Interview: 3-Star 2020 Washington OL Jernias Tafia Updates Offseason and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If Jim Croce could rewrite his 1972 hit song “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim”, after seeing offensive lineman Jernias Tafia in action, he might replace Jim with Jernias. As Croce warned, you don’t pull of the Lone Ranger’s mask, you don’t tug on Superman’s cape, and if you are smart, you don’t line up opposite of Mr. Tafia.
Tafia puts every bit of his 6-4, 320-pound, frame into his blocking at the snap of the ball aiding in his Eastside Catholic squad gaining over 2,900 yards on the ground and 1,900-plus in the passing game. The Crusaders rolled through their 3A Washington schedule posting a 13-1 record overall capturing a state title in 2018. Tafia’s efforts earned him first team All-League honors and a scholarship offer from Arizona State. The offer from the Sun Devils may soon be accompanied by a slew of other offers Pac-12 offers as the spring evaluation period is coming along with national camps and combines.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of Washington’s top offensive linemen in the 2020 class for an overview on his workouts and recruiting process.
*Click link for Sept. 4, 2018, RNG video interview with Jernias Tafia
Interview
Jernias, your game film is loaded with knockdowns and pancakes. Like a film action star, do you have a one-line tagline you deliver to a defender when you’ve planted him? Something like, “breakfast has been served” on a pancake?
(Laughs) “No. I talk when I need to talk, but the rest of the time I keep my head down and just focus on me in a game.”
Did you track how many pancakes and/or knockdowns you had last season?
“No, sir. My goal was to get as many as I could every game.”
If you had to guess about how many do you think you had?
(Laughs) “I don’t know, but quite a bit.”
The Crusaders entered the season as one of the favorites in Washington to challenge for the title, what was the feeling like for you when you had topped O’Dea (31-13) for the championship?
“It was something special. That has been the goal since my freshman year. The last two years we had the championship ripped from us. It was nice to settle down in 2018 and take what was ours.”
Which game last season do you feel was your best?
“I really liked my game against Timberline (playoffs).”
Why does that game standout to you?
“Coach had me pulling a lot, I love pulling.”
How did your game improve as a run blocker during your junior season?
“It came with repetition and practice. I love pass blocking, but I appreciate run blocking. I did improve a lot. At the beginning of the year I started getting better and better at getting to the the second level. As the season went on, I got better at knowing when to come off blocks and get to the linebacker.”
What about as a pass blocker?
“I worked on my combos all season. Instead of shooting just one way every time, I was mixing it up. I mixed it up so the defender could not just swipe his hands knowing where I would be. He had to keep up with me moving around.”
Which areas of your blocking are important for you to work on this offseason?
“The big thing for me is keeping my technique in check. I am also working on my strength and cutting weight.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room yet this offseason?
“Not yet. We will soon.”
When the time comes, what are you aiming for with your maxes?
“With my bench, I want to press 225 pounds 25 times to 30 times. With my squat, we did a night of the champions, I squatted seven plates.”
Have you been to any national camps yet?
“Yes. I went to an Adidas camps.”
How did it go?
“It went well. I am heading back to another camp with FSP and I am going to the Nike Opening in Oakland.”
You have the offer from ASU, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving a lot of Pac-12 interest. USC, UDUB (Washington), Oregon, Oregon State, Cal, and UCLA are all showing interest.”
Are you planning on visiting any of these schools this offseason?
“I am going to ASU soon; I am going with Sam Adams. I will try get to Oregon and maybe Arizona. I plan on visiting Cal, USC, and UCLA if I can.”
Away from football and lifting weights, what do you do to relax and have fun?
“I am a gamer, Boss.”
Which games?
“Apex, Fortnight, 2K, Madden. If I am not playing games, I am with my nephew spending time with him.”
Is there a special skill or talent you have that most people would be surprised to find out?
“I consider myself a very talented gamer.”
Jernias, it was great catching up with you today, I appreciate your time. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jernias Tafia