Interview: 2017 California LB Leo Tamba Talks Signing with Idaho Yotes
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
National Signing Day for college football teams is all about acquiring the best talent possible to help put victories up in the win-loss column. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, College of Idaho officially reached into southern California pulling out a do-everything kind of athlete in Leo Tamba boosting the overall talent headed to Caldwell in 2017.
Tamba has been a key player on back-to-back Mission Viejo High School squads that were as good as any other in the state of California. In 2015 the Diablos swept through the season with a perfect 16-0 record capturing a CIF title and in 2016 the team went 11-1 dropping a frustrating 34-25 loss to a very talented Rancho Cucamonga team.
The Diablos had the opportunity to use their 6-1, 205 pound, athlete all over the field. Tamba primarily lined up as a rush end on defense but could also carry the rock out of the backfield if needed. During Tamba’s senior season he came up with 28 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble. The stats are only a minor representation of what Tamba can do on the field. The Diablos tore through the competition in 2016 putting the starters on the sidelines for the second half of most of their games. The Yotes were one of the programs to offer Tamba early seeing all of the potential he could bring to their team against Frontier competition for years to come.
Tamba officially visited Idaho on Jan. 20 and then verbally commitment to the Yotes on Jan. 29. The deal was wrapped up when the Yotes staff received his signed national letter of intent putting forward a path of high hopes and big expectations.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Tamba finding out about the behind the scenes details that drew him from California to College of Idaho.
Interview
Leo, first, congratulations on your commitment and signing with Idaho.
“Thank you.”
I’d like to do a lead up to National Signing Day. When did you visit Idaho?
“I visited on Jan. 20.”
What all did you do during your official visit?
“On that visit, once I got there I had lunch with other recruits. We all hung out for a little bit. The coaches took us around the campus. They split us up on offense and defense and we went with the coaches for that tour. We went through an orientation. Then they talked about academics and talked about being a student-athlete at Idaho. They also talked about how small the school is and the demand on academics during your freshman year. The coaches talked about the history of program and how the football program was started back up. They are building the program there. Afterwards we wore our jerseys and then we hung out with our host and we had dinner.”
What influenced you to commit to College of Idaho?
“I saw as time was going, it was a good school. I like the academics there and the student-teacher ratio is great. I liked the family type atmosphere that they have. They are a program on the rise. That enticed me to go there. They have some great guys going there. It is great to be a part of that class. I committed because it all looked nice to me.”
When did you actually commit to the staff?
“I committed on Sunday. Jan. 29.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I called the head coach, Coach (Mike) Moroski, and Coach (Chris) Jewell (defensive coordinator). I let them know that I was committing.”
What was the reaction of Coach Moroski when you committed?
“He was happy. He was happy that I wanted to be a part of his program. I told all the other coaches I was in contact with as well. After I thanked him. I texted all the other coaches letting them know that I was committed. They were all happy.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed? Were you nervous or excited?
“I wasn’t nervous. This is a decision that sets the path for the rest of my life. I had my head wrapped around it. I made a decision. It was a calm process.”
How will Idaho use you in their scheme?
“They have me at defensive end. They are open to and discussed with me about changing positions. They said that I am a dynamic player. They like my physicality. They have me as a stand-up defensive end and at outside linebacker. I could possibly play safety depending on the scheme. They also talked about using me on special teams and the running back position was mentioned. However I can help the team that is what I will do. They understand I can play multiple roles.”
Did the coaches give you anything to work this off-season?
“They said to keep doing what I am doing. They appreciate the strength and conditioning program at Mission Viejo. They said to keep fit and get bigger. I was 205 during the season, I’m looking at reporting at 210. I’ll work on getting stronger, faster, and more flexible to become a better athlete.”
When do you report?
“I report the fourth of July.”
Did you do anything to celebrate your commitment?
“We did not do too much. It was a Sunday night. I told my parents. Everyone was happy for me.”
Leo, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on signing with Idaho.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Tamba family; Leo Tamba (left), QB Matthew McDonald (center), and LB Colin Schooler (right).
Photo credits: Tamba family; Leo Tamba at College of Idaho.