Interview: Paraclete OL Taylor Tuiasosopo Carving own Path through Great Family Legacy

Written by Ryan Wright

If you consider yourself a college football fan but are unaware of the name Tuiasosopo you are one of two things, either not a true football fan or suffer from a horrible case of east coast bias.

West coast schools like USC, UCLA, Arizona, Utah, and Washington have had their share of the athletic Tuiasosopo bloodline, be it from one side of the family or the other, either suited up on the field or on the sidelines as a coach. Others within the Tuiasosopo bloodline that have built a proud legacy include Apisa and Matua.

Out of the shadows of the famous football family legacy stands another Tuiasosopo ready to drive block his way to college success, Taylor Tuiasosopo.

Taylor is the son of former USC Trojans lineman Titus Tuiasosopo (1988-1991). Like his father, Taylor is a 6’4”, 310 pound, offensive lineman that loves knocking defenders on their can.

The Paraclete High School standout helped pave a way for fellow Class of 2016 star, running back Melquise Stovall (USC commitment), to a 10-4 record in 2014. Stovall, an all-purpose back, racked up over 1,600 yards rushing and added another 415 yards receiving totaling 23 touchdowns from the line of scrimmage.

The Spirits jumped off to a rocky start in 2014 but ended up in the state championship game before losing a heartbreaker to Pomona 37-29. Fortunately for the Lancaster, California team, both Tuiasosopo and Stovall are back to help lead the team to another expected deep run into the California high school playoffs.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I sat down with Tuiasosopo to go over his 2014 season, got a look ahead to the 2015 season, and got an update on his recruiting heading into his senior year.

 

Taylor, Paraclete had a rough start to their 2014 season going 1-2 but nearly went 0-3 if not for a close 16-14 win over Dorsey. The team ends up 10-4 with a run to the finals, what did you learn from the ups-and-downs of the 2014 season?

“The main thing I learned is it takes a team to go far. Over the first couple of games we lost we had a lot of individuals. We weren’t prepared, a lot of people thought our first couple of games would be easy games. Once we started taking every opponent the same way we started going on that streak.”

You alluded to something a second ago. What caused that shift in focus for the team as whole to start taking the season more seriously and come together as a team?

“There were two-three teammates that quit the team. After that the coaches brought us all together. They basically told us those who want their names in the news that it’ll only last a few days. Those that of you who want to stay can be remembered forever for our whole season. We knew who was really there for us after that moment.”

How do the Spirits look heading into the 2015 season? Looks like you guys have some top talent returning.

“I’m very confident about our team this year. I’ve been on varsity since my freshman year. This team is the most bonded team we’ve had during that time and one of the most competent.”

Will quarterback David Schmucker be back this season?

“No. He had to transfer. He’s at Oak Park now.”

What about running back Melquise Stovall? Is he coming back in 2015?

“Yeah, he’s coming back.”

You helped open up holes for him to have a great season last year. Do you ever tease him about that?

“All the time.”

The running game looks to be a strength of the team, what are some of the other strengths of this unit?

“Definitely our secondary on defense. We have a lot of guys coming back. Our offensive line will be good. Our roster is not finalized. We still have JV and varsity together. Once we get that split we’ll have a great line. We’re looking like a power team upfront.”

What are your strengths on the field as an offensive lineman?

“My technique, my dad and my cousins went on to play at the next level and higher than that. They’ve instilled great technique in me. I’ve not always been the strongest or the fastest but I’ve been able to win battles because of my technique.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last year?

“No. Last year, I played on a line with all seniors. Our coach wanted to put up the seniors first. He asked me about it. He wanted to put me up for lineman of the year but I told him to give to one of the other kids.”

What are you working on in the offseason to prepare for your senior year?

“I’ve been working on a lot of footwork stuff and a lot of zone blocking and my strength as well. I’m getting my strength up getting ready for the next level.”

What are your strength measurables right now? What is your bench and squat max?

“My bench max is 315 and my squat is 365.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve ran?

“A week ago I ran a 5.5.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“I want to win the first game first. My goal is to win a championship but I want us to be a team throughout the whole process.”

Will you change positions or add a spot in 2015?

“As of right now I am still at right tackle but I’m the only returning starting lineman from last year so I’m not sure where they will put me. On defense I’ll be at D-tackle.”

Will you be a starter at D-tackle?

“The first game coach wants to see how it goes. Towards the middle of the season he’s leaning more towards me starting.”

Have you been running to get your conditioning up for ironman football?

“Yeah, I’ve been getting ready with my speed and conditioning.”

Have you had a chance to look at the 2015 schedule yet?

“Yes.”

Are there any games you are already excited to play?

“Yeah. The first game of the season is Serrano. We open up with them. I have never beaten them since I’ve been here so we have to change that. Then we have Dorsey at their home. We also get Westlake at their home. Then there’s Bishop Union. One of my friends (Hunter Kampmoyer) is a defensive end who goes to school there. He’s committed to Oregon so that will be a battle.”

Nice transition, which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“A lot of Mountain West schools like Fresno State, San Jose State, San Diego State and Pac-12 schools like UCLA, USC, and Cal. I have offers from Montana State and University of San Diego.”

When you’ve talked to the different coaches what do they say they like about your abilities?

“A lot of them like my hand placement and footwork. They like that even if I don’t get my punch off I’m still in position.”

When the time comes to commit to a school what will influence your final decision?

“Definitely my mom (Cheannie) and my dad (Titus). I don’t want to go somewhere that is too far from them but at the same time I want to go somewhere where she’ll know I’m safe. I don’t want her to stress out everyday.”

Did you go to any camps this summer?

“I went to the Nike camp. After that I went to the Football Foundation camp in San Diego and then I went to the San Diego State camp in Cerritos. I also went to the USC camp at their stadium and the PTP (Prime Time Polynesian) camp.”

How did the USC camp go for you?

“It went great. I was one of the outstanding offensive linemen. I was invited to their Rising Stars but I did not have the money for it.”

You mentioned USC has showed interest in you, how did they leave everything in the recruiting process with you after the camp? Are they wanting more tape on you?

“They had my tape before the camp. They just wanted to see me in person to solidify their evaluation of me. They said they are only taking two linemen and two have committed but you never know what will happen.”

Are you going to any other camps this summer?

“I’ve been invited to a few but I don’t think I’m going to any more.”

You have a rich family bloodline going to the next level of football. Have any of your family members influenced the way you play the game?

“Big time. Mainly my dad and my cousin who went to Arizona. They’re big run blockers on offense. That’s where a lot of my game comes from.”

Do you still work with your dad on technique?

“Yeah, a lot.”

How does that go? How do those sessions go?

“My dad does a lot of technique stuff. He wants you to be in game shape. You don’t get a lot of breaks. He’s very impatient with mistakes. He’ll let you make one mistake but if you make the same mistake again (laughs).”

Do you bring in your friends and teammates to work with him as well?

“Yeah, I bring a lot of my linemen. I make sure they work out with him.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part about playing football is the moment right before the play, right before the ball is hiked. In the third and fourth quarter when you’re looking across at the guy on the other side and you can tell that they’re tired. Once that ball is hiked you just own that person and you get to come back and do it again.”

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 73 Taylor Tuiasosopo
Photo credit: youtube.com; Taylor Tuiasosopo
Photo credit: 247sports.com; Taylor Tuiasosopo