New Dawg Report: Kahlee Tafai
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Offensive-line coach Scott Huff clearly has a type. For the class of 2023, Huff went out and took an exciting group of linemen with elite frames and sky-high ceilings. One of those players is Leuzinger High School tackle Kahlee Tafai.
While Tafai struggled with an ankle injury for the early part of his senior year, there's a lot to like in his game, especially considering that was his first year playing strictly offensive line. Before his transfer to Leuzinger, Tafai spent the majority of his time playing defensive line.
Tafai displays a lot of exciting tools on his film, and has the potential to be a great player at the next level at either guard or tackle. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, he has the ideal size to play either position, but with the other prospects Huff was able to secure in this class, he'll most likely end up as a guard.
For his size, Tafai is an excellent mover, and has elite natural power. His biggest strength (pun somewhat intended?) is that power in the run game and ability to move whoever is lined up across from him. He's a great body to follow when setting up screens, and has good long speed for his size.
Offensive linemen are incredibly hard to project, especially with all the depth that the Huskies currently have up front. But when it comes to Tafai, there's a lot to like, especially as he learns how to pass protect, which is always the last (and hardest) thing for offensive linemen to learn.
It will probably be a few years before fans learn what kind of player Tafai is going to be, but with the way Huff has shown he can develop players over the last few years, there's a lot of promise in his game. In 2023 and 2024, he's probably going to fly under the radar as he learns and adds weight in strength coach Ron McKeefery's program, but once he hits the field, he has a chance to be a star.
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