6/28/2016 football Edit

Jayhawks land versatile pass rusher in Tago

Tago recently visited Lawrence and met with the coaches

Jon Kirby • JayhawkSlant

Publisher- Football Editor

When Jamie Tago left the University of Hawaii he was looking for a place that would give him the chance to play again. He found that at Garden City Community College.

Tago, a 6-foot-3, 250 versatile rush end, caught the attention of the Kansas coaches during spring football. He recently had the chance to take a visit to Kansas, see campus and meet with the coaches.

“I have been talking with coach Perry and coach Slater,” Tago said. “They offered me a scholarship and I committed to them. Coach Perry started messaging me and we have gone back and forth a lot communicating. He saw my film and they liked what I did in the spring.”

During the visit to Lawrence Tago spent time around Slater and head coach David Beaty.

“I really liked the campus and environment,” Tago said of Lawrence. “The pace fits my lifestyle and it will work well for me. I met with coach Slater and also coach Beaty when I was on the visit.”

Tago weighed 265 pounds when he left Hawaii and is currently 250 pounds. The Kansas coaches believe he can help at different spots along the defensive line.

“They see me as a rush end,” Tago said. “I can come down as a defensive end and also play rush linebacker. I can play with my hand in the dirt or as a stand up and linebacker.”

Coming out of Samoana High School he was rated the fourth best recruit in American Samoa. He played for the Samoa U-19 National team. In high school he played wide receiver and safety, where he also played volleyball.

He wanted a fresh start and another chance at college football. He is thankful to land at Garden City and then next at Kansas.

“Things didn’t work out in Hawaii and coach (Jeff) Sims has given me an opportunity,” he said. “Being part of the Garden City program during spring football helped me get noticed by colleges. I want to thank coach Jeff Sims for the opportunity and the second chance he has given me to rejuvenate my career. I will do the best I can and hopefully make a name for Garden City and the KU programs.”

Tago said he will do everything he can to help Garden City and then will be ready to take the next step at Kansas.

“I’m glad I have the opportunity to compete in the Big 12,” he said. “Now that I have committed I can just focus on academics, working out, and playing at Garden City.”