Marquise Thorpe-Taylor finds bright-light moment in signing with UCLA football in 2023-24 National Early Signing Period

TACOMA - For a teenager who just signed with UCLA Bruins football, you'd think Mount Tahoma senior Marquise Thorpe-Taylor's excitement would match the loud, neon lights of the near-campus "Hollywood" sign.

He's leaving that to a vital family member.

"If you were outside my family, you'd think my mom (Maria) was the football player," Thorpe-Taylor said. "I mean, I am excited - but she is definitely way more excited, like over the top. I know it's because she is really supportive of this and will definitely miss me."

At the start of the 2023-24 national early-signing period Wednesday, Thorpe-Taylor made it official by signing his letter of intent with the Bruins.

Because of his bouncy feet and overall athleticism, the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder will go into college as an offensive tackle - but could eventually move inside to guard, Mount Tahoma coach Keith Terry said.

"He's a great player," said Yelm linebacker Isaiah Patterson, who will also be part of UCLA's 2024 recruit class - and might end up being Thorpe-Taylor's roommate. "He is raw and just scratching how good he can be."

Untapped potential is a description Thorpe-Taylor has heard ever since he hit a growth spurt.

"I kind of take it as a positive and a negative," Thorpe-Taylor said. "People have said I am a good athlete but needed to get stronger - and it's just made me want to strive for more."

Every aspiring contender needs an anchor - and Thorpe-Taylor was that for the Thunderbirds, who went 8-4 and won the 3A PCL, and won their first WIAA playoff game since 1980.

"I got all that I wanted here - and it made me feel completed," Thorpe-Taylor said. "And I am not done yet."