High school football: Big Colt lineman turns recruiters' eyes his way

Percy Taumoelau is what some might call a diamond in the rough.

At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, he looks every bit the part of a fierce left tackle. But because he didn't play varsity football until last year, Taumoelau had no college football offers as his junior season ended.

That all changed when he began working out this spring. That's when dozens of college coaches made their way to Cottonwood High School to see his teammate, John Martinez, one of the top-ranked linemen in the country. Fortunately for him, the Colts' linemen workout together and he often lifts weights with Martinez so when coaches watched Martinez, they caught a glimpse of Taumoelau.

"They came into look at John, but Percy's obviously going to catch people's eyes," said Cottonwood coach Cecil Thomas.

And some of the coaches saw enough potential that they offered him scholarships. Last Monday Arkansas called Thomas and asked them to officially extend an offer to Taumoelau.

"This was his first big-time offer," said Thomas."He's a late bloomer. He has huge, huge upside."

Taumoelau is beginning to catch up with his teammates in skill and accolades. He was awarded the MVP of offensive linemen at the Nike Camp at BYU this spring, and he's also got an offer from Weber State and SMU is showing interest.

"That (award) was huge for him," said Thomas. "It's just about getting confidence for that kid ... I am actually surprised more local schools haven't offered him. He's got everything."

Taumoelau said he was stunned to hear a program like Arkansas wanted him.

"I was kind of surprised, but it's very exciting," Taumoelau said. "I just thought I was OK. I was pretty happy to get the call. The SEC is a great conference. The coaches are cool."

He said he's already planning to visit the Razorbacks' campus after the season ends. As for where he might like to end up, he has no idea just yet.

"My uncles want me to go out of state," he said. "My mom thinks Arkansas is too far, but she just wants me to go somewhere that will benefit me."

He said he's taking a little ribbing from his coaches and teammates now that he's on the radar of college coaches, but he's just fine with the teasing if it comes with the chance to play collegiate football.

"It's not stressful yet," he said. "Just enjoying it. All I have to do is work hard. After the season I'll see what my options are."