Development and Recruitment “God has blessed my kid,” the former RBV star says. “He has natural talents, but he works hard.” And Taua says one man in par cular has given Desmond a lot of guidance. “Pastor/Coach Paul Paopao, Tofi’s Dad, has been a big influence on Des as far as training him not only with the physical and mental aspects, but the spiritual aspects of life and in football. He’s a good trainer man! I encourage a lot of kids to go see him if they have me or their parents can take them because he doesn’t charge anything, and he’s always there for the kids.” Desmond says the workouts at Oceanside High School have helped him a lot. “Coach Paopao trains us hard not only in the weight room but with our condi oning. We also do The Patch Workout. Working out this this past summer with him has raised my confidence level, and I’m just out there ready to compete.” During the summer, Jason Tweeted out some videos of his son playing Rugby. “I got into Rugby because I didn’t want to be lazy,” said Desmond. “I always feel like there is something I can be doing to get be er.”
Mr. Taua says that Tofi Paopao has also been a big influence for his son at Vista, and that seven60 athletes trainer Fale Poumele has been a big help as well. “He’s been with coach Fale for about five years now training off and on, but mostly playing 7‐on‐7. At one point Des was playing 7‐on‐7, flag football, and in rugby tournaments almost every weekend.” And the young athlete says the training has paid off for him. “I started working on my footwork in 6th grade with Coach Fale Poumele from seven60, and we did a lot of ladders. It really helped me develop that aspect of my game.” The Taua’s also credit Vista High School’s strength and condi oning coach Charles Thompson for helping Desmond progress. “I really appreciate how much me these coaches and trainers have put in not just for my son, but other student athletes as well.” Speaking of Thompson Desmond said, “He gets us right.”
Talking with Taua about plans for his son’s recruitment process, he said the family wants to be pro‐ac ve but is willing to let the process develop. “We are wai ng to see what happens as far as recrui ng goes. Obviously we are hoping for those D1 offers, but it’s whatever God blesses with us. We just want to be pa ent.” Taua told me that a couple colleges have started to show interest. “So far we have seen Oregon St. stop by, San Jose St. has come by, and University of Hawaii has also reached out because my cousin Legi Suiaunoa is the defensive coordinator over there at UH. And Washington is showing a li le bit of interest because Jordan Paopao (El Camino High School) is the Tight‐Ends coach over there. Overall though, we are just going to be pa ent, wait, and let Des do his thing on the field and in the classroom.”
Desmond, who holds a 3.8 GPA, has his own goals for recruitment as well. “I’d like to play for a USC, Washington, UCLA. Any of those Pac‐12 colleges out there,” the young phenom told me. And the sophomore has been working with and communica ng with several high‐profile athletes to study the best ways to improve his chances of receiving a scholarship. “I played with Jack Tu le, Chris Olave, Moses Mooney, and Kyle Philips during the offseason. I look up to those guys. Chris helped me out overall with my game, and Kyle helps me out with the skill work I do. Moses is a baller…I’m just glad I got to play with all them.” Coach Taua said he’s grateful his son was able to work with those upperclassmen. “Des was picking up some things from them, and they were taking him under their wing. A er the San Marcos game earlier this season, Kyle Philips told Des he would help him out if he needed anything. KP told Des he could come train with him and do some work.”