Highly Productive 3-Star 2020 SDE Tuli Tuipulotu Covers the Game and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As life goes in the defensive trenches at the high school level, few Class of 2020 strongside defensive ends showcased their talents in the way Tuli Tuipulotu did in 2018. His All-CIF and All-League season included 95 tackles, 47 solo, 24 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 14 QB hurries, two passes batted down, and one forced fumble in 14 games played. In the bigger picture, that high level of productivity went to a 14-2 CIF and California state championship season for Lawndale High School. With scouts looking on, the 6-3.5, 265-pound, defender impressed up and down the west coast earning 16 offers thus far.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s top ends going in-depth on Tuipulotu’s talents in the trenches and on his expanding recruiting prospects.
Interview
Tuli, after the tough game against Narbonne, the Cardinals took off winning 11-consecutive with a march through CIF and state. How did you turn your game on throughout the season getting better game by game?
“Even though we lost to Narbonne, we learned how to play together in that game. We kept fighting in the second half against Narbonne. We got chemistry down. After that, our defense started shutting teams down.”
In the playoffs when you guys were challenged by tough teams each week, how were you able to showcase your abilities on the field?
“I was doing my job. I didn’t want to do too much, and of course not do less. I trusted my teammates and we succeeded. In the playoffs, teams did not run to my side too much. I was good at run stopping. I was getting double-teamed a lot in playoffs. It does not matter if I am double-teamed or not, you have to get past them and make a play.”
When the lights turn on come Friday, what motivates you on the gridiron?
“There is a lot that motivates me. My main one, I don’t want to let anyone down – my teammates, coaches, or family. I want to leave it all on the field.”
When the season was finished, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
“My run stopping and my pass rush was good. I am working on that this offseason. I want to get more explosive and improve my hand movements.”
You just mentioned a couple of things, what all are you working on with your game this spring?
“I am also working on getting faster, staying healthy, and I am lifting more.”
Have you been to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?
“Yes. I am going to the Nike Opening in Oakland (May).”
I know you are receiving a lot of attention from college coaches. How many offers do you have?
“I have 16 offers: Stanford, Boise State, Nebraska, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Arizona, UCLA, Cal, Vanderbilt, WSU, Oregon State, Nevada, USC, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona State.”
Wow. Have you taken any visits?
“Yes. I went to Utah during the season. After the season, I went to UCLA, a USC Junior Day event, and this past weekend I went to Stanford and Cal.”
How did the USC visit go?
“It was good. I really liked watching their practice and seeing their defensive linemen work.”
And Stanford, how did that go?
“It was the same. I liked watching their practice and seeing how Coach (Diron) Reynolds (DL) coaches his guys. I like what Stanford can do for me after football with a career.”
What about Cal, how did that trip go?
“I really liked Cal. I did not get to watch a practice. I met with Coach (Andrew) Browning. It was really good spending time with him. I liked watching film with him, I learned a lot. I really liked that visit.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I want to visit Oregon, Boise State, and I want to go back to UCLA.”
What goals have you set already for your senior season?
“I want to prove myself. I had a good season last year, but I don’t think it was good enough to be a Division I player. I want to show I am good enough to play Division I football.”
For the readers out there who may not know you personally, what type of guy is Tuli on and off the field?
“I am quiet, especially around new people. On the field with my teammates, it is a different atmosphere. I talk, I scream, and I communicate with my teammates. If I do not know you, I am quiet.”
If this interview can make a difference, what would you like to see happen?
“We have a lot of talent at Lawndale. I hope college coaches will come to our practices and see all the athletes that we have.”
Well said. Tuli, it was great covering your skills on the field and your recruiting process today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Tuipulotu family; Tuli Tuipulotu at USC and Stanford