Reid, Taulogo a long way from high school

Utah State’s Kahuku products expect to be more competitive in their next trip to Hawaii

E.J. Reid is only a sophomore, but he's already fourth for Utah State in career starts with 13.

It shows how young the Aggies are, but it also shows how valuable the tackle from Kahuku is to his defensive unit.

"It was an exciting experience to come home for a few days and spend some time here. It would have been a lot better with a win." E.J. Reid, Utah State defensive tackle from Kahuku

Reid didn't have a spectacular performance in the 50-23 loss to Hawaii last night at Aloha Stadium, but he was steady and he played the whole game in front of many of his fans from Hawaii.

"It's not the kind of performance I would like to have," said Reid, who was 13th on the team in tackles going into the contest and whose season total went up to 21 after his five stops last night. "I did OK. I could have done better, but I tried my hardest. Hawaii has a real good offensive line."

Reid said he got his hand on Warriors quarterback Colt Brennan twice. Like many other defensive linemen who visit Aloha Stadium, he learned how tricky it is to get to the quarterback. Even if you get penetration against the veteran line, you're likely to watch a quick release from Brennan sail over your head.

"That happens every game when you're a defensive tackle," the 6-foot-1, 302-pound Reid said. "It's a hard position to rush the quarterback from. Half the time, you're two guys going against three. You're lucky if the other half is one-on-one."

Reid, who played for the 2003 state champion Red Raiders, went directly against Warriors left guard Samson Satele. He drew double teams many times -- from either left tackle Tala Esera, center Derek Fa'avi or running back Mario Cox.

"I've had double teams all season. It's nothing new," Reid added. "Satele is a good player. He has good technique."

Reid said he's a cousin of many Hawaii players, including Nate Ilaoa, Mel Purcell, T.J. Moe and Leonard Peters.

"All of my immediate family and a bunch of cousins, uncles and close friends came to watch the game," Reid said. "It was an exciting experience to come home for a few days and spend some time here. It would have been a lot better with a win.

"But we're a real young team, and I think we'll be getting some pretty good production in the coming years."

Reid is also a cousin of Aggies teammate Toriano Taulogo, another former Kahuku player, who played on special teams last night.

In the 2003 state title game against Saint Louis, Taulogo's long punt return set up the Red Raiders' last-minute winning touchdown.

"It's a dream come true," said Taulogo, a sophomore who hopes to become a punt returner for the Aggies. "I always wanted to come back to play again at Aloha Stadium. It's good to be back home with all the family and friends showing their support and love."