*Important* Switching Blog Sites
I would like to inform you all that I will be moving from wordpress.com to blogger.com
So, to continue following the news regarding Polys in Football please visit my new site: http://jodatoa.blogspot.com/
I’m sorry for the inconveniance this may of caused you, but I felt the move was necesary to improve not only the quality of work being presented but to also expand on what has already been set forth.
Thanks for your understanding, and commitment!
jodatoa
Teu Kautai Follows Teammate Ross Apo to Cougars
BYU has gained a commitment for the Class of 2010 in outside linebacker / defensive back / quarterback Teu Kautai of Oakridge School (Arlington, Texas).
Kautai, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound prospect, joins prep teammate receiver Ross Apo as pledges for the Cougars.
Chicago Bears Sign Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa
New Bears linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa said he chose the Bears for the opportunity to win and compete for a starting job. But Tinoisamoa wasn’t going to play for nothing, and NFLPA records show he is due to make a $1 million base salary with the Bears this season. The 2009 minimum for a veteran with four to six credited seasons is $620,000.
Tinoisamoa signed a one-year contract after being released by the Rams last month. He was due to make $3.25 million with the Rams before his release.
He could be the starter at strong-side linebacker, although defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Bob Babich declared Nick Roach the starter following Wednesday’s organized team activities. Hunter Hillenmeyer, the third linebacker in the mix, is eight weeks or so into recovery from sports hernia surgery.
Buckeyes Offer Alani Fua
Defensive end / tight end Alani Fua, teammate of Under Armour All-American quarterback Nick Montana, has received a scholarship offer from Ohio State, ESPN affiliate Web site Bucknuts.com reports.
“It’s a great program,” Fua said. “I’m real interested in them. I’m going to try to get out there in the summer.”
BYU, Oregon State, Arizona State, Hawaii, Washington State, Washington and New Mexico have also offered.
Fua added, “I don’t have a favorite. I’m going to wait it out and see what offers come in before I make my decision. (Leaving the West Coast) is not a problem. I actually think it would be kind of fun to see new weather.
Servite Talent Kirifi Taula Gaining Momentum
ESPNU 150 Watch List defensive tackle Kirifi Taula is up to 10 scholarship offers and has some favorites, according to affiliate Web site WeAreSC.com.
“For right now, my favorites would be Arizona, Nebraska, Oregon State, and Washington. They’ve all offered. I’m looking for a school that’s close by, somewhere where my parents can come watch me play. Plus, I’d like a family atmosphere, and definitely a school that I could get a lot of playing time at.”
Taula shared a connection he has with Arizona, “One of my best friends, Matt Jakubiec, just committed there. I went there on an unofficial visit in February and it was a great experience for me. It’s definitely one of the schools that’s at the top of my list and I’m definitely going to take a visit over there.”
Additionally, Taula will be auditioning for a USC offer on June 14th during the program’s lineman camp.
Ross Apo Drops Longhorns For Cougars
Wide receiver Ross Apo has decommitted from Texas in favor of Brigham Young according to Apo’s high school coach Phillip Farhat, ESPN affiliate Web site InsideTexas.com reports.
Other programs such as Nebraska, Missouri and Tulsa have also offered the 6-foot-3, 192-pound prospect.
Last fall, he caught 37 passes for 764 yards (20.6 average) and 11 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he posted 27 receptions for 331 yards and one score.
Bears Continue Waiting Game For Tinoisamoa
The Bears continue to play the waiting game for linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who was released nearly three weeks ago by the St. Louis Rams. He’s still very much in play a day after the New England Patriots brought him in for a visit Tuesday and then went in another direction, signing Paris Lenon to fill a void at inside linebacker.
Tinoisamoa has also visited the Buffalo Bills and may use a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles to explore a real opportunity or drum up more more interest at a time when few teams are out shopping on the open market. Being so late to the game in free agency is why a one-year contract makes sense for Tinoisamoa. He had three years remaining on a $24.7 million, five-year extension, and was due to make $3.25 million this season.
St. Louis attempted for some time to trade Tinoisamoa and the fact that it couldn’t find a taker means getting that kind of money for one season might be a challenge for him. The Bears aren’t in a rush to get a deal done but ideally would like to have him in place before Monday so he can attend the bulk of the OTA sessions which resume then and run for three weeks.
What is less clear is what the Bears will do if they are able to land the veteran. It’s expected Tinoisamoa would be the favorite to win the starting job at strong-side linebacker, especially considering his history with Lovie Smith and Bob Babich. That would relegate Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer to reserve roles. Roach could be a standout on special teams but surely has bigger plans after nudging his way into the starting lineup during the middle of last season.
Hillenmeyer has yet to be cleared to return to the playing field after surgery to repair a sports hernia. He has to be focused on being ready to compete at the start of training camp. The addition of Tinoisamoa would make it interesting because the Bears will likely keep six linebackers on the 53-man roster or seven if they feel there is a player who fills multiple needs on special teams.
Rey Maualuga Will Star on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”
With all due respect to Chad Ochocinco, is there any doubt Rey Maualuga will be the star of this year’s edition of “Hard Knocks”?
In case you missed it, HBO announced last week that Maualuga’s new club, the Cincinnati Bengals, will be the featured team on NFL Films’ annual inside look at training camp. In my little world, it’s hard to find bigger news.
TV doesn’t get any better than “Hard Knocks,” which manages to transform the utterly mundane — NFL training camps and exhibition games — into a drama on par with any “Bachelor”/”Bachelorette” rose ceremony. (In case you haven’t seen those shows, host Chris Harrison touts every one as “the most dramatic rose ceremony ever.” Yeah, I need to get out more.)
Usually, the “Hard Knocks” crew follows a handful of late-round draft picks and/or street free agents who are on the bubble to make the roster (the most dramatic final cutdown ever!), and surely that will be the case again. But high-profile rookies typically have a prominent role on the series, too, and Maualuga is an ideal candidate.
Besides being photogenic (long hair, tats), more than a little quirky (long hair, tats, just about every interview he’s ever done) and eye-popping on film (better watch yourself over the middle, Chad!), Maualuga brings a story of redemption after slipping out of the first round in the April draft.
He is also one of four Trojans on the Cincinnati roster, the others being Carson Palmer, Keith Rivers and Frostee Rucker.
“This is a fascinating team,” NFL Films president Steve Sabol said. “They’ve got a lot to prove to themselves and to the fans. As Coach (Marvin) Lewis has said, ‘This is a team with a chip on their shoulder.’
“Training camp is a laboratory of human emotions, and the Bengals have a compelling mix of personalities that should make for dramatic television.”
The first episode is set to debut Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Maiava & Pa’aluhi Making an Impact in Spring
Kai Maiava
David Pa'aluhi
Kai Maiava, C, UCLA: The Bruins’ offensive line is loaded with questions, but Maiava is a firm answer. Barring injury, he will start at center. He sat out last season after transferring from Colorado and missed half of spring ball with an ankle injury, but he’s shown enough already to solidify his standing. As for his football bloodlines, yes, he’s former USC linebacker Kaluka Maiava’s brother and his uncle is pro wrestler/actor “The Rock” (Dwayne Johnson).
David Pa’aluhi, LB, Oregon State: Pa’aluhi wasn’t a complete unknown — the sophomore was impressive enough to top the depth chart entering spring — but my guess is that, outside of folks who follow the Beavers, he’s going to draw a “Who?” at least until the games start. First thing to know: Don’t pick a fight with him. He’s a mixed martial arts guy. Second, he’s fast, reportedly running the 40 under 4.5. And he’s got upside, considering he started playing football his senior year of high school.
BYU Lands South Jordan Lineman, Tuni Kanuch
A 6-foot-2, 285-pound offensive guard / defensive tackle prospect, Tuni Kanuch of Bingham (South Jordan, Utah) has given a Class of 2010 pledge to the Cougars.
He is the ninth commitment for BYU.
Kanuch will likely go on an LDS Church mission before enrolling at BYU.Kanuch is a good tough football player; lacks some of the height we like to see for the guard position at the major level of competition but makes up for it with his playing strength, explosion and foot quickness. Looks flexible in his stance; comes off the ball as a run blocker with quickness and explosion. Plays with a flat back, good pad level and leg drive; can knock defenders off the line of scrimmage; sustains and finishes well. Shows the ability to reach and gain leverage on shaded defenders; gets to the 2nd level with ease, tries for knockout blow and must learn to play at that level with a little more balance and control. Yet to see him pull and trap but feel he has the quickness and blocking ability to succeed. Suited well for the guard position as a pass blocker; can short set, bend, slide his feet and handle quick moves. Displays good upper body strength and explosion but must work on his initial punch location and lockout technique. Kanuch will not be an immediate starter or early impact player. We believe he has both the athletic skills and physical playing strength to eventually become a solid starter at the major level of competition. A little time along with a red shirt year will aid in his development.
Two Names to Remember Come September…
Conan Amituanai
Suaesi Tuimaunei
Conan Amituanai, Arizona, OG: This 335-pound junior played well this spring and is expected to give the Wildcats flexibility up front as they fill some gaps. Most particularly, his emergence allows Mike Diaz to move out to left tackle, where he’d replace Eben Britton.
Suaesi Tuimaunei, Oregon State, S: The Beavers are rebuilding their secondary, with all four 2008 starters gone. While there are concerns at cornerback, Tuimaunei and sophomore Lance Mitchell are an upgrade athletically at the two safety spots, and some believe this position will be stronger next fall.
Tuitama Exploring Canadian & Arena 2 Leagues
Former Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama is apparently exploring opportunities in the Canadian and Arena 2 football leagues after failing to land a free-agency shot in the NFL.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have claimed Tuitama’s negotiation rights, the Stockton (Calif.) Record reported Thursday.
The newspaper also said the Stockton Lightning, an Arena 2 minor league team for the Arena Football League, has offered Tuitama a roster spot. His mother, Nancy, is the Lightning’s travel agent, the Record said, and Tuitama is a Stockton native.
Jeff Sperbeck, an agent for Tuitama, told the Record that he has been in contact with CFL teams but was unaware of the Arena offer.
“We’re talking to some teams in Canada and trying to find an opportunity,” Sperbeck said. “Willie wants to show that he can still play.”
The CFL season begins in June, and Tuitama could negotiate with other teams if he chose not to sign with Saskatchewan, the Record said.
Sperbeck told the paper there’s still a chance Tuitama could be invited to an NFL training camp. Tucson police arrested Tuitama on March 7 on suspicion of extreme driving under the influence, which may have hurt his NFL prospects.
Meanwhile, former UA basketball player Fendi Onobun is still trying to land an NFL free-agency shot after working out for scouts for several teams, including Buffalo.
Maiava Enjoys The Hunt — On & Off The Field
So, you like a linebacker with a little aggression, a guy who loves the chase but really thrives on what happens when that chase is completed?
You might love Kaluka Maiava.
When Browns coach Eric Mangini visited USC in late March, he had the opportunity to talk individually with each of the school’s highly-touted draft picks. They talked about schemes, about schoolwork, about the NFL.
And about hunting.
Well, not every conversation got all the way to hunting. But something Maiava said in his meeting stuck with Mangini. And now that Maiava is here in Cleveland as the Browns’ fourth-round draft pick, Mangini recommended Maiava’s hunting story Saturday as pretty unique.
“He doesn’t believe in guns,” Mangini said. “He thinks that’s cheating.”
Maiava said he’s hunted wild boar in the mountains of his native Maui since he was a teenager. He said he’s done it by chasing them down and using a knife – “about that long,” he said, holding his hands six inches apart – to make the kill.
There are linebacker drills. And then there’s that…linebacker drill?
“(Mangini) asked me what I did in my spare time away from football, and I told him either surfing or hunting,” Maiava said. “He asked what I hunted and what kind of gun I used, and I told him that’s cheating.
“Anybody can shoot something. It takes the fun out of it. It’s the rush to chase something and tackle it, just like football.”
He compared the chase to playing on the kickoff team – “just chase him down” – and said the boar “can really move.”
“Every time I go I’m nervous,” he said. “Sometimes I run into a big one; they’ve got tusks that can hurt you. Then you see it and chase it down.”
Maiava said when a boar is killed, the youngest hunter of the group is assigned the task of carrying it home – on his back.
“When it was my turn, I got lucky,” Maiava said. “It was a small one, probably only 150 pounds.”
After the hunt, Maiava said, the catch becomes dinner.
“It tastes like chicken,” he said. “It’s good eating.”
Bengals Fans Take to Linebacker Maualuga
The Cincinnati Bengals did a teleconference with nearly 5,000 season ticket holders, who got a chance to ask questions of the top draft picks. Who got the most questions? The linebacker from Southern California, by far.
When the Bengals took him with the 38th overall pick, Maualuga was angry that he had dropped to the second round. When he flew to Cincinnati for a weekend rookie minicamp, he was still stinging over the perceived slight. It didn’t take him long to get over it.
“I was upset, but that was the immature part of myself,” he said. “I didn’t think about the team and the fans and everybody out there that was ecstatic that I was here. I apologize for not being too happy then. I thank the fans for having me in open arms.”
There’s a reason for the outpouring. In the past two drafts, the Southern California linebacker tradition has delivered what the Bengals needed most.
Marvin Lewis has been trying to acquire a tone-setting linebacker throughout his six-year run as head coach. So far, he’s come up empty. There’s been nobody like Ray Lewis, who led his record-setting defense in Baltimore.
Maybe this time the Bengals will get it right.
They drafted Keith Rivers from USC with their first pick last year, and took his former teammate with their second-round choice this year. Rivers broke his jaw on a hit from Pittsburgh’s Hines Ward in the seventh game last season, but has fully recovered.
Rivers and Maualuga (mah-uh-LOO’-guh) could be bookend ‘backers next to middle linebacker Dhani Jones. Maualuga, who played middle linebacker at Southern Cal, practiced at outside linebacker during minicamp, a new spot for him.
“I don’t have any reservations about how good he can be,” Lewis said.
Bengals fans are hoping that he turns into the type of impact player that Troy Polamalu became for the Steelers. Both have a Samoan heritage and a reputation for making hits that can change a game.
Like Polamalu, the Bengals rookie has long, black hair that flows outside his helmet. Maualuga’s hair is shorter—it only reaches his shoulders—but he plans to let it grow. Beads of sweat dripped off the ends of his hair strands after a practice on Paul Brown Stadium’s artificial turf, a measure of how hard he had worked.
Maualuga’s left leg and both arms are covered in tattoos that reflect his heritage. There are bands of symbolic designs—a spear made out of coconut leaves, for instance. He’s gotten a new tattoo every year since he was a senior in high school.
“It’s a tribal tradition, the Samoan tradition,” he said. “I’m pretty sure the other guys have got some tattoos representing who they are. My body represents my culture and who I am.”
His latest addition is out of sight—a stingray on his back, which he added over spring break.
Why a ray?
“I’m Rey,” he said.
Maualuga also comes from a heritage of impressive USC linebackers. All three Trojan linebackers went high in the draft this year—Brian Cushing was taken 15th overall by Houston, and Clay Matthews went to Green Bay with the 26th pick. The three of them are close and have pushed each other throughout their careers to do better.
“It’s always been a competition between us,” Maualuga said. “It’s a friendship, but at the same time, who’s going to play first? Who was going to get the most (playing time)? Who was going to be All-American first? Who was going to have the most notoriety? Who was going to get drafted first?
“Now, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be: Who’s going to play more? Who’s going to make an impact on the team? But that won’t change the way we are. We are great friends and brothers for life, just on different teams.”
OSU’s Polys Look to Lead a Solid Defensive Front
David Pa'aluhi
Riley said OSU’s defensive front, “is the thing I’m most encouraged about” because of the emergence of new defensive end starters Kevin Frahm and Ben Terry, the performance of defensive tackle Latu Moala alongside holdover Stephen Paea, and the solid showing of sophomore middle linebacker David Pa’aluhi, the former martial arts standout who played just one year of high school football.
If Pa’aluhi had faltered at middle linebacker, the Beavers might have considered switching star outside linebacker Keaton Kristick to the middle, but the player everyone calls “Bubba” hasn’t disappointed.
“He’s a young guy,” said Riley of Pa’aluhi, “but he’s gained a ton of respect on this team. He brings a physical passion to this thing, and he’s got this kind of non-flustered personality.”
Here is the projected Defensive starters for OSU. Led by Poly’s Paea, Moala, Pa’aluhi, and Tuimaunei.
DEFENSE
DE – Ben Terry (6-2, 243 Sr.)
DT – Stephen Paea (6-1, 293 Jr.)
DT – Latu Moala (6-1, 294 Sr.)
DE – Kevin Frahm (6-2, 255 Soph.)
OLB – Keaton Kristick (6-3, 226 Sr.)
MLB – David Pa’aluhi (5-11, 229 Soph.)
OLB – Keith Pankey (6-0, 211 Jr.) or Dwight Roberson (6-0, 238 Jr.)
LCB – James Dockery (6-1, 175 Jr.)
S – Suaesi Tuimaunei (6-1, 208 Jr.)
S – Lance Mitchell (6-2, 205 Soph.) or Cameron Collins (6-2, 216 Soph.)
RCB – Tim Clark (6-0, 170 Sr.)
Keep an Eye on Arizona’s Vuna Tuihalamaka
Vuna Tuihalamaka posted 23 tackles last season as the backup to Ronnie Palmer, who led the Wildcats in stops.
Expect Tuihalamaka, a senior, to secure a starting job this spring and his tackles total to climb in the fall.
To top that off, Coach Mike Stoops gushed about him after spring practices.
Tuihalamaka is cousin of UA brothers, defensive end Apaiata and tackle Sione Tuiahalamaka. Was also recruited by coach Mike Tuiasosopo.
Mauga Received an Invitation to Visit the Eagles
After going undrafted last weekend, 2005 Fallon grad Josh Mauga received an invitation to visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.
“They’re putting him in for a physical, and to meet with coaches,” Michael Hoffman, Mauga’s agent, said. “It’s not a workout. They want get a physical and see where he’s at work-wise. They want to see when he gets to full health.”
Hoffman said several teams have expressed interest in Mauga, a four-year linebacker at Nevada. Because of his injuries in the last two seasons, teams are taking precautions to make sure Mauga will be physically sound for the NFL.
“They have a strong interest in Josh and they want to see how it goes with him,” Hoffman said. “Other teams were interested, but at this point, they’re the first team to step up. Numerous teams have shown interest but want to get a sense of what he can do (after he’s medically cleared to play).”
Hoffman stressed that Mauga’s talent isn’t the issue.
“The issue with Josh is strictly medical,” he said. “People understand and know he’s a talented player. At this point people want to see he’s healthy. It’s not that he’s missing anything (workouts). Once he’s healthy he’ll be somewhere.”
Mauga’s in his fifth week of a 10-week physical therapy program. He injured his ACL two seasons ago and then had a pectoral muscle injury last year. Mauga had surgery in March after Nevada’s pro day.
“He’s just half way through. He is doing well and is ahead of schedule,” Hoffman said.
Cyrus Mulitalo Participating in Pittsburgh Steelers Football Camp
Mulitalo is in camp with the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Mulitalo led the Hornets in 2008 with 96 total tackles, marking the third straight season in which he recorded the highest tackle total on the team. The middle linebacker also had two interceptions and broke up six passes. Mulitalo leaves Sacramento State ranked second in school history with 336 career tackles and is fifth with 32.0 tackles-for-loss. A versatile player, Mulitalo was occasionally used at running back during his career and scored two career touchdowns. He was also a two-time first team all-Big Sky Conference selection and was named second team as a sophomore.
A native of San Leandro, Calif., Mulitalo joined Charles Roberts as the only Sacramento State players to be recognized multiple times by The Sports Network.
In Pittsburgh, Mulitalo will battle with fellow free-agent signee and former Portland State linebacker Andy Schantz for a roster spot.
Indianapolis Colts Sign Mike Tauiliili From Duke
The Indianapolis Colts have signed undrafted college free agent Mike Tauiliili (pronounced tau-elee-elee, linebacker, 5-11, 235, Duke).
Tauiliili, a four-year starter at middle linebacker for Duke, had 140 tackles, three forced fumbles and four interceptions last season. He also was named Defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Polamalu Doesn’t Fret Madden Box Cover Jinx
Troy Polamalu does not believe in the Madden jinx. In fact, he does not much believe in the Madden game; at least not as far as playing it.
Polamalu and Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald share the box cover of Madden 2010, the annually updated video football game for EA Sports. Details of the cover jinx are legendary
“That’s cool,” Polamalu said of his cover treatment. “But, honestly, I’m pretty far removed from video games and that type of prestige, so I don’t know how much stock to put into it. I played a little growing up, but I wasn’t like a ‘gamer.’ “
Polamalu said none of his teammates has said anything to him about the “jinx.”
“I don’t think it’s a big deal,” he said.
Polamalu will participate in this weekend’s mandatory minicamp, and then follow his spring routine of last season by working out in Orange County, Calif., with trainer Marv Marinovich. He returned to Marinovich’s Sports Lab after experiencing several injuries in the 2007 season. It worked in ‘08, so why not again?
“Yeah, being healthy throughout the year, that was a big part of it,” Polamalu said. “Obviously, you don’t want to take away from the grace of God being healthy, and coach [Mike] Tomlin did a lot of things throughout the season to help us be healthy. That made a big difference.”
Ray Feinga Signs With St. Louis Rams
Signed a free-agent contract with St. Louis. Feinga did not allow a sack for the entire season, and was named first-team All-Mountain West Conference.
Overview:A highly recruited prep star who turned down the likes of Southern California, Notre Dame and Oregon to play at Brigham Young, Feinga leaves BYU as a two-time first-team All-MWC pick at left guard. Blessed with great size, surprising balance and long arms, Feinga is more consistent in pass protection than as a run blocker, though he lacks the lateral quickness to fit in every NFL offense.
Positives: Naturally large man. … At least adequate initial quickness off the snap to gain an immediate advantage over the defender. … Good hand use. … Effective initial punch to jolt the defender and has the strength and good hand technique to latch on to the defensive tackles chest plate and turn him away from the ballcarrier in the running game. … Settles well into pass protection and remains balanced, shuffling his feet to mirror the defender. … Good overall power. … Can drive defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations. … Plays with some nastiness. … Four-year starter.
Negatives: Only short-area quickness. … Inconsistent hand placement. … Struggles to recover if beaten off the snap. … Lacks consistency as a run blocker and isn’t the dominating drive-blocking force his size would indicate. … Dominated conference competition, but struggled a bit with the better, quicker athletes in nonconference games.
Powerhouse Paea Could be Pac-10’s Breakout Player
Not to start a recruiting riot or anything, but Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea, whose combination of power and athleticism is going to earn him a job on Sundays in the not-too-distant future, says where he comes from he’s just average.
Of course, Samoan and Tongan success in football is nothing new, though Paea’s 50-50 blend — Tongan mom, Samoan dad — seems to have worked particularly well.
“I thought I was just an average Tongan guy,” said the 6-1, 293-pound junior. “Then I came here, and I was pretty much stronger and bigger than the guys on the [high school] team. There are guys who are stronger than me down there.”
When he came here — as in Provo, Utah — three years ago, he didn’t speak any English and had never played a down of football before.
The transition was tough. No more ocean. No more year-round sunny, warm weather. Everything was unfamiliar. And the earnest student, who actually was ahead of many of his U.S. peers in subjects like math, struggled in class.
“It was hard to explain when I knew something,” he said. “Sometimes I’d draw it instead of explaining it.”
As you might imagine, football was the easy part.
“One of the coaches saw my size and said, ‘Why don’t you try out for the football team?’” Paea said.
Paea, then slightly over 300 pounds, didn’t clarify whether the coach said that from his knees with a box of chocolates and bouquet of roses in hand.
He played only his senior season, but that was enough for him to become a prospect. After playing at Snow (Utah) Community College, he signed with Oregon State and was almost immediately penciled into the starting lineup last year.
He certainly passed the sight test. After only a handful of practices in full pads, he created a fairly substantial buzz.
“He didn’t look like a JC guy coming in to play D-1 ball, he looked like an NFL guy coming back to play in college,” former Oregon State defensive end Victor Butler told The Oregonian in the fall. “I told the coaches not only should this guy start, but put him on my side of the ball so he can draw some double-teams and free me up.”
Former Beavers guard Andy Levitre spent time during his interviews at the NFL combine telling scouts about Paea.
After recording five sacks and a 11 tackles for a loss in just his third season of football — he also battled a sprained knee late in the season — Paea might be the Pac-10’s breakout defensive player next fall.
He’s the Beavers strongest player — and maybe one of the strongest in the nation — with a bench press of over 500 pounds. He’s also built like a linebacker, with no excess fat.
Dude is just one big muscle. And he can move.
Part of his athleticism comes from his first love: rugby. Paea was born in New Zealand and growing up dreamed of doing the Haka with the All-Blacks.
When asked now whether he’d like to play for the, say, San Diego Chargers or the All-Blacks, Paea chooses the NFL.
He seems as aware as anybody that his future in the sport looks bright.
“I was no body,” he said. “Now I’m making a name for myself for me and my family. It would be a dream come true [to play in the NFL]. It would be perfect for my family because I come from a poor family.”
John Faletoese Signs With the Buffalo Bills
Former UC Davis defensive tackle John Faletoese has agreed to a free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Overview: John is a graduate of Jesuit High School in Carmichael CA. He was a three-year starter and was named Delta League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. John also was named to the Sacramento Bee All-Metro first team and All-Northern California second team. He also claimed All-Delta League and All-Metro second-team honors as a junior.
He made an immediate impact as a RS freshman at UC-Davis where he was named First Team All-Great West Conference during that year (2005) and his sophomore season (2006.) John suffered through an injury-plagued 2007, but still was a leader in TFLs and QBHs.
LATE NOTE: Worked out at SJSU for his Pro Day and weighed in shorter (6′2″) and lighter (286 lbs.) than he had been listed. Also ran slower (5.07 40,)than many people thought he mights with a 4.44 short shuttle and a 7.60 3-cone.
Strengths: Very quick feet for a man his size. Can set up a pass defender, and blow by him with a quick counter or spin move. Great lateral quickness. Plays like a 260-pounder as far as his movement skills are concerned. Has been productive throughout his college career. Great motor. Comparable to Levi Esene who starred for San Diego State in the late 80s.
Frank “The Tank” Summers, ‘Fortunate and Blessed’
Former Laney College running back Frank Summers feels “fortunate and blessed” to have the opportunity to play for the reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Summers, who spent two highly productive years at Laney from 2005-2006, was picked in the fifth round (No. 169 overall) of the NFL draft by the Steelers on April 26, the second day of the draft.
“I was put in the best situation possible. The Steelers are a great organization; they just won a Super Bowl and I don’t think I could be with a better team in the world than where I am right now,” Summers said at Laney on April 28.
“I wouldn’t say there’s any pressure (coming to a Super Bowl champion); I’m always up for a challenge. You guys do one thing around there and that’s win. That’s something I’m used to and I look forward to continue doing it,” said in a phone interview with the Steelers’ media department.
Summers, who went to Skyline High School, played for two years at UNLV, where he gained 1,668 yards and scored 20 touch downs, 14 of them rushing.
At 5-foot-11, 242 pounds, Summers is nicknamed “The Tank” and he’ll be called on to replace Steelers’ short-yardage expert Jerome Bettis, who was known as “The Bus.” Bettis retired after the 2005 season after helping Pittsburgh win its fifth Super Bowl. The Steelers won their sixth title last season.
Pittsburgh hasn’t had a short-yardage runner like Bettis for three years and if Summers sticks, he could be that runner.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s website, “(Summers) could become the short-yardage back (the Steelers) have looked for since Jerome Bettis retired…Summers is not a candidate to become a starter but can run low and get the tough yards, and he might be able to play some fullback.”
Summers, while at Laney, led the Eagles to two straight 10-2 seasons and two bowl victories. He set Laney records for carries in a game (48), yards in a game (248), and yards in a season (1,515). He was named First Team All-American in 2005 by the JC Athletic Bureau.
A fifth-round draft pick normally signs for around $150,000.
“I won’t have to live on scholarship money,” he said at Laney.
“I watched the Super Bowl,” he told the Steelers media staff, “and now I’m a part of it. I’m getting chills in my body thinking about it right now.”
Pac-10 QB Controversies: Masoli, Pritchard, & Moevao
Oregon: Jeremiah Masoli has been inconsistent at times this spring, but he may have played better than any quarterback in the country over the season’s final three games.
Stanford: While Tavita Pritchard has started 19 games, it’s clear that Luck is the future of the program. And Luck was so good during spring practices, he’s making that future start in the present.
Oregon State: This one could get complicated because it seems like a complete toss-up between two seniors with successful starting experience: Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao. Last year, Canfield lost the job when Moevao asserted himself while Canfield recovered from a shoulder injury. This year, the situation has been the exact opposite, with Canfield looking like the star he was projected to be when he arrived as a hot-shot recruit. Coaches often talk about having two starting quarterbacks. That cliché is actually true for the Beavers.
The Next Generation of Polynesian Football Players
Who said lil’ kids don’t play with some passion and intensity that their older counterparts do? The following beg to differ… Enjoy!
The Beast aka Polamalu (9yrs old)
Carson Pututau #32 FB/LB Highlights (9yrs old)
Brandon Pili #50 DE/RT Highlights (8yrs old)
Sefo Sua Liufau #13 QB/LB Highlights (12yrs old)
Aramie Faletoi-Autele #37 QB/FS Highlights (9yrs old)
Fanaika Joins Special List of Arizona State Walk-ons
Arizona State not only continued a tradition of getting at least one player selected in the NFL draft each of the past 45 years over the weekend, it also continued its recent tradition of former walk-ons getting drafted.
Offensive lineman Paul Fanaika, a former walk-on, was picked in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles, so he now joins this impressive list — it includes two first-round picks — supplied by the ASU sports information department:
Adam Archuleta, safety, St. Louis Rams (1st round pick)
Vince Amoia, fullback, New York Jets
Brian Jennings, long snapper, San Francisco 49ers
Levi Jones, offensive line, Cincinnati Bengals, (1st round pick)
John Knight, linebacker, San Diego Chargers
Jason Kyle, long snapper/linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
Brad Williams, punter, Minnesota Vikings
Freddy Keiaho Re-Signs With the Indianapolis Colts
According to the Indianapolis Star, Freddy Keiaho has officially re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Last year, Freddy was the starting weakside linebacker for Indy’s Tampa-2 defense. He tested the free agent market and didn’t get too many offers. Now, he’s back.
Say what you want about Freddy, but he’s a tough guy who plays 100% every snap of the game. His durability and his coverage skills have been a little suspect. It’s also unsure whether or not Keiaho will even start this year. Clint Session has come on very strong, and is a much better candidate at weakside than strongside. Indeed, Coach Caldwell stated recently (but prior to re-signing Keiaho) that Philip Wheeler was now the starting SAM backer while Clint Session will move to WILL. Is that still the case now? Does Freddy get his old job back? Should he? What about Wheeler? Where does newly signed LBer Adam Seward fit in here?
Training camp battles at the linebacker spots this year should be very, very interesting. In the meantime, welcome back Freddy!
Quentin Toailoa “The Angry Samoan”
Standing at 6’ 5”, and 300 pounds, Nebraska redshirted freshman defensive tackle Quentin Toailoa is one of the bigger guys on the team.
Quentin, more commonly known as Q, committed to Nebraska back in December 2007, after receiving offers from Oregon State, Arizona, and Fresno State.
Considered a three star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com, Quentin was regarded as one of the nation’s top 50 defensive tackles. Really, it should come as no surprise.
Quentin started his high school football career at Rialto high school in California, starting varsity defensive line as a sophomore.
During his sophomore season, Q racked up 23 tackles, 11 of those solos. In addition to those 23 tackles, he also recorded two sacks.
However, Rialto was not one of the better teams in the Citrus Belt League, winning only one game and losing nine.
Q transferred to Redlands East Valley the next season, an up and coming school that had several athletes heading to play college football.
Q had all of the tools to play college football, and Redlands East Valley coach Kurt Bruich recognized it right off the bat. Q made an immediate impact to the defensive line, almost tripling his tackles from his sophomore year.
He ended the season with 70 tackles and three sacks.
2008 was the biggest season for the Redlands East Valley Wildcats, and Q.
The Wildcats were regarded as one of the top schools in the area, and they didn’t disappoint.
The season opener against J.W. North proved that REV was going to be a dominant team.
Quentin started the game by leading REV in the haka, a dance that intimidates the opposing team. Boy did it sure intimidate them.
Quentin led the team past the 50 yard line, right into the opposing team’s faces, and made the message clear; “we’re here to take what’s ours.”
That game went down to the wire, and the final defensive stand from REV ended when Q laid a massive hit on the quarterback that sent his pass fly off target, and into the hands of fellow teammate Spencer Wells.
Q was interviewed that night on Fox Sports Network, and was deemed “The Mayor” by the reporter. The name has stuck ever since.
The Mayor led the haka before each and every game, intimidating the opposing teams no end.
REV had one of the top defenses in Southern California, anchored by the angry Samoan.
Q recorded a career high 92 tackles and three sacks that season, and although they lost to Corona Santiago in the semi-finals, REV cemented their status as one of the top football programs in Southern California.
During the season Quentin began taking official visits, and the thoughts of becoming a college football player were finally coming true.
After the thrashing of Rialto High School (REV won 61-0), I saw Quentin in the parking lot. This was rather strange, seeing as how players must ride the bus back with their team.
Q informed me that he was heading to Nebraska for his first official visit.
The following Monday I spoke with Quentin again and he described his first trip to Nebraska. “The thing that pushed me over the top was when I saw a small kid crying because his parents wanted to leave, with 30 seconds left on the clock. I had kids and adults asking me to sign the back of their tickets.“
Q officially committed to Coach Carl Pelini on December 20, but kept it quiet until Christmas morning when he surprised his family with a Cornhuskers t-shirt.
“It’s the right fit for me. I was waiting and waiting, and I just sat there one day thinking Nebraska is the right place for me. So why keep waiting?”
Toailoa was a solid commit from day one, claiming that there was no way he was backing out of his commitment. The trip he took back in October was the only actual visit he took to any college, let alone Nebraska.
He was almost a guaranteed commitment from the moment they offered him a scholarship. It only took Q one weekend to figure out that he wanted to play his college football in Lincoln.
Quentin redshirted in his first season as a Cornhusker to repair the labrums he tore back in high school. The surgeries were successful, and Quentin began spring ball focused on excelling at the defensive tackle position.
Because Q is such a versatile athlete (he runs a low 5.1 40 and has a bench max of 350 pounds), Nebraska coach Bo Pelini decided to experiment with Q in the offensive line.
Quentin isn’t a complete stranger to the offensive line—he did play there in his Junior All American years. While he certainly has the athleticism to play offensive line, Q is naturally a mean and aggressive defensive player.
During a game in his senior year of high school, Q scared a Rialto Carter center and quarterback so bad that they fumbled the snap nine times.
Quentin recalls that game: “I remember telling coach “I got this kid, just leave me here.”
REV went on to win that game 49-7, largely thanks part to Quentin’s terrifying nature. Who wouldn’t be scared of a 17-year-old bigger than most grown men?
While Quentin could line up on either position of the line, I am sure he will shine wherever he plays.
There will be many more stories to write about The Mayor. The sky is the limit for this phenomenal athlete.
New York Jets Sign Tavita Thompson From Oregon State
The NY Jets signed Tavita Thompson, a 6′6” 309 offensive tackle. He was suspended for most of his senior year by the NCAA after using a banned dietary supplement.
POSITIVES: Nice-sized offensive tackle best as a run blocker. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents, and turns them off the line. Stout at the point, patient in pass protection, and effectively fights with his hands. Keeps his feet moving, adjusts to blitzing defenders, and controls them once engaged in a block.
NEGATIVES: Must improve his blocking balance as he tends to be all over the place. Lacks footwork sliding out to protect the edge.
ANALYSIS: Thompson has an NFL body with the potential to add even more bulk and strength. His progress was slowed last season by the NCAA suspension. Thompson is a solid developmental prospect who should be given an opportunity on a practice squad for at least one season.
