Interview: 2022 LB Niuafe Tuihalamaka Has Look of Future All-Conference P5 Player

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

It is unfair to heap too much praise on a young and rising high school football talent, but… it is kind of hard not to do so when covering Niuafe Junior Tuihalamaka. Tuihalamaka was beyond impressive as a freshman playing varsity level football with Bishop Alemany taking on Division I California foes. The 6-2, 235-pound, linebacker used raw physical and technical talents to amass 68 stops with a sack, two picks, a fumble recovery, and knocked away four passes. His sophomore season is off to a hot start with 24 tackles in the Warriors first three runaway wins to start the 2019 campaign. The game is coming together for Tuihalamaka looking like he could be an All-Conference linebacker at the next level, and college programs are responding with that thought in mind seeing 10 offers already extended to the Los Angeles area product.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I went one-on-one with Tuihalamaka covering his game on the field with a recruiting update.

Interview

Junior, the Warriors defense has been strong to start off the 2019 season. What is working for you guys as a unit allowing you to lock-down opposing offenses?

“We’ve been working all offseason building upon our weaknesses and learning from our mistakes from last season preparing for this year.”

What base defense do you guys run?

“We are in a 4-3 base.”

Where are you lining up for the Warriors and how are they utilizing your skills to make plays on the field?

“I am lining up at inside linebacker, but I usually play outside linebacker. I’m at inside linebacker because of my motor and my ability to go sideline to sideline.”

How did you prepare for the 2019 season over the summer months?

“I was working out in Arizona with my uncle. We worked on my speed and strength. This summer I worked out with Mamba. We worked on my technique and mobility then.”

Three games into the season, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your skills after all the hard work put in over the spring and summer?

“The big one is my strength. I am still trying to improve my speed for my size. I am reading my keys better and reading better pre-snap. I am better at being off the line making plays. Picking up the plays and reading plays after going over film, I am seeing their formations and making plays. My sideline to sideline tackling has improved.”

You guys have another big challenge ahead welcoming Oaks Christian (2-1) on Friday, what are you expecting from the No. 12 in-state ranked Lions offense?

“We are expecting a lot. They will come out with a high motor just like us. We will go out there and compete.”

Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 10 offers.”

Tuihalamaka’s Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Florida, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon State, Penn State, Tennessee, USC, and Vanderbilt

Which schools are showing interest?

“Cal, Stanford, and Alabama.”

Did you visit any programs this offseason?

“Yes. I visited USC.”

If you will, tell me about the USC visit? What did you do on the visit?

“I got to meet their linebacker coaches and their defensive coordinator. We walked around the facilities and took a tour.”

Have you taken any visits this season already?

“Yes. I visited USC for their game against Fresno State.”

How did that go?

“It went well. I met the coaches again and some of the players.”

Are you taking any other visits this fall?

“No. I will wait until my junior season for visits. “

Junior, it was great getting time in with you today going over your growing skills on the field. Wishing you good luck until we talk next.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Tuihalamaka family; Junior Tuihalamaka at USC