Difference between revisions of "Tatsu Nakamura"
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{{Infobox NSFL biography | {{Infobox NSFL biography | ||
| name = Tatsu Nakamura | | name = Tatsu Nakamura | ||
| − | | image = | + | | image = TatsuNakamuraAZ.jpg |
| image_size = 250px | | image_size = 250px | ||
| alt = Image of Tatsu Nakamura | | alt = Image of Tatsu Nakamura | ||
| − | | caption = | + | | caption = Nakamura on the field with the Outlaws in 2043 |
| number = 7 | | number = 7 | ||
| − | | current_team = | + | | current_team = Retired |
| position = Runningback | | position = Runningback | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age2|{{CurrentDate/yy}}|{{CurrentDate/mm}}|{{CurrentDate/dd}}|2015|2|19}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age2|{{CurrentDate/yy}}|{{CurrentDate/mm}}|{{CurrentDate/dd}}|2015|2|19}} | ||
| Line 15: | Line 14: | ||
| height_ft = 5 | | height_ft = 5 | ||
| height_in = 11 | | height_in = 11 | ||
| − | | weight_lb = | + | | weight_lb = 225 |
| − | | high_school = | + | | high_school = Bellevue High School |
| college = [[wp:University of Washington|University of Washington]] | | college = [[wp:University of Washington|University of Washington]] | ||
| − | | draftyear = | + | | draftyear = 2037 |
| − | | draftround = | + | | draftround = 4 |
| − | | draftpick = | + | | draftpick = 46 |
| dsfldraftyear = 2036 | | dsfldraftyear = 2036 | ||
| dsfldraftround = 4 | | dsfldraftround = 4 | ||
| dsfldraftpick = 31 | | dsfldraftpick = 31 | ||
| pastteams = | | pastteams = | ||
| + | * {{tf|POR}} {{nsfly|21}} | ||
| + | * {{tf|OCO}} {{nsfly|22}} - {{nsfly|26}} | ||
| + | * {{tf|ARI}} {{nsfly|27}} - {{nsfly|32}} | ||
| + | * {{tf|BER}} {{nsfly|33}} | ||
| + | * {{tf|SJS}} {{nsfly|34}} | ||
| pastteamsnote = no | | pastteamsnote = no | ||
| − | | status = | + | | status = Retired <!-- only other option here should be Retired --> |
| − | | highlights = | + | | highlights = |
| + | * [[NSFL Pro Bowl]] Selection (5): {{nsfly|23|pb}}, {{nsfly|24|pb}}, {{nsfly|27|pb}}, {{nsfly|28|pb}}, {{nsfly|29|pb}} | ||
| + | * [[ISFL All-Pro]] 1st team Selection (3): {{nsfly|28|ap}}†, {{nsfly|29|ap}}†, {{nsfly|30|ap}} | ||
| + | * [[NSFL Most Valuable Player Award|ISFL Most Valuable Player]]: {{nsfly|28|pb}} | ||
| + | * [[NSFL Offensive Player of the Year|ISFL Offensive Player of the Year]]: {{nsfly|29|pb}} | ||
| + | * [[NSFL Running Back of the Year|ISFL Running Back of the Year]] (3): {{nsfly|24|pb}}, {{nsfly|28|pb}}, {{nsfly|29|pb}} | ||
| + | * 2nd in ISFL Career Rushing Yards | ||
| + | * ISFL Career Leader in Rushing Touchdowns | ||
| + | * ISFL Career Leader in Scrimmage Yards and Touchdowns | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Tatsu Nakamura''' (born February 19, 2015) | + | |
| + | '''Tatsu Nakamura''' (born February 19, 2015) was an [[wp:American football|American football]] [[wp:Runningback|runningback]] for the [[San Jose Sabercats]] of the [[International Simulation Football League]] (ISFL). He played college football for the University of Washington. | ||
==Early years== | ==Early years== | ||
Tatsu Nakamura was born in Yokohama, Japan to Shoyo Nakamura and Mitsuko Nakamura. Nakamura's father, Shoyo, was a successful first baseman for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and his mother, Mitsuko, was a primary school teacher and English language interpreter. In 2024, at the age of 9, Nakamura moved to Seattle, Washington when his father came to terms to join the Seattle Mariners. Nakamura attended Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington. A precocious athelete, Nakamura clocked in with a 4.4 second 40-yard dash during just his sophomore year at BHS. Ray Saturday, an assistant coach and strength trainer for BHS said of Nakamura, "he's an absolute freak in the weight room. He was a pretty small guy when he came in, but he was working out every moment he could, getting stronger and faster every day." Nakamura was a key part of BHS teams that won back-to-back WIAA 4A state titles during his sophomore and junior years. After being named a captain of the team and having an All-State year at runningback and at safety, Nakamura led the team to their third straight WIAA 4A title game, losing to Camas High School in 43-42 nailbiter. Along with his football accomplishments Nakamura also graduated as the class salutatorian in 2033 and was certified as a 4th-dan (Japanese, yondan 四段) in kendo by the age of 18. | Tatsu Nakamura was born in Yokohama, Japan to Shoyo Nakamura and Mitsuko Nakamura. Nakamura's father, Shoyo, was a successful first baseman for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and his mother, Mitsuko, was a primary school teacher and English language interpreter. In 2024, at the age of 9, Nakamura moved to Seattle, Washington when his father came to terms to join the Seattle Mariners. Nakamura attended Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington. A precocious athelete, Nakamura clocked in with a 4.4 second 40-yard dash during just his sophomore year at BHS. Ray Saturday, an assistant coach and strength trainer for BHS said of Nakamura, "he's an absolute freak in the weight room. He was a pretty small guy when he came in, but he was working out every moment he could, getting stronger and faster every day." Nakamura was a key part of BHS teams that won back-to-back WIAA 4A state titles during his sophomore and junior years. After being named a captain of the team and having an All-State year at runningback and at safety, Nakamura led the team to their third straight WIAA 4A title game, losing to Camas High School in 43-42 nailbiter. Along with his football accomplishments Nakamura also graduated as the class salutatorian in 2033 and was certified as a 4th-dan (Japanese, yondan 四段) in kendo by the age of 18. | ||
| Line 69: | Line 82: | ||
==Professional career== | ==Professional career== | ||
====DSFL Career==== | ====DSFL Career==== | ||
| + | |||
After an up and down college career at the University of Washington, Tatsu Nakamura declared his intent for the 2036 DSFL Draft. Given his history with injury and mental health, Nakamura was given a low grade on most league analyst's draft boards. Many experts were questioning both his durability and commitment to the sport, citing his 2034 battle with injury and depression as well as a lackluster effort in the 2035 College Football Playoffs. Nakamura himself was cautious and soft-spoken in interviews with the media, telling SBC Sports, "I'm just taking everything day-by-day, step-by-step." Thirty-one picks into the draft, those draft analysts were surprised to see Tatsu Nakamura's name called by the Portland Pythons, making him the fourth running back off of the board. The Pythons', according to coverage after the draft by NSFL Insider Ian Rapopopop, had Nakamura much higher on their board than other DSFL teams, citing their own interviews and meetings with the young running back as the reasons that led to that decision. In the same report, Rapopopop said that one Python war room member even "snapped [the phone] in half in celebration after having sent the pick to the league office." Nakamura immediately went to work for the Pythons, taking the majority of the carries from veteran Paco McTaco in the season opener. Midway through the season, Nakamura had already helped a revamped Portland Pythons roster blow past the team's disastrous 2035 season's win total. After placing dead last in the league the previous season, Pythons fans were excited about a potential playoff berth. In a tight race for the final seed in the playoffs, Nakamura continued making strong contributions in a critical four-game stretch for the Pythons, getting to the endzone four times on the ground and scoring another touchdown on a punt return. Finishing 8-6, Portland locked up the fourth seed in the playoffs, setting the stage for a semifinal showdown in Kansas City. In a crazy game riddled with penalties and turnovers, Nakamura put up only 59 yards on 17 carries as the Pythons were taken down hard, 31-7. Nakamura refused to answer reporters' questions in the locker room after the game, responding only with, "We'll be back." While many players across the league were celebrating their seasons, putting up trash talk on Twitter, or putting in their two cents on the coming NSFL Draft, Nakamura disappeared for several months to train at his family's home in Yokohama. | After an up and down college career at the University of Washington, Tatsu Nakamura declared his intent for the 2036 DSFL Draft. Given his history with injury and mental health, Nakamura was given a low grade on most league analyst's draft boards. Many experts were questioning both his durability and commitment to the sport, citing his 2034 battle with injury and depression as well as a lackluster effort in the 2035 College Football Playoffs. Nakamura himself was cautious and soft-spoken in interviews with the media, telling SBC Sports, "I'm just taking everything day-by-day, step-by-step." Thirty-one picks into the draft, those draft analysts were surprised to see Tatsu Nakamura's name called by the Portland Pythons, making him the fourth running back off of the board. The Pythons', according to coverage after the draft by NSFL Insider Ian Rapopopop, had Nakamura much higher on their board than other DSFL teams, citing their own interviews and meetings with the young running back as the reasons that led to that decision. In the same report, Rapopopop said that one Python war room member even "snapped [the phone] in half in celebration after having sent the pick to the league office." Nakamura immediately went to work for the Pythons, taking the majority of the carries from veteran Paco McTaco in the season opener. Midway through the season, Nakamura had already helped a revamped Portland Pythons roster blow past the team's disastrous 2035 season's win total. After placing dead last in the league the previous season, Pythons fans were excited about a potential playoff berth. In a tight race for the final seed in the playoffs, Nakamura continued making strong contributions in a critical four-game stretch for the Pythons, getting to the endzone four times on the ground and scoring another touchdown on a punt return. Finishing 8-6, Portland locked up the fourth seed in the playoffs, setting the stage for a semifinal showdown in Kansas City. In a crazy game riddled with penalties and turnovers, Nakamura put up only 59 yards on 17 carries as the Pythons were taken down hard, 31-7. Nakamura refused to answer reporters' questions in the locker room after the game, responding only with, "We'll be back." While many players across the league were celebrating their seasons, putting up trash talk on Twitter, or putting in their two cents on the coming NSFL Draft, Nakamura disappeared for several months to train at his family's home in Yokohama. | ||
| − | + | ====ISFL Career==== | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | '''First Three Seasons (S22-S24)''' | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | In the S22 NSFL Draft there was a great deal of speculation around the potential landing spots of the consensus top four running backs: White Goodman, Acura Skyline, Kichwa Jones, and Tatsu Nakamura. Given his experience and pedigree it was a surprise to few when White Goodman was taken by the new expansion franchise in Honolulu early in the second round. However, many fans and draft analysts were shocked to see Acura Skyline, whose success on the field with the London Royals had led him to renown as a media darling, fell to the bottom of the 4th round and fell down past the selections of both Jones and Nakamura to Austin and Orange County respectively. However, of these top four, it was Nakamura, the third back taken in the draft and the back viewed by most of the media as the worst prospect of those four, that found the greatest amount of early career success. Despite a heavy time-share with aging veteran Ludicolo Bigby and an offensive scheme still centered around the arm and legs of eventual Hall of Famer Franklin Armstrong, Nakamura kept working harder than any other back in the league, taking over as the clear number one rushing option for the Otters by the end of S22. In the S22 Ultimus it was Nakamura and Armstrong working in tandem to carry the offense and bring the team to a three-score lead in the third quarter. However, a heart-breaking come-from-behind effort from the underdog Yeti led to an eventual one point defeat for the Otters. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | Moving into the following two seasons, the Otters would put everything into attempting to bring home one more Ultimus with Armstrong regressing into the moonlight of his career. While Armstrong still put up a pair of excellent seasons at quarterback, the offense clearly took a shift towards relying on Nakamura heavily. Nakamura led the league in carries and rushing yards in S23 and S24, leading in rushing TDs as well in S24. As each season progressed in the early era of Nakamura's career he picked up more and more steam as a staple figure of the league. Interestingly enough, the two most promising young players in the S22 class had just met in the Ultimus in their rookie seasons. The wide receiver William Lim had been stored deep in the rotation in S22, but he took off as Colorado's number one option in S23. Lim and Nakamura were locked in a tight competition for S23's Offensive Breakout Player of the Year. This led to Nakamura's second end-of-season loss to Lim. The two would continue to find increased success in lockstep as Lim took home the S24 Best WR award while Nakamura was crowned the Best RB of the season. It was Nakamura, however, that found greater postseason recognition in S24 as he came second in voting for the league's Offensive Player of the Year and finished as a finalist in the MVP voting. Moving into the next stage of his career, Nakamura was looking to put away any doubts and prove himself to be the best offensive player not just in his class, but also in the entirety of the league. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | '''OC-Oh No (S25-S26)''' | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | After two seasons atop the rushing yards stat sheet in the ISFL, the reigning Running Back of the Year award winner's season 25 campaign was a total flop. As a retooled Orange County coaching staff looked for a way to maximize the skill set of Franklin Armstrong's successor, rookie QB Suleiman Ramza, Tatsu Nakamura was cast into the background for the ASFC's number one team. Though the team was always more passing focused than run focused, the coaching staff took it to a new height in season 25, as the Otters rolled out the fourth worst rushing attack in the league. Schematic changes hurt Nakamura in every rushing category other than in the redzone, where Tatsu's elite nose for pushing the ball over the plane and into the endzone could not be stopped. The team once again flared out in the playoffs, losing to the eventual champions from San Jose. The end of the season was marred in controversy for Nakamura, who got in heated battles on social media over his perceived snub from the year's Pro Bowl roster. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | The off-season leading up to the season 26 campaign was a tumultuous one for Nakamura. Despite the team's obvious heavy investments in free agency, the trade market, and the draft towards a win-now strategy, or perhaps because of this strategy, Nakamura found himself neglected and ignored by team management, as per reports that leaked out during this period and per interviews with Nakamura later in his career. This would once again show on the field as Nakamura finished the season with fewer than one thousand rushing yards for the second season in a row. Rumors began leaking out that the talented running back might be looking to exercise an option in his contract to become a free agent at the end of the season. When approached about the rumors, Nakamura replied that he, "would love to play out my career in Orange County, but this league is a business and sometimes that just isn't meant to be. I'm hoping to have some productive conversations with the management here, but at this point that hasn't happened." Before the season 27 draft, Nakamura was traded to OCO's ASFC rivals in Arizona. | |
| − | + | ||
| + | '''A Return to Dominance in the Desert (S27-S29)''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | After arriving in Arizona via trade from the Orange County Otters, Nakamura had nothing but glowing praise for the players, coaches, and management in his new home. The Outaws side had missed the playoffs in season 26, but with the acquisition of an athletic running back coming into his prime and a new, promising rookie QB for Arizona, hopes for the team were at a fever pitch. Nakamura immediately impressed in the first two games of the season, even as the team stumbled to a 0-2 start, only losing these matches by a combined four points. Nakamura remained confident in interviews after the rough start, telling reporters that "this team has all of the right components to be real world beaters. Get ready for us to go on a tear here real quick." Nakamura's prediction proved to be accurate, as the Outlaws would immediately rack up a nine game winning streak. Nakamura once again found himself as the ISFL rushing champion, but he narrowly lost out on awards to his cross-conference rival in Sarasota. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Though the Arizona Outlaws flamed out in the wild card round of season 27's playoffs, they came back in season 28 equipped to be treated as a real contender after their ascendant campaign in the previous season. Major deja vu struck the Outlaws side at the beginning of season 28, as they suffered back to back single possession losses out of the gates. Nakamura once again reassured the Outlaws faithful in interviews with the press stating that "I feel real good about how I'm playing right now, and I know the rest of this squad is gonna turn it on real quick. I definitely believe we'll be getting to the top of this conference in no time, but we gotta keep putting in the work to make that happen." Nakamura's confidence was once again rewarded as the deja vu kept rolling with another nine game streak of wins for Arizona. Tatsu Nakamura was a dominant force in the ISFL in season 28, leading him to be crowned as the league's Most Valuable Player. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The season 29 Outlaws were once again coming fresh off of postseason disappointment, losing in the conference championship of the previous season. The team finally broke out of their usual mold early on in the new season, starting off hot with 5 straight victories. Tatsu Nakamura remained at MVP level form as the Outlaws offense torched opposing defenses. Nakamura and the Outlaws would turn in six games throughout the season in which they scored at least 40 points. Despite some rocky ups and downs during the middle of the season, the team ended on a strong three game win streak and topped their conference for the second season in a row. Season 29 would also mark Nakamura's third straight season leading the ISFL in rushing yards as he would finish the year with 330 yards more than the second best player. An outstanding year from fellow S22 draftee Colby Jack in Yellowknife (and some good, old-fashioned QB bias), would prevent Nakamura from winning back to back MVP awards, but he would still go home with the ISFL Offensive Player of the Year trophy. | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Gradual Decline (S30-32)''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | After three straight years of dominating the Outaws and the rest of the league as a runner, Nakamura's age finally looked to be a factor. Though his season and per game numbers slowed down in season 30, the Outlaws team did anything but slow down. The Outlaws decimated the opposition straight out of the gate in season 30, running up a +82 point differential after just the first two games. While Nakamura's usage was more limited after three straight seasons as a workhorse, he remained extremely explosive on his more limited carries. Even then, where he wasn't contributing as a runner, Nakamura stepped up as a receiver, moving all around the formation and racking up his best receiving numbers of his career. Thanks to amazing performances from the best statistical offense and defense in the league, the Outlaws finished with a dominant 14-2 record. The Outlaws were finally looking like they could finally be turning up in the playoffs after a 33-0 rout over the New York Silverbacks punched their ticket to the S30 Ultimus, Nakamura's second career championship appearance, but the team's offense fell flat in the finale. The Outlaws would lose the Ultimus 27-10 to the Sarasota Sailfish. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Reports came out after the disastrous 27-10 loss to the Sailfish in the Ultimus that Nakamura was "seriously considering his future with the Outlaws and with the league as a whole." He would enter the off-season as an unrestricted free agent after reportedly refusing any and all extension talks throughout the later portion of season 30. Nakamura was reported to have told insider sources in his inner-circle that he was "disappointed in all of the consistent postseason disappointments" and that he "thought he might as well just retire if he was going to keep getting f***ed in the playoffs." Despite rumors that the future Hall of Famer would retire or sign elsewhere, Nakamura instead returned to the Outlaws on a new, two year contract. Nakamura would continue to be the lead runner in a split backfield for the Outlaws, putting up just over 1500 combined yards. He would squeak out a 2nd team All-Pro nomination, his last time appearing on the list. The Outlaws took a definite step back in season 31 however, finishing just 9-7 and going out in the wild card round. | ||
| + | |||
| + | After the season 31 campaign for Nakamura and his Arizona Outlaws, social media and the press were running rampant with predictions of a precipitous fall-off for both the running back and his team. Both would prove the speculation wrong as Nakamura would finish the season with almost 1400 scrimmage yards and the Outlaws would get back to their winning ways as the number one team in the league with a 12-4 record. For the first season in his time with the Outlaws, Nakamura would be out-paced by his backfield partner, Deadly Memes. Still, this backfield competition was deadly as ever, as the Outlaws offense scored 500 points through their 16 game season 31 campaign. Once again going into the postseason, hopes were high in the Outlaws organization and with Nakamura that they could finally send off the star running back, in his final year of his contract, with his first ring, winning the first league trophy for the team in it's dominant stretch of seasons that had accompanied Nakamura's tenure with the team. The Outlaws, however, would go on to put on a classic Outlaws postseason performance, losing in the conference championship game to New York 28-17. | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''The European Tour (S33)''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | With the acquisition of ascendant stud running back and son of a previous franchise legend, Jay Cue Jr., as well as the call-up of young and promising power back John Riggins, there was not enough room for the Arizona Outlaws to re-sign an aging Tatsu Nakamura. Though rumors again popped up that the future Hall of Famer would retire ahead of free agency, Nakamura instead signed on with season 32's Ultimus losers in Berlin, the Fire Salamanders. Though Nakamura was in possession of the ISFL career records for rushing touchdowns, scrimmage yards, and scrimmage touchdowns, insiders reported that the running back was hopeful for the possibility to beat former Philadelphia Liberty stalwart Sam Torenson for the career record for rushing yards, and believed that a stint as the backup for Goat Tank in Berlin would give him the best chance to do so. Nakamura remained efficient as a rotational piece for Berlin, putting up 636 rushing yards through 16 games for Berlin. | ||
===Professional Career Statistics=== | ===Professional Career Statistics=== | ||
====DSFL Career Statistics==== | ====DSFL Career Statistics==== | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! colspan="3" | Career Statistics | ||
| + | ! colspan="5" | Rushing | ||
| + | ! colspan="4" | Receiving | ||
| + | ! colspan="4" | Kick Returns | ||
| + | ! colspan="4" | Punt Returns | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! Season !! Team | ||
| + | ! GP !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Long !! TD | ||
| + | ! Rec !! Yds !! Long !! TD | ||
| + | ! Yds !! Avg !! Long !! KR TD | ||
| + | ! Yds !! Avg !! Long !! PR TD | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|21}} || [[Portland Pythons|POR]] | ||
| + | | 14 || 265 || 1256 || 4.7 || 70 || 10 | ||
| + | | 5 || 23 || 8 || 0 | ||
| + | | 328 || 13.7 || 32 || 0 | ||
| + | | 179 || 9.0 || 53 || 1 | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ====ISFL Career Statistics==== | ||
| + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! colspan="3" | Career Statistics | ||
| + | ! colspan="5" | Rushing | ||
| + | ! colspan="4" | Receiving | ||
| + | ! colspan="2" | Offensive Line | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! Season !! Team | ||
| + | ! GP !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Long !! TD | ||
| + | ! Rec !! Yds !! Long !! TD | ||
| + | ! Pancakes !! Sacks Allowed | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|22}} || [[Orange County Otters|OCO]] | ||
| + | | 13 || 211 || 822 || 3.9 || 20 || 5 | ||
| + | | 6 || 37 || 11 || 1 | ||
| + | | 14 || 2 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|23}} || [[Orange County Otters|OCO]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 330 || 1437 || 4.4 || 43 || 9 | ||
| + | | 19 || 112 || 14 || 0 | ||
| + | | 12 || 4 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|24}} || [[Orange County Otters|OCO]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 299 || 1233 || 4.1 || 17 || 12 | ||
| + | | 37 || 224 || 17 || 1 | ||
| + | | 13 || 3 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|25}} || [[Orange County Otters|OCO]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 243 || 925 || 3.8 || 13 || 12 | ||
| + | | 39 || 367 || 25 || 2 | ||
| + | | 15 || 2 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|26}} || [[Orange County Otters|OCO]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 226 || 946 || 4.2 || 16 || 13 | ||
| + | | 39 || 194 || 21 || 2 | ||
| + | | 32 || 3 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|27}} || [[Arizona Outlaws|AZ]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 318 || 1588 || 5.0 || 66 || 15 | ||
| + | | 38 || 410 || 88 || 3 | ||
| + | | 28 || 5 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|28}} || [[Arizona Outlaws|AZ]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 311 || 1540 || 5.0 || 75 || 22 | ||
| + | | 50 || 433 || 37 || 2 | ||
| + | | 32 || 1 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|29}} || [[Arizona Outlaws|AZ]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 325 || 1564 || 4.8 || 73 || 21 | ||
| + | | 50 || 511 || 39 || 1 | ||
| + | | 30 || 7 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{nsfly|30}} || [[Arizona Outlaws|AZ]] | ||
| + | | 16 || 214 || 1011 || 4.7 || 64 || 14 | ||
| + | | 60 || 680 || 75 || 7 | ||
| + | | 35 || 5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | | {{nsfly|31}} || [[Arizona Outlaws|AZ]] | |
| − | + | | 16 || 163 || 873 || 5.4 || 58 || 11 | |
| + | | 58 || 637 || 42 || 4 | ||
| + | | 25 || 2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | | {{nsfly|32}} || [[Arizona Outlaws|AZ]] | |
| − | + | | 16 || 169 || 791 || 4.7 || 51 || 12 | |
| − | + | | 54 || 595 || 34 || 2 | |
| − | + | | 26 || 5 | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |{{nsfly| | + | | {{nsfly|33}} || [[Berlin Fire Salamanders|BER]] |
| − | |[[ | + | | 16 || 138 || 636 || 4.6 || 41 || 5 |
| − | | | + | | 9 || 74 || 29 || 2 |
| + | | 23 || 1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Achievements and records== | ==Achievements and records== | ||
| + | * 2038 NSFL Pro Bowl | ||
| + | * 2039 NSFL Pro Bowl | ||
| + | * 2039 ISFL Best Running Back | ||
| + | * 2042 ISFL Pro Bowl | ||
| + | * 2043 ISFL Pro Bowl | ||
| + | * 2043 ISFL Unanimous 1st Team All-Pro (inaugural AP Team) | ||
| + | * 2043 ISFL Best Running Back | ||
| + | * 2043 ISFL Most Valuable Player | ||
| + | * 2044 ISFL Pro Bowl | ||
| + | * 2044 ISFL Unanimous 1st Team All-Pro | ||
| + | * 2044 ISFL Best Running Back | ||
| + | * 2044 ISFL Offensive Player of the Year | ||
| + | * 2045 ISFL 1st Team All-Pro | ||
| + | * 2046 ISFL 2nd Team All-Pro | ||
| + | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nakamura, Tatsu}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Nakamura, Tatsu}} | ||
[[Category:National Simulation Football League players]] | [[Category:National Simulation Football League players]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Orange County Otters players]] |
| + | [[Category:Arizona Outlaws players]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Berlin Fire Salamanders players]] | ||
[[Category:University of Washington alumni]] | [[Category:University of Washington alumni]] | ||
| − | + | [[Category:People from Japan]] | |
| − | [[Category:People from Asia]] | + | [[Category:People from Asia]] |
[[Category:Runningbacks]] | [[Category:Runningbacks]] | ||
| + | [[Category:ISFL Offensive Player of the Year Winners]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Retired]] | ||
Revision as of 09:45, 16 April 2024
 Nakamura on the field with the Outlaws in 2043 | |
| No. 7 – Retired | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Runningback |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | February 19, 2015 (aged 51) Yokohama, Japan |
| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight: | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Bellevue High School |
| College: | University of Washington |
| ISFL Draft: | 2037 / Round: 4 / Pick: 46 |
| DSFL Draft: | 2036 / Round: 4 / Pick: 31 |
| Career history | |
| Roster status: | Retired |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Tatsu Nakamura (born February 19, 2015) was an American football runningback for the San Jose Sabercats of the International Simulation Football League (ISFL). He played college football for the University of Washington.
Contents
Early years
Tatsu Nakamura was born in Yokohama, Japan to Shoyo Nakamura and Mitsuko Nakamura. Nakamura's father, Shoyo, was a successful first baseman for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and his mother, Mitsuko, was a primary school teacher and English language interpreter. In 2024, at the age of 9, Nakamura moved to Seattle, Washington when his father came to terms to join the Seattle Mariners. Nakamura attended Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington. A precocious athelete, Nakamura clocked in with a 4.4 second 40-yard dash during just his sophomore year at BHS. Ray Saturday, an assistant coach and strength trainer for BHS said of Nakamura, "he's an absolute freak in the weight room. He was a pretty small guy when he came in, but he was working out every moment he could, getting stronger and faster every day." Nakamura was a key part of BHS teams that won back-to-back WIAA 4A state titles during his sophomore and junior years. After being named a captain of the team and having an All-State year at runningback and at safety, Nakamura led the team to their third straight WIAA 4A title game, losing to Camas High School in 43-42 nailbiter. Along with his football accomplishments Nakamura also graduated as the class salutatorian in 2033 and was certified as a 4th-dan (Japanese, yondan 四段) in kendo by the age of 18.
College career
After being ranked as a 4-star athlete prospect by MaxPreps Tatsu Nakamura was recruited by his local football program at the University of Washington to join their 2033 recruiting class as a running back. Nakamura found great success as a punt and kick returner in his freshman year, amassing over 1,500 total return yards and 5 total return TDs alongside his role as an occasional rotational player on offense. Nakamura capped off the season with a walk-off punt return touchdown against Arizona State in the PAC-12 conference championship game. His achievements for the year earned Nakamura All-Conference honors as a return specialist. After being named the starting running back for the 2034 season Nakamura took off on a blistering pace, racking up an average of over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns over the first six games of the season as the Huskies went 6-0, soaring to the number 1 ranking. The following week, playing against conference rival Washington State, Nakamura suffered a high ankle sprain and a concussion on the same play after getting hit by a blindside block. Despite being cleared for contacts after 6 weeks, just in time to return for the conference championship game, Nakamura did not suit up the rest of the season as the Huskies finished their season in a 24-17 loss to Boise State in the semifinals of the CFP. After months of speculation and media coverage about Nakamura's status with the team, the running back published an article in the Simulated Player's Tribune opening up about his battle with depression and anxiety during the season. Said Nakamura, "I had spent so long running as fast as I could away from myself and when I couldn't run anymore, it all caught up to me." The University of Washington announced that they would be working with players on the team, like Nakamura, to begin offering bolstered in-house counseling and mental health treatment on campus for students immediately. After returning to full health, Nakamura picked up right where he left off the following season, racking up 2,246 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on the season, taking the Huskies to a 12-1 record entering the CFP. The Huskies suffered a 35-48 loss to Kansas State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game, ending Nakamura's final season with the University of Washington, as he declared for the 2036 DSFL Draft shortly after.
College career statistics
| Career statistics | Returning | Rushing | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Punt Return Yards | Kick Return Yards | Return Touchdowns | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2033 | UW | 12 | 624 | 894 | 5 | 64 | 307 | 3 |
| 2034 | UW | 7 | 185 | 243 | 1 | 191 | 1297 | 13 |
| 2035 | UW | 12 | 149 | 379 | 2 | 317 | 2246 | 29 |
| Total | 31 | 958 | 1516 | 8 | 572 | 3850 | 45 | |
Professional career
DSFL Career
After an up and down college career at the University of Washington, Tatsu Nakamura declared his intent for the 2036 DSFL Draft. Given his history with injury and mental health, Nakamura was given a low grade on most league analyst's draft boards. Many experts were questioning both his durability and commitment to the sport, citing his 2034 battle with injury and depression as well as a lackluster effort in the 2035 College Football Playoffs. Nakamura himself was cautious and soft-spoken in interviews with the media, telling SBC Sports, "I'm just taking everything day-by-day, step-by-step." Thirty-one picks into the draft, those draft analysts were surprised to see Tatsu Nakamura's name called by the Portland Pythons, making him the fourth running back off of the board. The Pythons', according to coverage after the draft by NSFL Insider Ian Rapopopop, had Nakamura much higher on their board than other DSFL teams, citing their own interviews and meetings with the young running back as the reasons that led to that decision. In the same report, Rapopopop said that one Python war room member even "snapped [the phone] in half in celebration after having sent the pick to the league office." Nakamura immediately went to work for the Pythons, taking the majority of the carries from veteran Paco McTaco in the season opener. Midway through the season, Nakamura had already helped a revamped Portland Pythons roster blow past the team's disastrous 2035 season's win total. After placing dead last in the league the previous season, Pythons fans were excited about a potential playoff berth. In a tight race for the final seed in the playoffs, Nakamura continued making strong contributions in a critical four-game stretch for the Pythons, getting to the endzone four times on the ground and scoring another touchdown on a punt return. Finishing 8-6, Portland locked up the fourth seed in the playoffs, setting the stage for a semifinal showdown in Kansas City. In a crazy game riddled with penalties and turnovers, Nakamura put up only 59 yards on 17 carries as the Pythons were taken down hard, 31-7. Nakamura refused to answer reporters' questions in the locker room after the game, responding only with, "We'll be back." While many players across the league were celebrating their seasons, putting up trash talk on Twitter, or putting in their two cents on the coming NSFL Draft, Nakamura disappeared for several months to train at his family's home in Yokohama.
ISFL Career
First Three Seasons (S22-S24)
In the S22 NSFL Draft there was a great deal of speculation around the potential landing spots of the consensus top four running backs: White Goodman, Acura Skyline, Kichwa Jones, and Tatsu Nakamura. Given his experience and pedigree it was a surprise to few when White Goodman was taken by the new expansion franchise in Honolulu early in the second round. However, many fans and draft analysts were shocked to see Acura Skyline, whose success on the field with the London Royals had led him to renown as a media darling, fell to the bottom of the 4th round and fell down past the selections of both Jones and Nakamura to Austin and Orange County respectively. However, of these top four, it was Nakamura, the third back taken in the draft and the back viewed by most of the media as the worst prospect of those four, that found the greatest amount of early career success. Despite a heavy time-share with aging veteran Ludicolo Bigby and an offensive scheme still centered around the arm and legs of eventual Hall of Famer Franklin Armstrong, Nakamura kept working harder than any other back in the league, taking over as the clear number one rushing option for the Otters by the end of S22. In the S22 Ultimus it was Nakamura and Armstrong working in tandem to carry the offense and bring the team to a three-score lead in the third quarter. However, a heart-breaking come-from-behind effort from the underdog Yeti led to an eventual one point defeat for the Otters.
Moving into the following two seasons, the Otters would put everything into attempting to bring home one more Ultimus with Armstrong regressing into the moonlight of his career. While Armstrong still put up a pair of excellent seasons at quarterback, the offense clearly took a shift towards relying on Nakamura heavily. Nakamura led the league in carries and rushing yards in S23 and S24, leading in rushing TDs as well in S24. As each season progressed in the early era of Nakamura's career he picked up more and more steam as a staple figure of the league. Interestingly enough, the two most promising young players in the S22 class had just met in the Ultimus in their rookie seasons. The wide receiver William Lim had been stored deep in the rotation in S22, but he took off as Colorado's number one option in S23. Lim and Nakamura were locked in a tight competition for S23's Offensive Breakout Player of the Year. This led to Nakamura's second end-of-season loss to Lim. The two would continue to find increased success in lockstep as Lim took home the S24 Best WR award while Nakamura was crowned the Best RB of the season. It was Nakamura, however, that found greater postseason recognition in S24 as he came second in voting for the league's Offensive Player of the Year and finished as a finalist in the MVP voting. Moving into the next stage of his career, Nakamura was looking to put away any doubts and prove himself to be the best offensive player not just in his class, but also in the entirety of the league.
OC-Oh No (S25-S26)
After two seasons atop the rushing yards stat sheet in the ISFL, the reigning Running Back of the Year award winner's season 25 campaign was a total flop. As a retooled Orange County coaching staff looked for a way to maximize the skill set of Franklin Armstrong's successor, rookie QB Suleiman Ramza, Tatsu Nakamura was cast into the background for the ASFC's number one team. Though the team was always more passing focused than run focused, the coaching staff took it to a new height in season 25, as the Otters rolled out the fourth worst rushing attack in the league. Schematic changes hurt Nakamura in every rushing category other than in the redzone, where Tatsu's elite nose for pushing the ball over the plane and into the endzone could not be stopped. The team once again flared out in the playoffs, losing to the eventual champions from San Jose. The end of the season was marred in controversy for Nakamura, who got in heated battles on social media over his perceived snub from the year's Pro Bowl roster.
The off-season leading up to the season 26 campaign was a tumultuous one for Nakamura. Despite the team's obvious heavy investments in free agency, the trade market, and the draft towards a win-now strategy, or perhaps because of this strategy, Nakamura found himself neglected and ignored by team management, as per reports that leaked out during this period and per interviews with Nakamura later in his career. This would once again show on the field as Nakamura finished the season with fewer than one thousand rushing yards for the second season in a row. Rumors began leaking out that the talented running back might be looking to exercise an option in his contract to become a free agent at the end of the season. When approached about the rumors, Nakamura replied that he, "would love to play out my career in Orange County, but this league is a business and sometimes that just isn't meant to be. I'm hoping to have some productive conversations with the management here, but at this point that hasn't happened." Before the season 27 draft, Nakamura was traded to OCO's ASFC rivals in Arizona.
A Return to Dominance in the Desert (S27-S29)
After arriving in Arizona via trade from the Orange County Otters, Nakamura had nothing but glowing praise for the players, coaches, and management in his new home. The Outaws side had missed the playoffs in season 26, but with the acquisition of an athletic running back coming into his prime and a new, promising rookie QB for Arizona, hopes for the team were at a fever pitch. Nakamura immediately impressed in the first two games of the season, even as the team stumbled to a 0-2 start, only losing these matches by a combined four points. Nakamura remained confident in interviews after the rough start, telling reporters that "this team has all of the right components to be real world beaters. Get ready for us to go on a tear here real quick." Nakamura's prediction proved to be accurate, as the Outlaws would immediately rack up a nine game winning streak. Nakamura once again found himself as the ISFL rushing champion, but he narrowly lost out on awards to his cross-conference rival in Sarasota.
Though the Arizona Outlaws flamed out in the wild card round of season 27's playoffs, they came back in season 28 equipped to be treated as a real contender after their ascendant campaign in the previous season. Major deja vu struck the Outlaws side at the beginning of season 28, as they suffered back to back single possession losses out of the gates. Nakamura once again reassured the Outlaws faithful in interviews with the press stating that "I feel real good about how I'm playing right now, and I know the rest of this squad is gonna turn it on real quick. I definitely believe we'll be getting to the top of this conference in no time, but we gotta keep putting in the work to make that happen." Nakamura's confidence was once again rewarded as the deja vu kept rolling with another nine game streak of wins for Arizona. Tatsu Nakamura was a dominant force in the ISFL in season 28, leading him to be crowned as the league's Most Valuable Player.
The season 29 Outlaws were once again coming fresh off of postseason disappointment, losing in the conference championship of the previous season. The team finally broke out of their usual mold early on in the new season, starting off hot with 5 straight victories. Tatsu Nakamura remained at MVP level form as the Outlaws offense torched opposing defenses. Nakamura and the Outlaws would turn in six games throughout the season in which they scored at least 40 points. Despite some rocky ups and downs during the middle of the season, the team ended on a strong three game win streak and topped their conference for the second season in a row. Season 29 would also mark Nakamura's third straight season leading the ISFL in rushing yards as he would finish the year with 330 yards more than the second best player. An outstanding year from fellow S22 draftee Colby Jack in Yellowknife (and some good, old-fashioned QB bias), would prevent Nakamura from winning back to back MVP awards, but he would still go home with the ISFL Offensive Player of the Year trophy.
Gradual Decline (S30-32)
After three straight years of dominating the Outaws and the rest of the league as a runner, Nakamura's age finally looked to be a factor. Though his season and per game numbers slowed down in season 30, the Outlaws team did anything but slow down. The Outlaws decimated the opposition straight out of the gate in season 30, running up a +82 point differential after just the first two games. While Nakamura's usage was more limited after three straight seasons as a workhorse, he remained extremely explosive on his more limited carries. Even then, where he wasn't contributing as a runner, Nakamura stepped up as a receiver, moving all around the formation and racking up his best receiving numbers of his career. Thanks to amazing performances from the best statistical offense and defense in the league, the Outlaws finished with a dominant 14-2 record. The Outlaws were finally looking like they could finally be turning up in the playoffs after a 33-0 rout over the New York Silverbacks punched their ticket to the S30 Ultimus, Nakamura's second career championship appearance, but the team's offense fell flat in the finale. The Outlaws would lose the Ultimus 27-10 to the Sarasota Sailfish.
Reports came out after the disastrous 27-10 loss to the Sailfish in the Ultimus that Nakamura was "seriously considering his future with the Outlaws and with the league as a whole." He would enter the off-season as an unrestricted free agent after reportedly refusing any and all extension talks throughout the later portion of season 30. Nakamura was reported to have told insider sources in his inner-circle that he was "disappointed in all of the consistent postseason disappointments" and that he "thought he might as well just retire if he was going to keep getting f***ed in the playoffs." Despite rumors that the future Hall of Famer would retire or sign elsewhere, Nakamura instead returned to the Outlaws on a new, two year contract. Nakamura would continue to be the lead runner in a split backfield for the Outlaws, putting up just over 1500 combined yards. He would squeak out a 2nd team All-Pro nomination, his last time appearing on the list. The Outlaws took a definite step back in season 31 however, finishing just 9-7 and going out in the wild card round.
After the season 31 campaign for Nakamura and his Arizona Outlaws, social media and the press were running rampant with predictions of a precipitous fall-off for both the running back and his team. Both would prove the speculation wrong as Nakamura would finish the season with almost 1400 scrimmage yards and the Outlaws would get back to their winning ways as the number one team in the league with a 12-4 record. For the first season in his time with the Outlaws, Nakamura would be out-paced by his backfield partner, Deadly Memes. Still, this backfield competition was deadly as ever, as the Outlaws offense scored 500 points through their 16 game season 31 campaign. Once again going into the postseason, hopes were high in the Outlaws organization and with Nakamura that they could finally send off the star running back, in his final year of his contract, with his first ring, winning the first league trophy for the team in it's dominant stretch of seasons that had accompanied Nakamura's tenure with the team. The Outlaws, however, would go on to put on a classic Outlaws postseason performance, losing in the conference championship game to New York 28-17.
The European Tour (S33)
With the acquisition of ascendant stud running back and son of a previous franchise legend, Jay Cue Jr., as well as the call-up of young and promising power back John Riggins, there was not enough room for the Arizona Outlaws to re-sign an aging Tatsu Nakamura. Though rumors again popped up that the future Hall of Famer would retire ahead of free agency, Nakamura instead signed on with season 32's Ultimus losers in Berlin, the Fire Salamanders. Though Nakamura was in possession of the ISFL career records for rushing touchdowns, scrimmage yards, and scrimmage touchdowns, insiders reported that the running back was hopeful for the possibility to beat former Philadelphia Liberty stalwart Sam Torenson for the career record for rushing yards, and believed that a stint as the backup for Goat Tank in Berlin would give him the best chance to do so. Nakamura remained efficient as a rotational piece for Berlin, putting up 636 rushing yards through 16 games for Berlin.
Professional Career Statistics
DSFL Career Statistics
| Career Statistics | Rushing | Receiving | Kick Returns | Punt Returns | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Long | TD | Rec | Yds | Long | TD | Yds | Avg | Long | KR TD | Yds | Avg | Long | PR TD |
| 2036 (S21) | POR | 14 | 265 | 1256 | 4.7 | 70 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 8 | 0 | 328 | 13.7 | 32 | 0 | 179 | 9.0 | 53 | 1 |
ISFL Career Statistics
Achievements and records
- 2038 NSFL Pro Bowl
- 2039 NSFL Pro Bowl
- 2039 ISFL Best Running Back
- 2042 ISFL Pro Bowl
- 2043 ISFL Pro Bowl
- 2043 ISFL Unanimous 1st Team All-Pro (inaugural AP Team)
- 2043 ISFL Best Running Back
- 2043 ISFL Most Valuable Player
- 2044 ISFL Pro Bowl
- 2044 ISFL Unanimous 1st Team All-Pro
- 2044 ISFL Best Running Back
- 2044 ISFL Offensive Player of the Year
- 2045 ISFL 1st Team All-Pro
- 2046 ISFL 2nd Team All-Pro
| Career Statistics | Rushing | Receiving | Offensive Line | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Long | TD | Rec | Yds | Long | TD | Pancakes | Sacks Allowed |
| 2037 (S22) | OCO | 13 | 211 | 822 | 3.9 | 20 | 5 | 6 | 37 | 11 | 1 | 14 | 2 |
| 2038 (S23) | OCO | 16 | 330 | 1437 | 4.4 | 43 | 9 | 19 | 112 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 4 |
| 2039 (S24) | OCO | 16 | 299 | 1233 | 4.1 | 17 | 12 | 37 | 224 | 17 | 1 | 13 | 3 |
| 2040 (S25) | OCO | 16 | 243 | 925 | 3.8 | 13 | 12 | 39 | 367 | 25 | 2 | 15 | 2 |
| 2041 (S26) | OCO | 16 | 226 | 946 | 4.2 | 16 | 13 | 39 | 194 | 21 | 2 | 32 | 3 |
| 2042 (S27) | AZ | 16 | 318 | 1588 | 5.0 | 66 | 15 | 38 | 410 | 88 | 3 | 28 | 5 |
| 2043 (S28) | AZ | 16 | 311 | 1540 | 5.0 | 75 | 22 | 50 | 433 | 37 | 2 | 32 | 1 |
| 2044 (S29) | AZ | 16 | 325 | 1564 | 4.8 | 73 | 21 | 50 | 511 | 39 | 1 | 30 | 7 |
| 2045 (S30) | AZ | 16 | 214 | 1011 | 4.7 | 64 | 14 | 60 | 680 | 75 | 7 | 35 | 5 |
| 2046 (S31) | AZ | 16 | 163 | 873 | 5.4 | 58 | 11 | 58 | 637 | 42 | 4 | 25 | 2 |
| 2047 (S32) | AZ | 16 | 169 | 791 | 4.7 | 51 | 12 | 54 | 595 | 34 | 2 | 26 | 5 |
| 2048 (S33) | BER | 16 | 138 | 636 | 4.6 | 41 | 5 | 9 | 74 | 29 | 2 | 23 | 1 |
