Interview: Marist Talavou is Another St. John Bosco OL on Path to be a Top National Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: RyanWrightRNG
St. John Bosco High School has a well-deserved reputation for sending top talent to the college ranks year after year under head coach Jason Negro. The Braves steamrolled through the 2016 season capturing an overall California state title sending eight more players to college on full-ride scholarships in the process. Two senior offensive linemen, five-star Wyatt Davis (Ohio State) and Ben Holmes (Idaho), were among the talented helping pave the way. At least seven Class of 2018 Braves are expected to ink letters of intent on Signing Day but one Class of 2019 lineman may be the anchor up front to help the Braves go back-to-back while continuing the trend of St. John Bosco producing another top national recruit – Marist Talavou.
Talavou worked his tail off leading up to his sophomore season finding a spot on the line at right tackle alongside Davis, Holmes, and Class of 2018 standout lineman Kevin Coblentz. The big man more than held his own during his first year of varsity football, taking big steps of improvement as the season rolled along facing squads like St. Xavier (Cincinnati) – eventual Ohio state champs ranked No. 15 in the nation by MaxPreps, facing Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) twice – ranked No. 3 in the country, Centennial (Corona, CA) – ranked No. 8 in the country, De La Salle (Concord, CA) – ranked No. 24 in the nation, and Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) – eventual Nevada state champs ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps.
The ample game tape on Talavou against top talent showing his athleticism, skillset, and tremendous potential has already caught the eye of Oregon, Colorado, UCLA, and Arizona State. The 6-3, 315 pound, line mover landed his first Division-I offer on May 6 when Boston College decided his talents would help their roster win games in the future.
The 2017 season for the Braves opens on the road against Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas, another national powerhouse that to no surprise also finished the 2016 season in MaxPrep’s Top 10 at No. 7 posting a 13-2 record. Bosco’s regular season games against Trinity League competition plus a nationally televised showdown against St. Thomas Aquinas is sure to bring in even more national interest for Talavou, if the college camp circuit does not boost him into another recruiting realm before then.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Talavou covering his sophomore season, off-season workouts, and his recruiting process thus far.
Interview
Marist, you spent your sophomore season swallowing up tackles and ends, what was the biggest challenge for you last year playing varsity ball for St. John Bosco?
“It was a challenge for a sophomore starting on a big team like St. John Bosco. I had to rise to the occasion and show Coach Negro what I got.”
How did the upperclassmen on the roster help you prepare for playing against Trinity League competition?
“We support one another. If one of us messes up we pick each other up, tell each other to shake it off, and keep moving forward.”
Which game or opposing player you went up against was the toughest challenge for you last season?
“Ohio State commit, Haskell Garret (Bishop Gorman defensive tackle), was the toughest.”
How was that tough match up for you?
“Every time I thought about what I was going to do against him, he knew what I was going to do. He was always one step ahead of me.”
How did your game improve because of the showdown against Garrett?
“It made me learn what to expect going up against the best. It was nice to go up against him. It was great to go up against the best.”
Your footwork on pass plays shows you’ve put a lot of time into your craft, how do you rate your pass set on a letter grade?
“I’d rate myself at a C. I am still trying to work on my footwork.”
How do you grade your run blocking?
“My run block, I’d say maybe a C-minus. I struggled during the season with my run blocks at times.”
What are you working on this off-season ahead of your junior season?
“This off-season I’m trying to perfect my craft and my footwork. I am focused on my run blocks.”
Will you stay at right tackle in 2017 or are you moving to another spot?
“I’m not sure. Whatever coach tells me to do I will do. I like right tackle but whatever coach tells me to do is what I will do. I like playing all around the line.”
Which colleges are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Arizona State, UCLA, Colorado, and Oregon.”
How did Boston College offer you?
“My coach, Coach Perry, called me and told me to call Coach White (running backs coach). I called Coach Wright and he asked me ‘how do you feel about being an Eagle.” I told him it would be great.’ That is when he offered me.”
What was that moment like for you picking up your first D-I offer?
“It felt great knowing that my mom will not have to worry about paying for my college. I’m, in a sense, getting a free education.”
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
“I’m not sure yet.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?
“I went to UCLA.”
Do you have any unofficial visits planned?
“No.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.0.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“History and sports medicine.”
The Braves open the 2017 season heading to Fort Lauderdale to face St. Thomas Aquinas, are you already pumped for that big cross-country showdown?
“Yes. It is exciting getting the chance to go up against the best school out there in Florida.”
Marist, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of you spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 68 Marist Talavou in action (2016).
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 68 Marist Talavou between snaps (2016).