DT recruit Tommy Togiai is perfect fit for Washington Football team

The Washington Football team is recruiting needed defensive tackles for the 2018 class. DT Tommy Togiai is weighing which team to choose. Seems like a very good mutual fit.

This Washington Football team endured the ridicule as cupcake soft by the broadcasters of some national television sports networks, but don’t let that fool you. The Huskies are tough, steel tough.  The football team is one of the gutsiest, grittiest, reach-down-deep-to-overcome-any-obstacle tough.  That’s on the offense. And most of all, that’s on the defense.  Defense plays on the mind of Tommy Togiai frequently.

You see, he’s a top defensive tackle recruit who makes his home in Pocatello, Idaho. And like many young men with an acumen towards football, he has a tough decision to make. To which NCAA college or university should he entrust his football future? It’s not an easy choice, as he has been courted by virtually every major NCAA football program.   So where does he start?

Dream dream dream…

Togiai is a defensive stud. Even now, he commands double teams by each offense he faces. In a recent interview in the IdahoStateJournal.com by Michael Guise:

"“The NFL has been my main dream since I was a little kid,” Tommy said. “I want to be the best player I can be. I’ve put in the work, lifting weights and running. Back to where I was in little league and where I am now, I’d always dream, but never thought it would happen.”"

The NFL is an aspiration many possess. But few have the raw talents of the young 6-foot-3 290 pound defensive tackle.  He is strong. So very strong. Ox strong. But above that physicality is the ability to translate that power into raw burst.

Another report from Michael Lycklama of the IdahoStatesman.com reveals that the only gift 12 year-old Togiai wanted was a membership to Gold’s Gym.

Strength, power, the proper techniques, and the instinctive ability to stagger moves on the defensive line are all important ingredients to succeed on the defensive line.  Togiai possesses at least two already. Now he must choose where to learn the rest of the package.

Decisions decisions…

Ah, but I can help that decision making process.  You see, there are four areas which should be most important to any young man. Fit, Future, Academics and Coaching.  And when those categories are considered, I have to believe the Washington Football team stands atop the list.

It’s not simply a bingo card. There is no “one right” answer for any young man. But the entire experience at the University of Washington is one which can create a life-changing experience for a young man. Many schools can get some categories right. But the University of Washington gets it right across the board

Let’s break it down into each category.

Academics

Many NFL hopefuls simply ignore, or undervalue the academics component of their football days at college. But at the University of Washington, academics is never an afterthought. Head Coach Chris Petersen is very aware of the importance of opening the minds of today’s young men so that they are prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Whether they realize it or not, college football players who succeed will earn millions. That will open doors to them which remain closed to so many. What they do on the other side of those doors depends on their education. Washington Football players are armed for anything on the other side.

Coaching

The Washington Football team has assembled one of the best coaching groups in the nation.  I have no hesitation saying that.  This is a team which is currently undefeated. The same team whose 2014 recruiting class was ranked seventh in the Pac-12.  How could so many scouts get it so very very wrong?

They ignored the quality of the Washington Coaches.  Head coach Chris Peterson succeeds by surrounding himself with talented coaches.  Coach Pete Kwiatkowski runs one of the nation’s best defenses.

As far as defensive line coaches? Who can boast a better track record than Huskies defensive line coach Ikaika Malloe? Even the weight room is loaded with talented mentoring and coaching Tim Socha. He is recognized as one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the business.  So from a coaching standpoint, Washington is elite.

Fit

Fit is a tough one to guarantee. This category is best answered by Tommy Togiai alone. But if what I read is true, Tommy Togiai has a true undying passion to play in the NFL. While some schools will pander to their historic reputation, few if any can boast that their goals align so closely to that of each individual player.

The University of Washington Football program can to the right recruit.  Tommy Togiai appears to be one.

Look at the current trending of the program? This is a football team that continues to improve, continues to find ways to win.  And with the program close to Togiai’s home town, creating opportunities to share game day with loved ones will be more common.

Future

Ah, the future. It is the bane of each recruit. That nebulous swirl of foggy can-make-out-shapes-but-can’t-tell-what’s-out-there.  Let’s peer into the crystal ball. The Washington Football team boasts two of the nation’s top defensive tackles in Greg Gaines and Vita Vea. Unfortunately, their premier production will most certainly attract the attention of the NFL.  Bad for Washington, good for Gaines and Vea, and good for Togiai.

Those vacancies will create a void to fill. Freshmen are not often used in NCAA football, but the Washington Huskies will most certainly look to Togiai as a very important part should he elect to commit to the team.

And that is a huge advantage for Washington. Togiai will not be buried on the depth chart, but will earn almost immediate playing minutes.

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In the end, nobody knows exactly what the future holds. As such, I certainly wish Tommy Togiai the wisdom to make the right choice, and all the best possible.   Since I wish him the best, it goes without saying that I hope he selects the Washington Football program.

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