When Long Beach Wilson High School opened their season with a dominant 35-0 victory over Portola, one player’s performance particularly caught the attention of scouts in the stands. Jagger Kohagura, the Bruins’ versatile tight end wearing jersey #9, wasted no time proving his transformation from blocking specialist to legitimate dual-threat weapon. His 2 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown in the season opener provided a perfect glimpse of what’s to come. With a 4.3 weighted GPA and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kohagura represents the modern student-athlete who refuses to compromise on either academics or athletics.
In an exclusive interview with RepMax Media, the rising senior opened up about his ambitious season goals, the personal drive that fuels his Friday night performances, and why he believes his competitive spirit will be what college recruiters remember most.
Player Profile: The Self-Made Tight End
Jagger Kohagura didn’t inherit his football passion from family tradition. Unlike many of his teammates, no parent or sibling paved his path to the gridiron. This self-driven approach has shaped his entire football journey at Woodrow Wilson High School under head coach Raudric Curtis.
“No one in my family told me to play football or they played it themselves, so playing this sport has always been my choice,” Kohagura explains. “I take a lot of personal pride and responsibility to be the best version of myself.”
This intrinsic motivation has translated into remarkable results both on the field and in the classroom, where he’s maintained his impressive academic standing while developing into one of the most reliable players on the roster.
Contact Information:
- Instagram: @jaggerkohagura
- X (Twitter): @JKohagura2026
Setting the Bar High: 10 Touchdowns and Counting
When asked about his personal goals for the season, Kohagura doesn’t hesitate with his response. “This season I hope to score 10 touchdowns and I will be able to measure this success by finding the end zone as many times possible every week.”
It’s an ambitious target for a player who spent much of last season in a primarily blocking role. But Kohagura’s offseason transformation suggests these aren’t empty promises.
“During the offseason I was relentless in the weight room. I only took one week off after the CIF championship game because I was back in the weight room 6 days a week.”
This dedication has yielded tangible results. “During this process I became the strongest I’ve been in my life, while building upon my frame,” he adds, explaining how his enhanced receiving abilities now make him a legitimate threat in the passing game.
What do you think separates elite high school tight ends from the rest? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Evolution of a Two-Way Threat
Perhaps the most significant development in Kohagura’s game has been his emergence as a receiving threat. After serving primarily as a blocking tight end last season, he’s dedicated countless hours to refining his pass-catching abilities.
“I improved my abilities as a pass catcher greatly because of my role primarily last season as a blocking tight end led me to not receive many targets,” Kohagura explains. “But going into this season I’m a large asset in the passing game.”
His season-opening performance against Portola validated this transformation. Recording 2 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown, Kohagura averaged an impressive 29 yards per reception while finding the end zone – a perfect start toward his 10-touchdown season goal.
This transformation aligns with the modern tight end position, where versatility reigns supreme. Kohagura models his game after two players who epitomize this dual-threat capability: Rob Gronkowski and current Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers.
“I model my game most after Gronk and Brock Bowers because of their ability to be an all around tight end, similar to the role I play on my team,” he says.
Academic Excellence Meets Athletic Achievement
Balancing a 4.3 weighted GPA with the demands of high school football requires exceptional time management and priorities. For Kohagura, academics always come first, even during the grueling season schedule.
“I always try to prioritize my academics to the best of my ability but of course during season it becomes overwhelming with both,” he admits. “But throughout high school I’ve accumulated a 4.3 weighted GPA.”
This academic success positions him well for college recruitment, where coaches increasingly value student-athletes who can excel in the classroom alongside their on-field contributions.
“I want the recruiter to remember the competitive spirit in every aspect of my game.”
The Mental Game: Pressure and Perseverance
Football’s mental challenges often separate good players from great ones. Kohagura has developed a unique approach to handling pressure situations that speaks to his maturity as a competitor.
“The idea after the game if I gave into the pressure and didn’t fight through the tough moment how disappointed I’d be in myself after the game,” he explains. “This idea pushes me through the toughest moments of the game and excel through the finish.”
This mental fortitude extends to his relationship with coaches. When asked about being coachable, Kohagura demonstrates wisdom beyond his years: “Being coachable means allowing your coaches to be honest with you and taking it constructively, rather than disregarding their advice.”
How do you handle pressure during big games? What mental strategies work best for you?
Team Leadership and Reliability
Teammates can always count on Kohagura for consistency and reliability. “I always allow myself to be a reliable individual for my teammates. I never miss practice and I execute every play to the best of my ability,” he states with conviction.
This dependability has made him an invaluable asset to head coach Raudric Curtis and the Long Beach Wilson program. In an era where commitment often wavers, Kohagura’s unwavering dedication sets him apart.
Dreams of Tiger Stadium
When asked about his dream venue, Kohagura’s eyes light up as he mentions LSU’s iconic Tiger Stadium. “Tiger stadium at LSU, and I’d want the stands to be filled with my friends, family and coaches I’ve known so they can all watch me play.”
This vision reflects not just personal ambition, but gratitude for those who’ve supported his journey. It’s the kind of perspective that makes coaches and recruiters take notice.
Key Insights: What Makes Jagger Kohagura Special
- Self-motivated excellence: His football journey is entirely self-driven, creating genuine passion and accountability
- Academic-athletic balance: Maintains a 4.3 weighted GPA while excelling on the football field
- Versatility development: Successfully transitioned from blocking specialist to dual-threat tight end
- Mental toughness: Uses future regret as motivation to push through difficult moments
- Reliability factor: Perfect practice attendance and consistent execution make him a coach’s dream
- Coachability: Welcomes honest feedback and criticism as tools for improvement
“I put my pads on every Friday night because it gives me an opportunity to gain respect from individuals who may have doubted my ability in the past.”
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Kohagura can reach his 10-touchdown goal while maintaining his academic excellence. Already 10% of the way there after his touchdown against Portola, his season-opening performance of 2 catches for 58 yards suggests he’s well-positioned to achieve his ambitious target. With Long Beach Wilson’s strong start, the stage is set for Kohagura to showcase the skills he’s worked tirelessly to develop.
College recruiters would be wise to keep this rising star on their radar. In a sport where character often matters as much as talent, Jagger Kohagura represents the complete package: athletic ability, academic achievement, and the intangible qualities that translate to success at the next level.
His competitive spirit, combined with his dedication to continuous improvement, suggests the best is yet to come for this self-made tight end from Long Beach Wilson.
What qualities do you think are most important for high school athletes looking to play at the college level? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below.
For more exclusive interviews and high school sports coverage, visit www.repmaxmedia.com. Contact reporter Bill Prentice at bill.prentice@repmax-qr.com for story tips and recruiting updates.