“The game is won in the trenches,” is a phrase that has been echoed for decades among football analysts, coaches and fans alike. It may have become a bit trite, but the spirit of the phrase remains true - dominant linemen can change a game.
From the offensive side where linemen can both create running lanes for backs and give valuable time to a quarterback, to the defensive side, where defenders can alter a game plan by both penetrating through blocks and getting to the quarterback. The value of linemen has been especially apparent in the last two NFL drafts, where the first pick in each draft went to a lineman (Eric Fisher and Jadaveon Clowney).
Senior Thomas Toki, a four-star defensive lineman who can legitimately be called a game-changer, recently moved to the Bay Area and has transferred to St. Francis of Mountain View. A resident of Washington state until this year, Toki looks to be a disruptive force who has impressed many college recruiters.
The 6-foot, 307-pound lineman is considered a four-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals, and has 11 Division I offers. He has verbally committed his former home-state Washington State Cougars, but also holds offers from powerhouses UCLA, Oklahoma State and Boise State. Toki is the fifteenth-best defensive tackle prospect in the nation, according to ESPN.
Toki looks like a force on his highlight tape, penetrating quickly and easily manhandling opponents. Scouting reports reflect what the tape highlights -- excellent burst into the backfield and superior strength at the high school level. Toki seemed to be physically stronger and quicker than most of his opponents. He made first-team, All-King County as a sophomore and junior.
Lancers' coach Greg Calcagno said that Toki has been working out with St. Francis and has been taking part in fall practice as well as their lifting and conditioning program.
“He is very quick off the ball and is very strong,” said Calcagno. “I can see him lining up as any of the three down guys.”
Calcagno said the Lancers use a 3-4 defense, which means there are three linemen and four linebackers in the set, so Toki could line up at any of the three positions along the line. Having to account for him in different spots along the line might become an every-down burden for the opposition.
Asked if Toki might play offense as well, Calcagno responded, “It depends on who we have come out for the team, but I could see that, possibly as an offset fullback. We try to get as many good athletes on the field as possible.”
Reached by phone earlier this week, Toki said that he started classes at St. Francis in January and is currently practicing as a nose guard.
“I like the school and I’ve been able to make friends," he said. "I was originally looking at the possibility of going to De La Salle, but St. Francis is much closer to my house. We live in Mountain View.” Toki has been busy this summer, attending camps and combines in both Oakland and Los Angeles that feature elite competition.
It will be interesting to see how his play translates to the WCAL, which has a reputation for being one of the most physical leagues in the state. The league is known for offensive sets that rely on physical blocking to produce a hard-hitting run game.
If Toki can split double-teams and burst into the backfield the way he did for Juanita High of Washington last year, he will change the game for many WCAL offenses. As Toki attends more camps and gets exposure in the WCAL, his offers should continue to pile up as well. In any case, the Lancers will have a huge, ominous presence staring across the line at opposing quarterbacks this season.
