Diamond In The Rough: Tahj Favorite

Tahj Favorite is a 6’0″ 165 pound quarterback out of White Castle High School in White Castle, Louisiana. He is an excellent, multipurpose athlete who has solid arm strength and is aggressive in the run support. Favorite is a firm, duel threat quarterback and safety who can be dangerous outside of the pocket. Whether it be on defense or offense, Favorite will be able to make a play and give his all. He is apart of three other sports at White Castle High School as well. Favorite is also active in his community in White Castle, Louisiana as he’s apart of the Mayor’s Youth Council.

CHECK OUT TAHJ IN THE 2021 QUARTERBACKS

At what age did you begin playing football and who made you want to play?

I started playing football around five years old. A good number of people in my family are athletes, so they really pushed me to do whatever I wanted to do. My dad and both of my uncles on his side of the family played football. I wanted to follow my dad’s footsteps. I loved the mental and physical aspects of the game, so I loved this sport ever since. After my first year of play varsity football, I fell in love with the game even more. I’ve always been the most active kid in my family, especially on my mom’s side of the family. After a while, I became involved in more sports.

Who has motivated you the most when it comes to wanting to play football?

The person I look up to the most. He is my teammate, my friend, and big brother, Chico. He’s family to me. I didn’t really talk to him at first or really know who he was at the time. As our relationship grew over football. He has helped me with so many things that I couldn’t do by myself. He’s the guy I always talked to about the position and I followed his steps for the team. He made our team the way it is now. He led us to bigger things. I love is energy and his physicality. He always tells me be better than him and to learn from his mistakes. I won’t ever forget that. I also changed my number to 6, because its right after his number which was 5. I love you Chico, forever brother.

Are you apart of any other sports at White Castle?

I play baseball, basketball, and I run track! I play all outfield positions and I pitch. For basketball, I am a forward. In track, I participate in the long jump, javelin, and the 4×2.

How do you prepare for an upcoming game?

The day before, I eat a certain meal. I also workout and do pushups and sit ups. After all of that, I listen to this certain playlist before every game. When I listen to that playlist, my mind focuses before every game. I also eat my favorite candy before a game. My parents and family members also send me paragraphs before every game. I also read my favorite quote by my favorite player.

What would you say is the best thing about being a quarterback and a safety?

I love playing both positions. When it comes to playing quarterback, it actually teaches me how to play safety. Playing defense teaches me how to play quarterback, and playing quarterback teaches me how to play defense. When I play quarterback, I have to read the defense in order to get the ball off. You have to read the defense so that the play can happen and it can work. Same thing for when I play defense, I have to read the quarterback. So it all helps me on both sides of the ball, which is the best.

Do you any certain goals you want to reach in your senior season?

In my senior season, I want to get as many offers as I can. I want to have a high gpa and act score. I also want to make sure my teammates get to where they need to be as well. I also want to reach some goals like getting the highest passing and rushing yards.

How do you handle wins and losses?

For wins, I just add them and get back to work the next day. I just take losses as motivation at practice. Losing just makes me want to be better.

What would you say has been the highlight of your football career?

The highlight of my football career was last year. I was the star quarterback but I tore my mcl during summer training. After that, I worked and switched my whole position to safety. Playing safety was never on my mind or an option I considered. I wasn’t a fan of playing defense. After playing it, I actually really liked it and enjoyed the new position. That was definitely a highlight for me. It changed my whole mindset and even made the sport way more fun for me.

What have you been working on over the summer to improve your skills?

I’ve been working out since January really. I’ve been running, throwing a lot, and I have even gained some weight!

How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you as a person and as a player?

Coaches would say I am fun. They also know I like to take the blame when something bad happens. I never blame anyone else. I take it all on myself, but I always get picked back up. My teammates would describe me as funny as I love to clown around! They would also say I am still hardworking and I always aim to get the job done. Whenever someone is down, I always pick them up.

What’s your favorite thing about playing football in Louisiana?

The best thing about playing football in this state is the culture! We have a lot competitive and talented athletes down here. We never back down from competition. The competition is just the best.

What would a college program be getting out of you as both an athlete and a student?

A college program would be getting a student and athlete that will always do his work. I am a good student. When it comes to football, I will do whatever is needed of me.

What would you tell younger players who want to play high school football one day?

I would tell them to make sure that this is something they want to do. You need to hard work and keep your grades up. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something.

Are there any college or NFL athletes that you look up to or try to model your play style after?

Lamar Jackson is someone people always compare me to. I can also throw the ball deep just like he does.

What things has football taught you about life?

Football has taught me hard work, teamwork, and discipline. It definitely pushes me. This sport is motivational and can be a way for you to make it out and be successful. It also keeps you out of trouble.

What would you say are some of your strengths?

I can throw the ball deep and hard. I can run on offense and make a tackle on defense. I have good hands. I also know how to throw quarterbacks off when I am playing on the defense side.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself in the league or owning my own business. I really want to go to school to study business management. If I am not in the league, I want to own a business and take care of my family!