Interview: 2020 CB/ATH Makoa Tuisalo’o is a Difference Maker Against California Competition

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

High school football players grinding it out in states with smaller populations than in the big U.S. cities, do not feel like you are the only one out there being overlooked. Even in an area with 10 million people like Los Angeles County, next level talents are being bypassed. One such recruit being sorely missed out on by next level scouts is Class of 2020 Carson High School defensive back/receiver Makoa Tuisalo’o.

Tuisalo’o started coming into his own during the 2018 season squaring off against Division I competition in the Marine League. The 6-0, 180-pound, defender put an end to 25 plays, 14 solo, adding a sack, a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, and picked off two. He made use of his great athleticism snagging 15 passes for 203 yards with two scores and carried the rock once for 16 yards. His speed, field vision, and ability to change the game shinned bring on special teams taking four punts back the other way for 188 yards.

Stronger, faster, and wiser, Tuisalo’o is back working his magic for the Colts playing corner and safety coming up with 28 tackles with two pick-sixes, although one was called back on a penalty, four overall, and five passes swatted away. Over on offense, he has eight receptions for 64 yards in an offense still trying to find some traction.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of LA’s finest overall athletes in the 2020 class to learn more about his play on the field.

Interview

Makoa, watching game tape on you, you are having an amazing senior season in the Colts’ secondary. How many picks do you have?

“I have four picks.”

How many pick-sixes?

“I have two, but one was called back for a block in the back.”

The speed you display has a term football speed. You get to the spot you need to be at to make a play. Over the offseason, did you run a 40-yard dash?

“Yes, sir. My 40 is a 4.5. I ran that at school. In the spring I worked with the track team to improve my speed.”

Last season you took four punts back for 188 yards, are you returning punts again this season?

“Yes, sir.”

How is that part of your game going this season?

“Pretty good. I’m not getting the same openings as last year but it is fine.”

You are playing corner and some at safety, how does the rotation between the positions work for you?

“It all depends on the bodies we have. We are low on defense. Our DBs are the starting receivers as well. I’m primarily at corner but playing wherever the coaches need me to play.”

Which coverages are the Colts’ coaching staff having you guys run?

“We run Cover 4, 2, some 1, but rarely run Cover 0 or 3.”

In which ways are you seeing your skills on defense grow this season?

“In our first week I had a pick-six. I am working more on zone this season. My play recognition has improved a lot this year. Last season I was mostly playing off instinct. I am always working on play recognition.”

What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game on defense?

“I feel like I cover more ground than other DBs. My backpedal is fast, I have good hips, and I can see the quarterback and cover the receiver at the same time. I am good at reading plays.”

On the other side of the ball, how is your offense coming around this season?

“My coaches are trying to get me the ball as much as possible. We just lost our quarterback; it has been tough. But I only have one drop this season.”

If college coaches were to watch game tape on you, which would you tell them to watch from this season?

“I would tell them to watch Millikan, Edison, Paramount, and some of the Cathedral game as well. My coach has me match up against their best receivers in each game.”

Makoa, it has been great going over your game and season so far today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with the rest of your senior season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Dave Peters Photography: No. 1 Makoa Tuisalo’o in action

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