Washington Football recruiting close but short on DT Tommy Togiai

The Washington Football team recruited DT Tommy Togiai hard, but it wasn’t enough. He has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes

The Washington Football team has a strong need for a defensive tackle. And for much of the season, the coaching staff spent a great deal of time recruiting for that position. In fact, for a period of time, that defensive tackle appeared to be Tommy Togiai.  He certainly fit the needs of the Washington Football team, and the Huskies appeared to be perfectly suited to showcase the unique talents of Togiai in college football.

But a funny thing happened on the way to his decision. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai chose the Ohio State Buckeyes.  I respect him for making a very challenging decision. As a young man emerging from high school, the wisdom and experience to make a lifelong commitment is still under development. He weighed his options, and chose another school.

High school coach favored Ohio State

And so, most young men rely upon loved ones, and those they trust, to sort through these matters. Togiai was no different.  Reports emerged that his high school coach promoted Ohio State. In the aftermath, it looks like his high school coach got what he wanted.

Win some and lose some. But the fit of Togiai with the Washington Huskies was very real and very obvious.  Unfortunately, the Washington Huskies have lost out on a highly prized defensive tackle in two consecutive years.  And with the likely attrition of standout DT Vita Vea to the NFL, that leaves the team at a defensive line deficit.

So the question becomes: what now?

Plan B.. or rather plan DT…

Go out and get someone with as much upside. And they did.

The fact is that the Washington Huskies may already have him. You see, offensive guard Sam Taimani is a four-star offensive guard who just signed with the Washington Football team.  Trouble is, he plays a pretty good defensive tackle. And while some have already concluded that he will play defensive tackle for Washington, not even the coaches know just yet.

At least, that is how Taimani shares the tale with Seattle Times Adam Jude in a recent interview:

"“(Offensive line) coach (Scott) Huff wants me at guard because of how I get off the ball and he really likes my aggressiveness, but they really want me on defense, too,” Taimani told 247sports. “Huff keeps fighting with (defensive line coach Ikaika) Malloe saying they need me on offense, so I’m just excited to go in there and compete for a spot no matter where that is.”"

And so, the Washington coaching staff must make some very important decisions.  Based on the needs of the team, I suspect Sam Taimani will  get an extended look at defensive tackle.

* Highlights
* Rivals Profile
* MaxPreps Profile
* 247Sports Profile

But Taimani is not the only player under consideration at defensive tackle. Or did you forget Josiah Bronsen?

Transfer Bronson eligible in 2018

The Washington Football team picks up another defensive tackle in 2018 transferring from Temple University by the name of Josiah Bronson. While Sam Taimani is 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, Bronson is 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds.  For comparative purposes, defensive tackle Vita Vea is 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds.  While Bronson played defensive end in Temple’s four man front, team sources confirmed that Bronson will play the interior defensive line for the Washington Huskies.

EDITOR’S UPDATE:

After publication, we have an update for Josiah Bronson. He’s now up to 290 POUNDS and has spent the time with learning defensive tackle techniques:

"“I have been working taking on double teams and getting the techniques that Coach Malloe teaches us as a D-line. I really took this year to learn the defense and the culture of the team.”- Josiah Bronson"

So Bronson is a tall target in the middle of the defensive line. So what? Well, that automatically creates problems for opposing quarterbacks trying to throw a pass over the outstretched arms of an incoming defensive lineman with a 7-feet reach or better.

Next: Wait’ll you get a load of Washington Football’s recruiting class of 2018

But the added bonus of Bronson is the fact that he is familiar with NCAA football.  In fact, he’s very versed in it. And after a season of preparation (akin to red-shirting), he is ready and eager to take the field.

* Highlights
* Rivals Profile
* Scout Profile
* 247Sports Profile

In the end, defensive tackle Tommy Togiai did not choose the Washington Football team. But history proves that players have declined the opportunity to become Huskies in the past. Its the players who truly want to play for Washington who excel, and often play far better than their national ranking says they should play.