Change My Mind: Junior Tafuna is a rich man’s Greg Newman

Fast like a LB moved to DT, Tafuna flashes to the ball in the same way Greg Newman did but has the capacity to do so while at 297 lbs vs Newman’s 260 lbs. I get a kick out of seeing DT’s with a boost of energy as they catapult to the defender, almost as if they are firing off for 1 step and then doing a standing long jump for 5+ yards on the second step to disrupt the offensive line, sack the QB, or stuff the run. Tafuna has that. Greg Newman had that. Newman wore 56 and Tafuna wore 58 which is probably what made me think of the comparison. I’m excited to see Tafuna as a non-freshman along with the other freshman who played a ton on this defense last season. 

Also of note, the DT position looks strong and deep with Vimahi, Kaufusi, 2 Pututau’s, Pepa, Tavita Fotu came back from mission and then didn’t play last year, I’m probably missing some others. If we can get another guy to step forward the way Tafuna did last year, this defense will be really fun to watch.