Interview: Rising 2021 Canadian LB Nelson Tawah Taking Skills from New Hampshire to Florida
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A rising claimant as a poster child for determination has to be Class of 2021 linebacker/short-yardage back Nelson Tawah. The 6-2, 225-pound, defender has taken his skills from Canada to New Hampshire, suiting up in 2019 at St. Paul’s High School, and is now going to the deep south to showcase the skills against Florida competition. When the lights turn on for the 2020 season, Tawah will be thumping running backs and stalking quarterbacks for Cocoa High School. As he takes the field showing his has the collegiate material, he will be adding interest already acquired from Nevada, University of New Hampshire, Colby, and UConn.
In an RNG first-look interview, I sat down with Tawah to learn more about the development of his game as a junior with insight on his move to Florida.
Interview
Nelson, you played your junior season with the Big Red going against New Hampshire competition. How did the 2019 run go for you overall?
“Overall, last season was my first playing games in the states. I was learning how the game works differently. Now I understand the game and the game speed – the game speed is different, and improved my speed and knowledge of the game overall.”
What was that transition like for you from playing Canadian style ball to U.S. competition?
“The competition level is was a little higher, but I got up to pace quickly. My body and speed were ready for the challenge. The competition was harder than what I was used to. I am happy I got to experience that before going to the next level.”
The majority of your snaps last season was at linebacker. What defensive scheme were you guys executing and what roles were you taking on in the front?
“Our defense was different than most, we had a Mike and Sam; I was Sam. The Mike was always going to the strong-side of the ball before the play starts. Sam was cleaning up the backside. All my tackles were pursuit tackles, I had to hustle to get my tackles.”
How did your overall game improve a year ago?
“I feel like I am faster and stronger, and I love contact and hitting people. My cardio improved with the game being faster. I am excited about getting down to Florida, I know they will take my game to the next level and get me to where I need to get.”
Which school did you transfer to in Florida?
“Cocoa High School, I will be part of the Tigers in 2020.”
Very cool. When will the transfer be completed and you move down to Florida?
“I expect to be in Florida in two or three weeks so I can get my work in, get up to speed, and start bonding with the team. I want to get there early and get ready for the season.”
Do you know yet how you will be utilized within their defensive scheme?
“Cocoa has one of the top defenses in their league, they have a really good defense. I think at middle linebacker; I think I can make a big impact at that position for them. On third down, they can blitz me, I am all for it. At running back, I am a good power running back who is hard to bring down. Third and two, I will be that guy. “Give me the ball coach, I will get those yards for you.””
To take you skills to that next level against tougher competition, what have you been working on to have the best senior season possible?
“This offseason I have been working on speed and cardio. My brother plays linebacker at the University of Connecticut; he’s been helping me get ready. I’ve been working on quick feet, covering receivers, and getting my speed up. I have also been losing weight and gaining muscle. Now I am moving easier from sideline to sideline.”
What has been your daily workout routine this spring?
“It has been all about health for me. I’m eating vegetables staying away from high calorie foods and fast food. I wake up, eat, then go for a quick run. I am fortunate to have dumb bells at my house. I get a lift in, rest, and then around 4:00 I am on the field again doing sprints. I do 10 110-meter sprints and then two sets of 30-meter sprints.”
What goals to you want to accomplish this summer before the 2020 season begins?
“My goals are to get to Florida to start bonding with the team so we can get that ring. We have to develop that work ethic as a team. I also want to get comfortable with the heat, learning our defensive schemes, and learning new ways and tactics that will help my game.”
Nelson, wishing you the best of luck with your move and this new challenge. Thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Tawah family; Nelson Tawah