ROADGRADER…Stewart Taufa | Desert Hills Thunder – St. George, UT

ESPN 97.7 is counting down to kickoff by featuring a player a day until August 11th!

We are featuring star players, underrated players, newcomers, linemen and special teamers.

Meaning this isn't just a "Top 25" list that's in order. We are just trying to feature as many different players as we can from all of the schools.

This series is presented by Fabulous Freddy's, a proud sponsor of local high school sports!

Today's player is...

STEWART TAUFA | Desert Hills, Jr. (OL/DL)

OVERVIEW

Stew Taufa has been a manchild in the trenches since his 9th grade year.

Here he is at the "All About U Camp" from this summer:

Taufa has incredible hands and feet when pass blocking and is a road grader in the run game. He's been the anchor of a very talented Thunder offensive line since for the last two years.

Coach Brett Bingham, offensive line coach at Desert Hills, on Taufa:

"Stewart is an incredible young man and a complete joy to coach. He's exactly what you want to have as a leader. He works hard, motivates those around him and is always looking for ways to improve himself and his teammates. He sets the tone for our entire team."

Taufa has played left tackle and center. I think his position at the next level might be center so that's where he got a lot of his reps last year and I'm anticipating the same this year.

Desert Hills has been blessed with star linemen for a long time, and Stewart Taufa continues that tradition for the Thunder.

Desert Hills opens their season on Friday August 11th at home against Brighton.

Stay tuned everyday for a new featured Region 9 player!