Interview: Texas 2019 Dual-Threat QB Taj Gregory Updates LSU Unofficial Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The ever evolving landscape of college football is going through a major change in the pocket putting a bigger emphasis on the athleticism of quarterbacks. The modern day collegiate quarterback not only has to be able to sling it downfield but also has to be able to move the chains with his feet. The dual-threat nature of the position in a spread offense has created a mismatch college defenses have yet to answer. One of the rising national talents creating mismatches at the high school level which is sure to translate to the college game is Taj Gregory.

Gregory earned first team All-District Texas 4A honors as a sophomore after passing for nearly 3,000 yards. The productivity on the field is there but the bigger picture with Gregory is all of the upside. The 6-5.5, 185 pound, rising star showed flashes of dynamic playmaking ability that will only get better and more explosive with time and experience. Several Division-I programs are already on the Houston area product including Arizona, TCU, Houston, and LSU.

Over the weekend Gregory visited the Bayou Bengals on an unofficial visit getting to see first-hand the facilities for one of the top college football programs in the nation. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Gregory getting his take on the experience.

Interview

Taj, who all went with you to Baton Rouge?

“My brother, Kaymen St. Junious, and my teammate, Augustin Avouwadan. He plays corner for Yates.”

When did you get to Baton Rouge?

“We got there the night before on Friday. We stopped at Southern University on the way there.”

How did the visit to Southern go?

“It was cool. It was on the way so we stopped and saw the weight room and the field.”

What all did you do at LSU?

“We got there and checked in after standing in line for a little bit. Then we went into the locker room. We talked to a lot of people and coaches then. After that we tried on a jersey and then they got our height, weight, wingspan, and stuff like that. They had a bunch of stations set up to talk about academics.

“Then we went to their spring practice. Before the game we received a talk from the coaches. After the practice we ate some great food. Then they took us into their football meeting room. They talked to us about the program. Coach O (Ed Orgeron – head coach) talked about what he expects from his athletes. Then they broke us up by position. Their offensive coordinator, Coach (Matt) Canada, was a cool dude. He went over their system and the reads they make. He talked about the different schools he has been at and the QBs he has worked with. After that we all came back together and then they closed everything out.”

Did you get to speak with Coach Canada at all?

“Yes. Coach Canada asked me some questions and I asked him about some things. Coach O came up to me asking me some personal questions about school. He told me that they will continue to look at me. He asked me how many offers I have. When I told him ‘none’, he looked disappointed. He said keep working they are coming and we are going to keep watching you.”

Did the coaches talk about anything specific with you about your game or what they are looking for from you on the field?

“No. Nothing specific about my game. There were about 12 QBs in there. When I talked to Coach O he caught up with me to talk to me.”

What are your thoughts on Coach Canada’s offense?

“I actually really liked how he approached it. They have four different quarterbacks on the roster. Any quarterback can play at LSU because of his offense. His play calling will cater to the type of QB you are. Not every school is like that. Any type of quarterback can play for LSU.”

With that in mind, do you see yourself fitting into their system?

“I do. I see myself fitting in. I liked LSU, it was cool.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“I liked it. They stressed that 88 percent of their players graduate with a degree. I like that.”

What did you think of their practice?

“They had a tempo change. They took it slow, taking a long time to snap the ball and then went fast going into a no-huddle. They can do it all.”

Visiting a campus and meeting the coaches offers a great learning experience. What did you learn during your visit with LSU about the academics or program?

“What changed for me, I know a lot of people that play college football. The coaches come to the school telling them they will start as a quarterback. They get there and they are not even playing quarterback. They are telling them what they want to hear. Coach Canada told me he’s not going to lie to me. He told me if you come here you are at the bottom of the list on Day 1. If by Day 2 if you are No. 1 so be it. I like how he was straight forward.”

Do you plan to visit the school again, if so when?

“I will be there for the LSU vs. A&M game.”

Do you have any new recruiting interest?

“Toledo’s coach has reached out to me wanting me to visit. They are interested in me. We were trying to work it out with school. Tulsa – I will be there on Saturday (March 25).”

Last we spoke track was about to start and you were going to compete in the 4×1, 4×2, 400, 800, and long jump. How is track going so far?

“It is going well. Track is not my sport, but I have heart. Nothing excites me about track. I like to jump. It is going well.”

Are you doing all of the events?

“I will. Our first track meet was rained out. The meet was cancelled before my events.”

Have you set any camps yet?

“There are so many camps. I’m not sure where all I am going. All the schools showing interest – I will try to attend their camps. I want to make it Toledo and LSU this summer. Cornell, Morgan State, and Montana State have invited me to their Junior Days. I don’t know if I will be able to make it to their Junior Days or not.”

Taj, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your track season and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Gregory family; No. 8 Taj Gregory at LSU.

Photo credit: Gregory family; Augustin Avouwada (left), Taj Gregory (center), and Kaymen St. Junious (right).