Feature article on DT Tuiaka Tufaga

About how Tuiaka Tufaga managed to elude the reporters who were trying to interview him, Inoke Funaki (Tufaga's teammate at UH and Kahuku) said:
"That was kind of funny to see. He's a humble guy. I don't think he wanted to talk about himself." (HA)

HA Note: "The Warriors have a rating system for evaluating defensive linemen. The formula divides the number of plays by productivity in several categories. In 46 plays against Louisiana Tech, Tufaga had 10 tackles, including three in the backfield, and two quarterback hurries. He also scored high in technique, alignment and effort. His total was the highest among UH defensive linemen the past two seasons."

Praising how Tufaga played against Louisiana Tech, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"His effort was good, and he was playing aggressively and technically fast. We need to get everyone on board that way." (HA)

HA Note: 'Tufaga is a 2002 Kahuku High graduate. He played two seasons at New Mexico Highlands, then went on a church mission to Atlanta. He joined the Warriors as a walk-on in 2007. He played in 13 games last season as a backup defensive tackle. The past spring, he was placed on scholarship."

About how Tufaga was their defensive player of the week against Louisiana Tech, Blaze Soares said:
"To the untrained eye, he's a surprise. Not to us. He's an extreme athlete. He kicked the LA Tech offensive lineman's butt. He came out with 10 tackles. I was shocked he wasn't the player of the week. He's strong. He does his job. It's good to have guys in front of you like that who kick butt." (HA)

Praising Tufaga's play against Louisiana Tech, Rich Miano said:
"I was looking at the film (of the LA Tech game), and I was like, 'Wow. He was beasting the guy. He did a great job of knocking the guy off the ball. He was relentless getting off blocks." (HA)

HA Note: "Aranda said Tufaga's strengths are first-step quickness, playing low and slipping blocks."

About how Tufaga stepped up when they had a huge need at DT, Aranda said:
"He's coming into his own. Tuika has a lot of pride. He's a real humble guy. With our situation, and our lack of depth at certain positions, he has stepped up his play." (HA)

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