Florida, the Sunshine State. Florida, the straight up speed state. Ask Tacoi Sumler (WR/2011), who ran a 4.33 forty at the National Underclass Combine last year. Sumler, at a modest 5'9" 165 pounds isn't your prototypical wide receiver, however, what he lacks in size he makes up for in pure speed and ability. Sumler led the Gulliver Prep football team last season in catches (54), yards (994), touchdowns (17) and interceptions (5). Sumler also returned 2 kickoffs for touchdowns last year (94, 79), virtually propelling his team in all aspects of the game. Sumler is an all-around athlete, and is a proven difference maker on both sides of the ball and on special teams.
Sumler's accomplishments on the field have gained the interest of several top NCAA football programs, and he has received scholarship offers from Clemson, Auburn, Florida State, West Virginia, Oregon, Stanford, Nebraska, Tennessee, and a host of other schools. Only a high school junior, look for Sumler's stock to rise after his senior year. In addition to the aforementioned schools, Sumler has also expressed interest in the West coast, and is not attached to any particular region.
"Next week I'm going to USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford, and Oregon," Sumler told CLA Sports. Although he doesn't have offers from Southern Cal, UCLA or Cal Berkeley, Sumler has a little California love. "Distance is not an issue for me. I'll go wherever is best for me," Sumler says. "I have family out there and usually take trips out there and stay with them. I love it out there." (Bleacher Report) Sumler, however, isn't set on a school and has yet to narrow down his long list of offers. When asked if there was a deadline set to make a commitment, Sumler said, "Not really, just whenever I feel comfortable and sure with my decision."
In the classroom, Sumler is a dedicated student-athlete. As an elementary school teacher, Sumler's mom made sure her son always knew the importance of academics. In reference to where he would like to play his college ball, Sumler stated that he wants "to study business management and sports management so a good business school and business major options would be good, then facilities come into play and a certain feel for the school." Look for more recruiting news, stories, and exclusive interviews from CollegeLevelAthletes.com & CLA Sports. Complete interview transcript below.
