As a middle schooler commuting from Ewa Beach to Saint Louis for school and Sunday clinic sessions with QBs coach Vinnie Passas, Tua Tagovailoa understood the work ethic required to improve. A talented, humble star-in-the-making named Marcus Mariota took him under his wing. Tagovailoa kept getting better, and by the time he emerged as a starter last fall, he was a key component in one of the state’s top offenses.
Tua is still just a sophomore, but as of mid-April of 2015, he has packed on 25 pounds since last season. He has begun to make unofficial visits to mainland universities, and he has 12 scholarship offers in hand — a rarity for a skill-position player from the islands. Mariota helped open the door, but Tagovailoa is stampeding through.
PART 1: Ewa Beach Roots
PART 2: Russell Wilson
PART 3: Crusader Comeback
PART 4: The List is 12
PART 5; Staying Grounded
PART 6: By Land and Air
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