Manti Te'o (Notre Dame)

For years, Notre Dame has been criticized for lacking toughness and having a soft team. The solution has arrived in way of Manti T’eo.

T’eo is a hard hitting inside linebacker that is a big reason Notre Dame is a team on the rise. Last season he recorded 129 tackles as a sophomore, including a 21 tackle game against Stanford.

He is exactly what you look for in an inside linebacker. Te’o is the kind of player that feels like he should make every single tackle.

Not given any All-American honors in 2011, I expect Te’o get more national recognition as Notre Dame becomes relevant again.

BYU POLYNESIAN TRADITION

BYU’s football program has tapped into the Pacific Islands to find players since 1951 when Harry Bray of Hilo, Hawaii transferred from Weber College to play for the Cougars. Other Pacific Islanders who followed included: Famika Anae (1954-55; father of current BYU Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae), John Kapele (1957-59), John Kawaa (1962-1963); John Lupoi (1967-1969) and Henry Nawahine (1964-1965). Some of BYU’s most celebrated and decorated players have come from the Pacific islands, including All-Americans, national record holders and players who have gone on to compete in the NFL.
Since 1951, well over 100 Polynesian players have suited up for BYU, including 18 who will don the blue and white in 2009. The Cougars’ Polynesian players have come from Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand and Fiji. Some of the most notable players include Vai Sikahema, the NCAA’s career leader in punt returners, All-American and NFL veteran tight end Itula Mili and BYU’s second all-time rushing leader Lakei Heimuli. Five former BYU Polynesian players are currently on NFL rosters.
Of the more than 100 Polynesian players, several rank among the top statistical leaders in BYU history. Two of the top-10 career rushers are Polynesian as are two of the top-10 leaders in career receiving yards. Since 1982, 11 of BYU’s season-rushing leaders have been Pacific Islanders.
A list of other Polynesians who excelled on the gridiron for BYU include: Mekeli Ieremia (1974-1977), Wally Molifua (1972-1973), Pili Saluone (1970-71), Charles Ah You (1973-74), Keith Uperesa (1974-77), Pisa Finai (1975), Marcus Kanahele (1975-76), Pulusila Filiaga (1979-81), David Aupiu (1979-82), Allen Salanoa (1982),Brad Anae (1980-81), Louis Wong (1982-84), Robert Anae (1982-84), Lakei Heimuli (1983-1986),Kurt Gouveia (1983-85), Ladd Akeo (1984-86), Andy Kato (1984-1987),Steve Kaufusi (1983-86), Thor Salanoa (1985-87), Chris Bisho (1986-1987), Alema Harrington (1986-88), Tau Harrington (1988-1990), and Sim Tiatia (1988-90), Tom Tuipulotu (1983-85), Peter Tuipulotu (1989-91), Wayne Faaluafua (1981-1982); Fotu Katoa (1989) Rich Kaufusi (1989-90); Chris Matau (1985-1986); Micah Matsuzaki (1989-1993); Phil Nauahi (1987-1988), Alema Fitisemanu (1985-90), Spencer Reid (1994-97),Gabriel Reid (1999-02), Donny Atuia (1996-1999); Mark Atuia (1991-1996); Justin Ena (1997-2001); Elias Faupula (1994-1995); Setema Gali Jr. (1997-2000);Fred Katoa (1990); Harland Ah You (1995-97), K.O. Kealaluhi (1995-1996); Henry Bloomfield (1995-96), Tevita Liava’a (1997); Issiah Magalei (1996-1998); Shane Magalei (1996-1999); Reno Mahe (1998-2002);Itula Mili (19991-1996); John Moala (1996-1997); John Moeaki (1994); Stan Moleni (1998); Kelepi Ofahengaue (1996); Tevita Ofahengaue (1997-2000);Vaha Ongoongotau (1994-1995); John Raass (1994-1995); Stan Raass (1994-1995); Terence Saluone (1992-1993); Kapi Sikahema (1991); Kalani Sitaki (1994-2000); Casey Tiumalu (1982-1983); Mike Ulufale (1994-1995); Morris Unutoa (1989-1995), Aaron Francisco (2001-04), Shaun Nua (2002-04), Ifo Pili (1999-2003), Jason Kukahiko (2001-04), Hanale Vincent (2001-04), Manaia Brown (2002-05), Fahu Tahi (1999, 02-05), Vince Feula (2004-05), Daniel Marquardt (2001-05), T.J Sitake (1998-00, 04-05), Jake Kuresa (2003-06), Hala Paongo (2004-06), Sete Aulai (2006-07), Fui Vakapuna (2002-03, 06-08) and Ray Feinga (2004-08).

Mamaitaloa Fiaseu Eastern Arizona Volleyball

No. 25
Mamaitaloa
Fiaseu

Class:	Sophomore
Position:	Libero / Defensive Specialist
Ht:	5-6
Home Town:	Honolulu, HI
High School:	Radford

USC, Kiffin and Tennessee Titans settle for interfering with the contract of running backs coach Kennedy Pola

April, 6, 2011

By Ted Miller
 One half of USC coach Lane Kiffin's Tennessee feudin' is over.

Kiffin, USC and the Tennessee Titans have settled their differences. The Titans last July filed a lawsuit against Kiffin and USC for interfering with the contract of running backs coach Kennedy Pola, who was hired to be the Trojans running backs coach.

Most observers (perhaps it was just me) believed the Titans were acting like big babies -- litigious and disingenuous ones at that -- so it's nice to put this to bed.

Here's a joint statement from USC and the Titans on the matter:

"We are pleased to be able to conclude a mutually satisfactory arrangement between the University of Southern California and the Tennessee Titans that concludes the litigation involving the hiring of Kennedy Pola. The settlement terms are private, but include opportunities for both parties to avoid future disagreements and disputes over employment of persons who are already employed by either party. With this amicable resolution, the Tennessee Titans and the University of Southern California have restored their long-time mutual relationship, and anticipate that the suit will be dismissed within the next few weeks."

Kiffin continues to have his NCAA issues based on his brief but colorful tenure coaching the Tennessee Volunteers, who volunteered Kiffin as their fall guy for rules violations.

Tyler Seau 2010 Delta State University Statesmen Football

2010 Delta State University Statesmen Football Roster

40 Tyler Seau Position: MLB Height: 5-11 Weight: 219 Class: Junior Hometown: Oceanside, Calif. High School: Mission Hills HS Previous School: Palomar (Calif.) 2010 (Junior): Played in all 14 games racking up 27 tackles...Had 3 tackles for loss and 0.5 sack PALOMAR: Played two season, including a redshirt season, at Palomar College in San Diego, Calif., for coach Joe Early...As a sophomore, Seau recorded 48 tackles with 6.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks...Also tallied seven quarterback hurries and two pass break-ups...Missed two games due to injury...Freshman season had 46 tackles (29 solo), a half-sack, a tackle for a loss, two broken-up pass and five quarterback hurries playing in 10 of 11 games and missing the other one with an injury...Led the team in both tackles (11) and solo tackles (seven) in a 20-7 win over Long Beach City College on Oct. 25 as he stepped it up with David Motu, the Comets’ leading tackler, sidelined with an injury...Had four tackles (two solo) and broke up a pass in a 41-14 rout of Orange Coast on Nov. 8...Helped the 8-3 Comets defeat Cerritos 38-33 in the Golden Empire Bowl on Nov. 22 in Bakersfield with four tackles (three solo) and a broken-up pass...Redshirted in 2007 for the Comets. PREP: Played for coach Chris Hauser at Mission Hills High in San Marcos. PERSONAL: Tyler Christian Seau...Born June 10, 1989...Son of Melissa Sparks Hunter and Tioina “Junior” Seau, former USC All-American and All-Pro linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots...Has two brothers; Kekoa and Jake, and two sisters, Sydney and Brandi.

Matt Asiata SI Grade 2.01 Grading System

Position: RB

Class: 5Sr

School: Utah

Conference: Mountain West

HT: 5-11

WT: 229

40 Time: 4.77

Biography: Started seven games as a senior, posting 155/695/8. Junior totals included 330 yards rushing and four touchdowns, when he was limited to four games due to a knee injury. Posted career totals of 146/707/12 as a sophomore.

Positives: Strong interior runner who picks up difficult yardage. Keeps his feet driving up the field, shows the ability to break tackles, and picks up yardage off initial contact. Aggressively lays his shoulders into defenders and falls forward when tackled. Solid receiver who adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception away from his frame. Displays good vision picking up blitzes.

Negatives: Straight-line runner who loses momentum when he must quickly change direction. Slow getting through cutback lanes. Runs a bit tall, which leads to a lot of heavy hits. Must works harder to finish blocks.

Analysis: Asiata is an adequate inside running prospect for the next level with limited upside. He's a potential third back for a power running offense.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2011/players/64854.html#ixzz1Jkoo8IlX

Vai Taua SI Grade 2.37 Grading System

Position: RB

Class: 5Sr

School: Nevada

Conference: Western Athletic

HT: 5-9.5

WT: 213

40 Time: 4.65

Biography: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Rushing totals last season included 284/1610/19 with 18/226/3 as a receiver. Junior numbers on the ground were 172/1345/10 with 12/99/3 as a receiver. Finished his sophomore campaign with 1521 yards on the ground.

Positives: Compact ball carrier who displays skill running between the tackles. Possesses good vision, finds the cutback lanes, and slides through the small creases of the defense. Quickly gets through the hole, runs low to the ground, and does not go down without a fight. Keeps his feet moving on contact, runs through arm tackles, and falls forward when brought to the ground. Always keeps the play inbounds, working to pick up positive yardage. Possesses some short-area quickness and has a darting style with the ability to elude defenders. Cognizant of ball security.

Negatives: Does not have long speed and cannot beat defenders into the open field. Loses momentum when he must quickly change direction. Does not always run with good balance.

Analysis: Taua has been a productive runner on the college level since his sophomore campaign and has shown versatility. He's a small back who plays big and has enough ability to be used as a rotational ball carrier.

Projection: 6th

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2011/players/54000.html#ixzz1Jko0wHyi

Roy Helu Jr. SI Grade 2.81 Grading System

Position: RB

Class: 4Sr

School: Nebraska

Conference: Big 12

HT: 5-11.5

WT: 219

40 Time: 4.41

Biography: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors last season after posting career-best rushing numbers of 188/1245/11. Junior rushing totals included 220/1193/10.

Positives: Physically talented ball carrier moving up draft boards. Has good size and displays terrific vision and overall instincts. Shows a burst through the hole and can beat defenders into the open field then run to daylight. Has solid footwork in a small area, sets defenders up, and makes them miss. Waits for blocks to develop, shows patience as a runner, and finds running lanes everywhere on the field. Displays strength carrying the ball and the ability to pick up yardage off initial contact, falling forward when tackled for the extra yardage.

Negatives: Not a truly elusive or creative ball carrier. Does not show soft hands out of the backfield catching the ball. Must be more aware of ball security as he puts the ball on the ground at inopportune times.

Analysis: Helu Jr. has been very productive the past two seasons and did incredibly well in the run-up to the draft. After outstanding showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, he has moved into the top 75 selections and is one of the few backs in this draft that could develop into a feature runner.

Projection: 2-3

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2011/players/73393.html#ixzz1JknYpg00

Stanley Havili SI Grade 2.43 Grading System

Position: FB

Class: 5Sr

School: USC

Conference: Pac-10

HT: 6-0.5

WT: 227

40 Time: 4.73

Biography: Four-year starter who finished with 26/166/1 rushing and 32/396/2 receiving as a senior. Junior numbers included 21/138 rushing and 22/298/2 as a receiver.

Positives: Athletic but undersized fullback who has a lot of talent. Displays good vision, football instincts and movement skills. Quickly gets out front of running backs to create space and can adjust to linebackers on the second level. Works to get a pad on defenders and opens up running lanes. Attacks blocking assignments and gives effort. Works runs and shows the ability to quickly get through the hole carrying the ball. Solid receiver and extends to make the reception away from his frame.

Negatives: Lacks dominant strength and struggles to finish blocks. Not a powerful runner who can move the pile in short-yardage situations.

Analysis: Havili was very productive at USC the past four seasons and has versatility as a fullback. He lacks the size and strength to be a true lead blocker but could be very effective in a West Coast offense.

Projection: 5th

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2011/players/47876.html#ixzz1JknAuxmi

Isaako Aaitui SI Grade 1.92 Grading System

Position: DT

Class: 5Sr

School: UNLV

Conference: Mountain West

HT: 6-2.5

WT: 300

40 Time: 5.12

Biography: Three-year starter who finished with 27/5/1.5 as a senior after putting up junior totals of 31/2.5/.5. Career-best numbers of 32/7/2 came during his sophomore season.

Positives: Big-bodied interior lineman who flashes skill but shows minimal consistency. Quick off the snap, fights throughout the action, and is tough to move off the point. Built low to the ground and keeps his feet moving up the field. Changes direction well.

Negatives: Gets tall as the play proceeds, makes himself an easy target, and can be controlled by a single blocker. Must improve the use of his hands. Marginal instincts and slow locating the ball. Minimally productive in college.

Analysis: Aaitui looked like a top prospect in the making after sophomore season but never improved his game. He has the skills necessary to be used on the inside of a four-man line but must take every aspect of his game to another level.

Projection: FA

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2011/players/59567.html#ixzz1JkmeTGJQ