San Ramon Valley junior Tanner Salisbury is determined to dedicate his life to football. Since the end of his last season, Salisbury has attended three showcases, including the National Preps Collegiate Showcase at Vacaville Christian in Vacaville, where Salisbury took home Overall Linebacker MVP honors. One can say he woke up ready to impress.
“Football means everything to me. I wake up thinking about it,” said Salisbury. “If there is a season this year, I am hoping to show everyone that I am one of the best around and that my team is also.”
Salisbury has caught many eyes in his young career, garnering five Division 1 football offers as a junior. Colleges aren’t the only ones Tanner has drawn the interest of, as 247Sports National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman has become a fast fan.
"I've been a big fan of Tanner since I saw him as a freshman,” said Huffman. “He's got the athleticism to play safety but also the size to move up into the box at linebacker. He's got plus athleticism, is super instinctual, moves well in space and is excellent in coverage."
The offers haven’t fazed Salisbury, as he continually is determined to improve his game. Tanner has stayed in peak form during the looming pandemic, training to be the best.
“With everything going on right now I have stayed in shape in many ways,” said Salisbury, describing how he has dealt with the pandemic, all the while getting ready for football season. “I have been running track a lot working on my speed and endurance with my MLUYFI coach Deric Davis. I have also been working out at Cal Strength getting bigger and stronger.”
The National Preps Collegiate Showcase on November 21 was just another stop for Tanner in the prolonged 2020 offseason. In a year where reps come at a premium, he was able to seize the opportunity.
“I went to the National Preps Showcase to prove that I am one of the best at what I do and to get more film for college coaches," he said.
The college coaches may have been listening, as Salisbury has pinned down three more offers since being named the top linebacker at the November showcase. This includes an offer he received from Fresno State just two days after appearing in Vacaville.
Salisbury has described his main motivation as working towards his goal of playing college football, and with five offers already, Friday night lights look like they are just the start for him.
“Having offers is super nice. It is cool to see schools that really believe in me already,” said Salisbury. “I can’t wait to show people how much better I have gotten since last year. Having offers really just pushes me to be better and to get ready for college athletics.”
While D1 football may be in his future, Tanner is focused on his last two seasons apart of the San Ramon Valley Wolves right now. Even with the accolades, Salisbury is never satisfied, always looking to improve his craft.
“To be named one of the top players at the showcase was very cool. It felt good to be recognized for all my work," Salisbury said. "All though I received the LB MVP, I’m still working towards that overall MVP next time!”