The talented quarterback of Maryland Terrapins, Taulia Tagovailoa, is expected to get selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL drafts. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, Maryland Fans are already reminiscing about their star.
In this piece, we will prepare Taulia Tagovailoa’s biography and his whole college football profile.
Dossier
Taulia Tagovailoa’s Early Life
Born in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, on February 26, 2000, Taulia hails from a close-knit Samoan family. His parents, Galu Tagovailoa and Tua Tagovailoa are both very supportive of their son’s athletic aspirations.
Taulia’s older brother, Tau, plays in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Taulia is hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make it through the 2024 NFL draft. Both brothers competed and motivated each other, and often attended each other’s games, mostly because they lived so close to each other. Taulia said:
“It was challenging for me, I want to make a name for myself, and I don’t always want to be in Tua’s shadow. But it came down to family. My parents won’t have to travel far to see my games, and Tua and I are also really close.”
High School Career
Taulia Tagovailoa’s career at Thompson High School was nothing short of phenomenal, marked by record-breaking achievements and championship glory. The Tagovailoa family relocated to Alabama in 2017 to be closer to Tua, and that’s where Taulia rewrote the Alabama high school records. Here’s a snapshot of his high school career achievements:
- The only quarterback in Alabama high school history with four 400-yard passing games.
- Threw for 3,684 yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior, and 3,820 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior.
- Led the Warriors to the Class 7A state championship in 2018.
- Named the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year in 2018.
- Earned first-team All-State honors from the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) in 2017.
Record-Breaking Stats
- Holds the Alabama high school record for most completions in a single game (49)
- Had the 10th-most passing yards in an Alabama high school game (507)
- Ranked amongst the top quarterbacks nationally for several passing stats.
Taulia Tagovailoa College Career
Taulia Tagovailoa’s college career has been a fascinating extension of his high school career blended with the ups and downs of gridiron. His record-breaking feats are a testament to his undeniable talent. Here’s a deeper dive into his journey so far:
Alabama Crimson Tide (2018)
- Briefly enrolled at Alabama as a freshman after his high school success.
- Served as a backup to his brother, Tua, on the national championship-winning team.
- Saw limited playing time but gained valuable experience in a high-pressure environment.
University of Maryland (2019-present)
- Transferred to Maryland in search of playing time and opportunity.
- Redshirted in 2019 as he learned the Terrapins’ offensive system.
- Burst onto the scene in 2020, starting all 11 games and leading Maryland to a respectable 3-3 record.
- Threw for 2,601 yards and 15 touchdowns while establishing himself as one of the Big Ten’s most promising quarterbacks.
2021 Breakout Season
- Tagovailoa’s true potential exploded in 2021, rewriting Maryland’s record books.
- Set single-season marks for passing yards (3,860), completions (328), completion percentage (69.2%), and passing touchdowns (26, tied).
- Led the Big Ten in passing yards per game and ranked top three in most passing categories.
- Earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and MVP of the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl.
2022 and Beyond
- 2022 saw a slight regression in yardage (3,008) but continued progress with 18 touchdowns and improved consistency.
- Led Maryland to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the New Mexico Bowl.
- Earned second-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive year.
- Declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and is projected as a mid-round pick.
Additional Achievements
- Holds the Big Ten Conference record for most career passing yards after the 2023 season.
- Owns numerous Maryland single-season and career passing records.
Taulia Tagovailoa NIL deal
According to On3, Taulia’s estimated NIL(Name, Image, Likeness) deal is estimated to be $573,000 thousand. He has partnered with many reputable brands like Wendy’s, Moderna, and Roots Natural Kitchen.
He also has over 112k followers on Instagram alone, which he leverages to monetize and post sponsored content to make some additional money as well as to keep his fans engaged.
Conclusion
After cementing his legacy in college football and etching his name in the record books of the University of Maryland. He is a highly touted prospect and as he enters the 2024 NFL draft to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
While not expected to be a top-five pick like his brother, Taulia is projected as a mid-round selection, likely in the 3rd or 4th round. We will surely be tuned in.
