
“What motivates me is music and how the players talk, but really it is practice. At practice, how well I practice and prepare that motivates me. The trash talk during the game motivates me. I like to trash talk, and I like it when they trash talk. Last season I bull-rushed someone and pancaked him because he kept talking trash.”
That is one way to prove a point and to get someone to shut up. Your jump off the snap is too much for most and your nose for the ball has you in on everything going on, what are some of the other strengths to your game as a defensive end?
“Other strengths of mine are deflecting the ball, chasing down tackles, hand fighting, shedding blocks – I have good hands, and I got good coaches. My awareness and preparation are strengths too. If I see someone in motion, I can see them without looking in the backfield. Once I see the movement, I know where the ball is going. Now I got a head start on the ball. At nose guard, if the guard is pulling, I follow his hip and I am in the backfield getting the tackle for a loss.”
Because you are so quick and constantly in the backfield, that pressure has to get to not only offensive linemen but also to quarterbacks hurrying everything they do. How many false starts and holding penalties did you ring up on the opposition and how do quarterbacks you face start to wilt under your constant attack?
“Not too many false starts, but a couple. The QB is under pressure on every play. Every time I get back there, he is running. We run a 3-front, so the containment is not perfect. I am in the backfield but the other two defensive linemen are on the line; it is easier for the QB to get away.”
Aside from teams running away from you and taking on double-teams, what were some of the other challenges you faced last season and how did you overcome those difficulties?
“No injuries. I had an ankle sprain early last season, but I kept playing. It wasn’t like I couldn’t keep playing. After a couple of days, the ankle was not hurting. Stuff like that in a game can be challenging. Linemen are always holding me, that was regular. It doesn’t matter who we are playing, they are not going to call holding against the other team.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game as an end?
“My get-off, explosiveness, working on my vertical, speed, strength, and conditioning. If you get off faster than the offensive tackle kicks back, you win every play. MY get-off and hands help the most. And I am working on flipping my hips. I want to get my hands perfect and use them without thinking. I have one or two moves I can do without thinking. I want to make it better – for sure.”
This season, where all will we see you line up?
“I am going to nose on important plays this season but staying at defensive end. I am working both sides at end and some at linebacker. On offense, I will be at wide out. We run the Spread, but may go with a tight end some; I may be at tight end too but I know they want me at receiver.”
Are you excited about lining up outside at receiver?
“Yes. I was a receiver last year too.”
What have you been doing this spring and summer for a workout routine to add strength preparing for your junior year?
“Training with my trainer, Coach Mike. Our strength room is now open, we’ve been working out at school.”
Let’s close up with recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Texas, Notre Dame, Michigan, Kentucky, LSU – for sure, and there are a lot of schools following me on Twitter.”
How many schools have dropped scholarships?
“Ten.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“Tulane was the last to offer and Colorado before that.”
Tapp’s Reported Offers: Baylor, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Southern Miss, and Tulane
Since January, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“No, I was supposed to go to LSU for one of their Junior Days but that was cancelled.”
Understood. Once the campuses open back up, are there any planned trips you may take?
“I want to visit Texas, that was my dream school when I was little. Whatever schools come to me I will visit. I don’t have any others planned out, but I want to visit every school that has offered, Baylor for sure, Mississippi State, and Kansas.”
J’mond, it was great covering ground with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with your preparations this summer for the 2020 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter/Tapp family; No. 7 J’mond Tapp sack and at LSU with Joe Burrow