By Michael West, Contributing Writer
Lincoln High’s Ernesto “Prince” Tavizon signed a Letter of Intent to play football for the University of Oregon last Wednesday during College Football’s Early Signing Period.
Tevizon joins Akili Smith Jr. as the second consecutive signee from Lincoln High’s vaunted football program.
The coveted Defensive End, who committed to the Ducks this past June, was also recruited by elite programs like Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Miami, and the University of Texas. Tavizon emerged as a budding star in 2024 and quickly rose to one of the top recruits in the State of California.
Known for his pass-rushing skills, the fleet-footed Hornet is underrated as a power rusher. Defensive Ends are usually known for their quick burst off the Line of Scrimmage, but the talented Tevizon is also a bull rusher who can push his opponent backwards. He demonstrates excellent fundamental skills and can excel at the Division 1 level of college football.
Most San Diego High School football fans were familiar with Akili Smith Jr. in 2024, yet only the die-hard fans recognized one of the premier up-and-coming stars from Lincoln’s championship team. In fact, the Hornets sealed the 2024 CIF Division I State Championship on this play.
Yes, that is Prince Tavizon himself, sealing the victory on the last play of the game with a sack to preserve the Hornets’ 28-26 victory over the Northern California powerhouse Pittsburgh Pirates. Tavizon was so impactful that he was recognized by Prep Redzone California as one of the top Defensive performers in the 2024 CIF playoffs.
After recording 90 total tackles in 2024 (including 15 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks and averaging 9.1 tackles per game), Tavizon decided to reclassify as a 2026 college football recruit after his impressive sophomore season. He parlayed that scintillating 2024 performance into 100 total tackles, 5 sacks and 15 additional tackles for losses in 2025.
Tavizon and his powerful Hornets followed up their 2024 title run with another deep run in the CIF playoffs. They compiled a 10-3 record and appeared in their third of the past four San Diego CIF Championship games, before falling to another San Diego local powerhouse – the Granite Hills Eagles.
Tavizon is a fairly generous soul, as he is known for posting the accolades of his former and current teammates and fellow highly touted opponents. But what is most impressive is the fact he founded his own foundation, Prince’s Resilient Foundation, which offered Free Thanksgiving Meals the Tuesday before Thanksgiving this year.
Congratulations to the multi-faceted Ernesto Tavizon!
Here are some of his high school highlights.
Sources: GoDucks.com, Twitter, 247 Sports, HUDL
