Interview: Washington 2017 LB Taj Hoard Talks Western Colorado State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The last three years have been a blur of victories for Gonzaga Prep. The Bullpups rolled to an 11-2 mark in 2014 and then swept away 4A Washington competition to a 14-0 season in 2015. The Spokane area squad may not have had the year they hoped for in 2016 losing a heartbreaking 37-35 game to Chiawana in the opening round of the playoffs, but still ended the year 7-3 as one of the tougher teams in the state.
One of the pillars of the Bullpups winning ways over the past three years has been linebacker Taj Hoard. Complete 2016 season stats have not been released on Hoard, but the stat line has to be similar to his junior year of productivity when he had 115 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 15 quarterback hurries. If that wasn’t enough, the 6-0, 225 pound, playmaker had five fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
The Class of 2017 linebacker received interest from teams like Montana State, Colorado State, Sacramento State, Portland State, Weber State, and Eastern Washington. Western Colorado State was one of the first to offer with a connection being made that would prove fruitful for both player and WCS coaching staff. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Hoard found his collegiate fit committing to the Mountaineers.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Hoard finding out how the offer turned into a verbal commitment just ahead of National Signing Day.
Interview
Taj, first, congratulations on your commitment.
“Thank you.”
Which schools did you visit before your commitment?
“I took visits to Central Washington and Western Colorado State.”
Walk me through the visit to Western.
“My dad and I went down to Gunnison a day early. The coaches said there was a basketball game that night that we should go see. The next day the visit started at 3:00. They took us around and showed us everything.
“The head coach, Coach (Jas) Bains, held a meeting about the program and then everyone broke up into specialist meetings. We took a tour with the defensive coordinator, Coach (Todd) Auer, around the weight room, in-door facility, and the training room. After that we went to dinner with our parents and our host. We went to a nice pizza place. After that we left with our host and went to the union center to hang out. We played pool and video games. After that we went back to the hosts’ rooms and watched ESPN and played video games.
“The next morning my dad and I had a meeting with the coaches. They told me that they want me to come in and play right away. I am the No. 1 linebacker they are recruiting. That was a big factor that led to me to commit to Western. Who does not want to play right away? After that meeting, we had lunch and learned about the academic programs and that was the end of the visit.”
Early playing time helps a lot. What else helped you realize Western was the school for you?
“We have family friends that are moving into the area. That will help. When I went around with my host and talked with other players, it seemed like the place for me. They have a fun atmosphere. The coaches seemed like they really want me there and appreciated me when I was there.”
When did you actually commit?
“I committed Wednesday night. I called the coaches and told them. They were excited.”
Knowing that all of your hard work and all of the uncertainty with the recruiting process was about to come to an end, how did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“It was exhilarating. It was a good feeling knowing what I am doing for the next four years. A bunch of stress just left me.”
Are you recruiting other players to join you?
“Yeah, one of my friends for Tacoma, Max, is committed there. We have been texting guys to come join us.”
What did you guys do to celebrate your commitment?
“My parents took me out to dinner. We called my grandma to let her know.”
When do you report to Western?
“I’ll leave Spokane in mid to late July.”
What did the coaches tell you to work on this off-season to get ready for your freshman season?
“They said the best thing to do is come down in the summer, learn the playbook, and get into the lifting program as soon as possible.”
Do they have any weight goals or anything like that for you to hit?
“No. They love me the way I am now. They just want me to get stronger and work hard.”
Taj, congratulations again on your commitment and good luck at Western.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Hoard family; Taj Hoard at Western Colorado State.
Photo credit: Karen Floyd; No. 47 Taj Hoard in action.