Interview: Long Beach Poly 2018 CB Desmond Talley Refusing to Allow Receptions for 13 Games

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

California offenses looking for a little bit of charity and good will out on the football field better take their game somewhere else because Long Beach Poly cornerback Desmond Talley is having none of it. A run of 13 games has shown a brilliant stubbornness refusing to allow even the best of the best to haul in one pass in his domain.

The no-reception streak on Talley is alive and well, and for good reason. The 6-1, 171 pound, cover corner has made it his personal mission to shutdown offenses that includes games against Narbonne, Mission Viejo, IMG Academy, and Chaminade, just to name a few. Very talented players have tried but to no avail. During the 2016 season Talley’s lone interception was a pick-six breaking up six other hopeful passes. Defenses tried him in other ways leading to an estimated 41 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. All attempts only gave credit to Talley’s rising status as one of California’s best.

The Jackrabbits posted a 7-4 mark in 2016 with Talley earning three-star status along the way. Two big offers have been extended from Boise State and BYU with teams like UCLA, Cal, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and San Diego State showing interest. With the camp season now in full swing, Talley will have even more opportunities to shutdown top players from around the country while pulling attention from top colleges sea to shining sea his way.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Talley covering his junior season, off-season goals, and recruitment to date.

Interview

Desmond, you did not allow a reception during your junior season, who was the last receiver to catch a pass against you?

“Wow, let me think. It was a tight end in the Lakewood game from my sophomore year. That was the last one.”

Are you still mad about allowing that reception?

“Yes. And it was for a touchdown. That was the only touchdown I have given up in my life. That was a tough one.”

You got a nice interception return for a touchdown last season. What was that pick-six like for you?

“They ran the same play that whole drive. The quarterback was doing the same pre-snap read so I sat on it and jumped it.”

What was going through your mind when you scored the touchdown?

“To be honest, when I scored I thought we were going to win the game. I was excited. The whole team was fired up but in the end it did not go our way.”

How did your cover skills get better last season?

“From my sophomore to junior season, the two biggest things I worked on was speed and my hips. Those things are the two key components to being a cover guy. I feel like I can run with any receiver in the nation.”

Which receiver was the toughest you faced last season?

“Brian Hightower (IMG Academy). I covered him the whole game and I shut him down. He got a five yard curl in a cover three. That wasn’t on me. He was a good physical receiver and a great match up. I loved it.”

How did playing against Hightower make you better?

“Before I went up against him I had never gone up against a sound receiver that blocked like him. I think that game really helped me get more physical off the block.”

What are college coaches telling you that they like about your game?

“The biggest thing they like is my competitiveness. I’m always trying to get reps in camps. They can tell how much I love football. They like that I carry a certain swagger and an upbeat-ness on field. They like my height and that I can cover.”

What is one area of your game that does not get due credit?

“I think my football IQ. Reading routes, reading what the QB is going to do, and the mental game I have – I think that goes unnoticed. I am more physical than people think.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’ve been in the weight room trying to get stronger. I have been working on learning more about the game by watching a lot of film reading offenses and routes. I’m working more on my IQ and overall strength. Those are the two biggest things I’m working on. I’m also working on being more physical at the point of attack so they know I am a physically dominating cover. I want them to know they will feel me if they come my way.”

Where all will you play on the field during your senior year?

“Next year I plan to be all over the field at corner, safety, nickel, and I will probably play some receiver and return some kicks. I will try to showcase all of my talents.”

What is your off-season goal?

“One of my biggest goals is to get on the radar and get more offers. I have a lot to prove and I want to continue to prove myself. I want to leave my mark on the football world.”

You were just at the Under Armour All-American camp, how did that go for you?

“I think it went well. I got to guard some guys I have not guarded before. They had some out of state guys there. There were some great coaches there. I learned some new things. They showed me what I need to work on and I got to see what other people are doing as well. The camp helped me open my eyes. It was a good camp. I liked it.”

What other camps do you plan on attending?

“I’m going to Rivals Three Stripe and the Nike Regionals and some college camps.”

Which college camps are you planning on attending?

“I plan to attend a USC and UCLA camp. They are right around the corner from me. I’m also looking at some schools down south (SEC and Big 12). I’d love to go to any satellite camps that come to the area.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“UCLA – I’ve been talking to them, Nevada, Utah, and Texas AM a little bit. I’ve been talking to San Jose State too.”

Which schools have offered you already?

“Boise State and BYU.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“I have visited UCLA, USC, San Jose State, and San Diego State for one of their camps last year.”

Do you have any planned visits?

“I don’t have any set for sure. I plan to visit UCLA and USC. Matt Corral (5-star quarterback – Long Beach Poly) is going to USC (verbal commit). They are recruiting my best friend Camren (McDonald – 4-star WR). I want to visit there.”

Are you playing any other sports for Long Beach Poly?

“I’m currently running track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”

Which is your best event?

“Either the 100 or the 200. I’m a sprinter. When I was younger the 200 was my best. I had a good stride for the 200.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I am taking the SAT in March. I have prepared by taking SAT prep classes.”

Last question. What is the lasting legacy that you want to leave for yourself at Long Beach Poly?

“I want to be looked at as one of the greats. The tradition at Long Beach Poly – we put out a lot of top defensive backs and receivers. I want to be one of the top ones that people remember.”

Desmond, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 15 Desmond Talley.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 15 Desmond Talley.

Photo credit: Talley family; Desmond Talley at UCLA.