Camp Keepers: Jake Muasau, LB, New York Giants by Damond Talbot on Jun 22, 2012 12:32 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Jake Muasau has not always had an easy road ahead of him, but the 6’1, 243 pound Samoan who has long hair like Troy Polamalu is continuing to make huge strides in his life. Born in Tacoma, Washington to a family of Samoan immigrants, Jake’s parents came to the U.S. in search of a better life. Jake would spend the early part of his childhood in Los Angeles, California before moving to Phoenix, Arizona. Jake played both Safety and Wide Receiver in High School at Buena High School. Jake and his brother Louie who is a year older, both began playing football in their freshman year of high school. Louie had quite a bit of looks from Division 1 football teams, before getting hurt his senior year. When Louie sustained his injury he lost his scholarships, and Jake began hanging around the wrong crowd, and his grades began to drop. Louie enrolled at Phoenix College, and it wouldn’t be long that because of Jake’s grades he would soon follow. Jake had offers from Division 1 schools but his SAT score wasn’t were the schools wanted it to be. Jake went to Phoenix College to play again with his brother before they were both given scholarships to play for Georgia State.

Both Jake and Louie excelled at Georgia State where both lined up at the linebacker position and talk their native language to disrupt the players on the other side of the ball. Jake is Georgia State's career leader in tackles for loss (16.5) and interceptions (3), along with 106 career tackles, seven sacks, four fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. Jake was the top playmaker on the Georgia State defense in the Panthers' first two seasons. Jake was voted by his teammates as GSU's Most Valuable Defensive Player for 2010 and 2011. Plays the hybrid outside linebacker position known as Bandit in the GSU scheme, and is now being used as a Linebacker for the New York Giants. Since most of the fans wanted to know more about Jake, I figured I would ask him some personal questions before we go into Camp Keepers, so you can hear more from Jake since this is his first time on Mocking the Draft.



What is your favorite genre of Music?

I would have to say Reggae or Gospel music, I listen to both of them a ton. I love getting my spirits flowing.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always watch the video from Any Given Sunday on Al Pacino’s speech. Before every game, I am always going to watch that video. I also have to listen to Reggae Music and pray before I go into the game. It helps me stay focused.

What does your brother Louie think of you making it to the NFL?

He is really excited for me, he still has one year left of eligibility, but because of injuries he will not be able to play his senior year. Both my brothers Matt and Louie have been great, and do a great job at keeping me humble.

What was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened in your life?

I would have to say when my brother and I were in a group home, and we received a phone call from our Aunt telling us our father had passed away. Our oldest brother was incarcerated in Arizona, and my mother was struggling with health issues, and then to add to that Aunt called to tell us that our Father passed. It was definitely the hardest part of my life, and it is when I really began to focus on the bigger picture.

If you found a genie lamp and could get three wishes, what would they be?

I would say to see my Father once again, and see his reaction to how life has been, because we share the same birthday, and I miss him a lot. The second wish would be able to provide for my mother who has always done her best to provide for us, and the third wish to be able to give back to the community and be part of something bigger than football. Helping foundations and youth kids, I really want to help the kids not just in my community but around the world.

Who would you compare yourself to as a player in the NFL?

I am still trying to establish myself as a player, but I am still a UDFA. I have to establish myself first. They gave me number 43 so you know people are comparing me to Troy Polamalu because of my hair. We are both very spiritual and I hope I can live up to his skills; it is great to see people comparing me to him.

Take me to the draft, did you receive any calls?

No I didn’t, I didn’t receive a call from anybody, I watched the third day because I knew the Giants were interested in a Linebacker, but I didn’t get the call during the draft. So I left and went to my cousin's house for a BBQ.

Where were you when you answered the call from the New York Giants?

I was at my cousin’s house for a barbeque, and it was about an hour after the draft, I received a call from the Giants scout. I stepped in a secluded room to take the call, and he told me that I would be given a workout with them on a tryout basis. That is all I asked for, and I was so thankful for that. I stepped outside and told everyone to gather around. I told the family that I had a workout with the New York Giants and the family went nuts. They were so excited for me, I had a really emotional moment with my older brother.

What has been the biggest change so far from Georgia State to the New York Giants?

The biggest change has to be change of position, it is very different playing Mike. You have to worry about a lot more, but I like it. Louie my brother played Middle Linebacker, and I remember telling him about how much responsibility he had. It has been going really well though, I like it, I am the quarterback of the defense.

Who was the first person you signed an autograph for in a Giants uniform, and what did you sign?

It was the week after I signed, my mentor and my brother came to the city because none of us have ever been there before. While in the city, there was a guy who took pictures of you with any background. After taking a picture with my brother and mentor, we were able to choose a background. I asked the gentlemen if he had a New York Giants background for the picture, he told me that he actually just created one but he has never used it. It showed a picture of the Super Bowl Trophy and it was really nice. So I chose it, my mentor was bumping me to get me to tell him that I had just signed, but I didn’t want to just come out and be arrogant or say I am a Giant. So my mentor bumped me again and said, tell him, the man turned at me and said tell me what? So I told him I just signed with the New York Giants. The guy was a diehard fan, he was wearing an older New York Giants Red hat and you could tell he had it for a long time. He asked me to sign it, and as a player that was the first autograph I had signed for anybody as a Giant.

What is it like to be in a locker room with the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants?

It is an amazing feeling, every day to go to work, to be in the same locker room with JPP, Eli Manning and Justin Tuck. I still get star struck sometimes, I look to my right and see JPP and Osi sitting there, it’s an amazing feeling. They are good genuine people, and it is a blessing to be around the some of the best players in the NFL.

Has there been any players that have kind of guided you so far in the OTA’s?

Chase Blackburn, he is a great guy, and a tremendous athlete. All the linebackers have really embraced me, but Chase has been very good and helpful. He sits with me in the meeting room; he will take the time to break it down if I have a question. He is one of the smartest guys in the locker room, and he has been very helpful, and is the first person I go to if I have a question.

Do you feel you have something to prove since you were an UDFA?

Most definitely, I have a big chip on my shoulder. Especially coming from a small school, I had to come out on a rookie tryout basis, but I am determined, and focused. I think the chip on my shoulder is a little bigger than others. I use it as motivation in everything I do, from sprints, to workouts to practice.

Where have you been lining up on the field, and are you playing special teams as well?

I have been lining up Middle Linebacker, and they starting moving me up on the depth chart on Special Teams. That is my number 1 goal, to make an impact on Special teams, I want to be depended on, and I cannot wait come preseason.

Who is the toughest player you have had to go up against so far in camp?

That is hard to say, because there is no contact, ask me that question after the first week of practice with pads, and I will let you know.

What player do you see as the vocal leader on the New York Giants defense, who is the guy that is getting people ready so far in camp?

There are a few that are pretty vocal, but if I was to say one player I would have to say Chase Blackburn again. He is so smart, he knows what everyone’s job is and he makes sure everyone is on the same page. He is a good player and a good person, he has been a huge help to me.

The Giants fans at Mocking the Draft have wanted an interview with you for a while, how does that make you feel?

Man, honestly I feel honored, because it is such is amazing feeling. I have done a few interviews during media day, but I didn’t know that my name has been flowing through Giants fans, and the community. I hope I can make you all happy and I want to be a Giant. It has been a great experience, and I would like to thank Mocking the Draft to help me get my story out there.

What would you tell other small school prospects who are coming out of school this year?

Don’t quit, I am a small school kid and I know I come from nowhere, but you can be anything you want to. I wasn’t given a contract I had to earn it, and as a small school player, you have to earn a lot of things. Believe in yourself though, and stay humble.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you develop the way you did, throughout college?

God, that is first and foremost, then my family, my mother, my oldest brothers and all my immediate family. My family has always been there with me, they are the ones that have been there to make sure I stay humble.

So now it is the real question, Jake is playing linebacker for the Super Bowl winning New York Giants, last year an undrafted wide receiver named Victor Cruz came out the wood work to become a huge asset for the Giants, do you think Jake could be the next big Diamond in the Rough for the G-Men? If he wants to make this squad he will have to compete with guys like Chase Blackburn, Mark Herzlich and others at the linebacker spot in Perry Fewell’s defense.

I would like to thank the Giants organization for setting up the interview w/ Jake and I wish Jake the best of luck with his experience in New York. The readers at Mocking the Draft are excited to have you in this article and are hoping to see big things from you this year.

Lofa Tatupu tries to bounce back with Atlanta | NFL

Lofa Tatupu started to believe his career was over as he spent the 2011 season away football. After his release from the Seattle Seahawks...

By The Associated Press
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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Lofa Tatupu started to believe his career was over as he spent the 2011 season away football.

After his release from the Seattle Seahawks before last season, Tatupu said his only chances with other teams were as an outside linebacker. Tatupu, a three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker with Seattle, wasn't looking to change positions.

When he realized he wasn't going to play last season he began to lose hope and considered filing his retirement papers.

"At a certain point, I just stopped working out," Tatupu said Tuesday. "I thought it was over. I was really ready to send those papers in."

A call this year from Tatupu's agent, Fletcher Smith, changed the linebacker's outlook.

"He called me and said, 'Do you want to go play?' " Tatupu said. "I said absolutely. He told me the options and I said 'Yes, I'm going to go work out right now.' "

One of those options was the Atlanta Falcons, who need help at the position after Curtis Lofton signed with the Saints.

Tatupu, 29, opened minicamp with the Falcons on Tuesday, competing with Akeem Dent for the starting middle linebacker job and relishing the rebirth of his career.

"I'm excited about the whole process and just being back playing ball again," Tatupu said.

Tatupu signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with Atlanta.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said Tatupu is expected to push Dent, a third-round pick from Georgia in 2011.

"Lofa is a very experienced player and we anticipate he and Akeem should have a good battle this training camp," Smith said.

The Falcons re-signed many of their free agents but the loss of Lofton, who led the team in tackles the past three years, was significant.

"I just hope I bring the veteran leadership," Tatupu said. "I know Curtis, he's a hell of a ballplayer and I know they're missing that with his departure. I'm hoping to take up where he left off."

Lineman Foketi says K-State won’t grant his transfer request

By KELLIS ROBINETT
The Kansas City Star


MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Even though Manase Foketi has one season of football eligibility remaining, his time at Kansas State is over.

Foketi, a left tackle, graduated with a degree in criminal justice in May, and is currently living in Fontana, Calif., with his family. He hasn’t worked out with the K-State football team since spring practices ended, and while his teammates have been on campus for summer school he has been exercising at his former junior college, waiting to be released from his scholarship.

But that may never happen.

Foketi, a 6-foot-5, 300-pounder who started 13 games at left tackle as a junior and opened his senior year in 2011 as a starter before suffering a season-ending injury early on, said he requested his release two months ago. K-State will not grant him one.

“I want to move on and close this chapter in my life, but they aren’t letting me. They are blocking me and have denied my transfer request,” Foketi said by phone. “I have no hard feelings toward them, but it’s just the way it is. If someone isn’t comfortable somewhere they should have the right to leave. I don’t know how they are able to hold me.”

Foketi said his request was initially denied by K-State football coach Bill Snyder and that he appealed that decision. He said he was informed earlier this week on a conference call with athletic director John Currie, Snyder and academic personnel that his request was still denied.

K-State makes it clear in its student-athlete handbook that transfers aren’t always granted. The handbook reads: “Except for the most compelling of circumstances, which place an undue burden on the student athlete, it is the policy of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics not to grant a release for purposes of a transfer.”

Wildcats basketball players have been granted transfer releases for various reasons in recent years. But football players have found the process more difficult. For example, K-State denied a transfer release for former wide receiver/running back LaMark Brown two years ago before he landed at Division II Minnesota State.

In this case, the debate seems to center around Foketi’s injury and the medical redshirt he was given afterward.

“They were saying that I owe it to K-State to play another year for them,” Foketi said. “It was something dumb like that. I got hurt and they gave me my year back and now they want me to play my senior year for them. They say I owe them.

“Well, I’ve never redshirted before. This was my first redshirt year. It’s not like they had to fight for it. I’ve got my degree. I don’t see what else there is to do at Kansas State.”

Currie did not return a message on a cell phone seeking comment. A K-State spokesman said Snyder was unavailable for comment.

Foketi said he began seeking a transfer for two main reasons. First, his relationship with offensive line coach Charlie Dickey began deteriorating after he got hurt. Foketi said Dickey regularly reminded him of how well K-State performed with Foketi on the sideline. He didn’t feel like he fit into their scheme moving forward.

“Me and him always bumped heads,” Foketi said.

Second, he has a desire to finish his college career closer to home.

He thinks both are acceptable reasons for seeking a transfer, and says he will contact the NCAA about further appeal options.

Foketi hoped to obtain a waiver that would take advantage of his graduate status, and allow him to transfer to another Division I program and play right away as long as the new school offered a graduate program not available at K-State.

But without consent from K-State’s athletic department, he may only be able to transfer to a lower level. Though Foketi has only played three full seasons of college football – two at Mt. San Antonio College in Hesperia, Calif., and one at K-State – his eligibility expires in one year. Without a waiver, Division I athletes have five years to complete four years of eligibility. He can’t sit out a year and continue playing in 2013, as would be the case with most transfers.

An NCAA spokesman said Foketi may be able to transfer to a Division II school and play next year regardless of his status with K-State. Though not the ideal path for someone who has proven himself in the Big 12, Foketi said he would gladly explore such an option if it meant he could continue playing.

The only place he says he won’t play next year is K-State.

“I am 100 percent leaving,” Foketi said. “After all this stuff, there is no way I am going back.”

Had Foketi decided to return, he would have likely played a key role on K-State’s offensive line. He would have been one of the most experienced players of the group, and could have anchored the unit alongside standout sophomore B.J. Finney.

His departure will be viewed by some as a big loss. Foketi doesn’t think that’s a reason he should have to stay.

“I’ve done all the right things,” Foketi said. “It’s not like I’ve done anything illegal. I was a starter, I went to all my classes, I graduated and I put in my transfer request. I don’t understand why they blocked everything.”

Kentwood’s Toeaina signs on with Huskies | Track and field

By TJ MARTINELL
Covington Reporter Reporter
June 19, 2012 · Updated 5:04 PM

Recent Kentwood graduate Alyx Toeaina has signed on with the University of Washington to throw for the Huskies track and field team.

Toeaina, who lives next to Kentwood, stated that she signed with the university for a partial scholarship the first week into the track season.

“I wanted to get it out of the way so I wouldn’t have to worry about it during the season,” she said. “I wanted to stay closer to home.”

Toeaina finished her final track season as a Conqueror with two silver medals at the state championship in discus and shotput, throwing distances of 130 feet, nine inches and 43 feet, 03.5 inches respectively. As a junior she took first place at state in the discus with a throw of 136-03.

Toeaina started out freshman year in 2009 with a 12th place at state in the shotput and ninth at districts. With a natural talent to throw, Toaeina said she improved due to the intense competition she had at the various invitationals she was able to go to.

“It built up my competitiveness,” she said. “I was up against people who were better than me.”

Her sophomore year Toeaina made large gains, taking fifth at state in the shotput and qualifying for state in the discus, where she ultimately placed fourth. Her junior year, she secured third at state in the shotput and the gold medal in discus.

Much like the Conks girls team, which place third this year after taking the state title in 2011, Toeaina said she struggled to repeat the same level of success.

“It wasn’t as good as last year,” she said. “In discus I was all over the place. I wasn’t as consistent (as shotput).”

In addition to track, she was also able to use her explosive power on the court with the Conks volleyball team, which took second at state in November.

With a summer training program already in place, Toeaina hopes to build on her throwing talent during her time as a Husky. At the moment, she said she is considering studying either psychology or business, but has no definite career ideas yet.

“I’m just continuing my track career and see where that leads,” she said.

Toeaina also has a younger sister, Sarah, who will be a junior in the fall. Sarah Toeaina qualified for state in several running and hurdling events in addition to her roles on Kentwood’s volleyball and girls basketball squads.

3-time Pro Bowl LB Lofa Tatupu relishing his career revival at 29 with Atlanta Falcons

David Goldman/Associated Press - Atlanta Falcons’ Lofa Tatupu takes part in an NFL
football practice at minicamp, Tuesday, June 19, 2012, in Flowery Branch, Ga.

By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, June 19, 3:41 PM

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Lofa Tatupu says he started to believe his career was over as he spent the 2011 season away football.

Following his release from the Seattle Seahawks, Tatupu says his only chances with other teams were as an outside linebacker. He was a three-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker with Seattle.

When he realized he wasn’t going to play last season he finally stopped working out. He says he even thought it was time to file his retirement papers.

Instead, Tatupu is enjoying a new start with the Atlanta Falcons, who needed help at the position after Curtis Lofton signed with the Saints.

The 29-year-old Tatupu opened minicamp with the Falcons on Tuesday, competing with Akeem Dent for the starting job and relishing the rebirth of his career.

Haloti Ngata Made More Money Over Last 12 Months Than Any Athlete Playing A Team Sport

By Zach Wilt, on June 19th, 2012

Even with a salary cap, football somehow seemed to give the biggest pay day of the last 12 months.

According to Mike McCartney, who cites Forbes, Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata earned $37.1 million in salary and bonuses over the last year which is more than any other athlete playing a team sport.

Well done, Haloti. Congratulations.

If you gave me Ngata and four other options and asked me to pick the highest paid over the last year, I would’ve picked anyone else. I guess I had no idea just how much of a pay day he’s received.

Ngata’s numbers took a dip last season, but I don’t blame that on a fat check. He seemed to be playing injured most of the year.

He’ll definitely be earning that paycheck this season though with Terrell Suggs on the shelf for most of the year.

Deuce is an Ace

Post by Dave Boling / The News Tribune on June 19, 2012 at 6:26 am with 25 Comments »


Good morning. Here’s my column on new Seahawks guard Deuce Lutui. What an interesting guy. I suspect he was somewhat of a villain to Seahawks fans when he played for the Cardinals. It seemed he was always going after linebacker Lofa Tatupu, his old USC teammate. But he’s a very community-involved and thoughtful man who has powered through some grave challenges in his life and career. That he has gotten himself in impressive condition speaks to his motivation.



Coach Pete Carroll loves his spirit and his locker-room presence. His on-field effect should be even more positive. Right now, he’s slotted behind John Moffitt at right guard. Consider this is a guy with 72 NFL starts now available for fill-in duty. The quality of O-line depth is one of the unnoticed upgrades for this team. And Lutui is a big part of it.

Haloti Ngata among the world's highest-paid ... - The Baltimore Sun

By Matt Vensel

11:00 a.m. EDT, June 19, 2012
Forbes released its list of the world’s highest-paid athletes on Monday, and one of the biggest names on the Ravens defense is ranked 12th on the list. I’ll give you a hint: It is not Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs or Ed Reed.

 Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who signed a five-year, $61 million extension with the Ravens last September, earned $37.1 million in salary and bonuses over the past 12 months, which was more than any other athlete playing a team sport. Throw in the $200,000 that he made in endorsements and Ngata raked in $37.3 million.

That’s roughly 746,000 jugs of Lubriguard -- one of Ngata’s endorsements -- in case you were wondering.

Download The Baltimore Sun's new iPhone app.

Ngata has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and is regarded as one of the NFL's top defensive tackles. Ngata made a career-high 64 tackles, recorded five sacks and forced two fumbles in 2011.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather was first on the Forbes list at $85 million, followed by boxer Manny Pacquiao, golfer Tiger Woods, Miami Heat forward LeBron James and tennis star Roger Federer.

Rounding out the top 10 were Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, golfer Phil Mickelson, soccer players David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Soccer player Lionel Messi came in at No. 11.

Troy Polamalu facing his own football mortality

6/10/2012 8:18:46 PM Share on email

Troy Polamalu turned 31 in April and will be playing in his 10th NFL season. Polamalu broke personal tradition to attend organized team activities this spring, working around his training schedule with Marv Marinovich (Todd’s father) in California because he sensed he was needed.

“More than any other year, the face of this franchise has changed,” Polamalu told Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “We lost a lot of great leadership.”

Polamalu relaizes he is in the twilight of his career and the end could come soon.

“I’ve never thought about the end of my career. I’ve had this growing motto in my life to live day to day — and when you live day to day, it’s hard to talk years.”

Even with that Polamalu knows the dangers he faces on the football field.

“People are paralyzed on a football field. People die,” Polamalu said. “You just never know when it’s going to be your last moment. I was the kind of guy who would never talk to my wife on game day. Now I’m the guy who’s like, ‘I love you.’ I want my children to know I love them because I don’t know what’s going to happen out there. I’m not trying to play the martyr here. I love football. It’s something we choose to do. We all know how much of a gamble it is to play this game.”

Manti Te’o Posted on June 13, 2012 by Chris Fleck

They grow up so fast. Can you believe Manti Te’o, the highly touted and dominant linebacker who graduated in blue and gold from Punahou in 2009, will enter his senior year at Notre Dame this fall? Te’o, who, in the opinion of many college and NFL analysts, would have been a first-round draft pick in this past April’s NFL draft, opted to return to Notre Dame to earn his degree, work on his leadership abilities and hone in on perfecting his trade as one of the nation’s most ferocious linebackers.

Te’o, a 6-foot-2-inch, 255-pound defensive specialist, is excited to wrap up his degree in graphic design, as he has had aspirations of becoming an architectural engineer.

“I always wanted to be an architectural engineer, but the engineering program is a six-year program, so I wouldn’t have finished on time with football. The next closest was to be a design major. I am a graphic design major, but also taking industrial design classes,” says Te’o, who was on MidWeek‘s cover March 18, 2009. “I love having the ability to design and create – to have an idea and to be able to create it into a three-dimensional object.”

Even with his tough demeanor and tenacious ability to get after opposing ball carriers, Te’o had his difficulties – as thousands of young college students do – in finding a comfort zone while acclimating to campus life at Notre Dame.

“It was hard coming from a place where you know everybody and you’re in a comfort zone. Then you go to a place that’s a whole new environment. For an 18-year-old, that can be a little overwhelming at times,” says Te’o, who couldn’t be more thankful in having his best friend Robby Toma with him throughout this maturation process.

“I don’t think I’d be able to transition as I did without him. He didn’t notice it, but just him being there made it not as difficult as it could’ve been. He helped me realize there are a lot of people who depend on me,” he adds.

Going on four years later, it appears Te’o has transitioned extremely well, especially on the football field. An All-American linebacker, he has a sound grasp on infusing both his natural athletic ability with leadership qualities. As coaches, analysts and the public have expectations for Te’o this year, he too has expectations for himself.

“I want to be a leader, make sure everyone is on the same page and playing beyond the interest of themselves. If we have 11 guys playing for each other, there shouldn’t be a team that can beat us,” says Te’o, who follows the leadership examples of some pretty reputable NFL greats.

“I definitely grew up watching Ray Lewis, I really like the way he plays; Sean Taylor and the way he attacked the ball. Troy Polamalu and Jerry Rice’s work ethic I look up to. I’ve always respected Junior Seau and how he always portrayed the Samoan culture. All these guys, I try to carry what they’ve already done and incorporate that in my game.”