Interview: 2018 DL Tuli Letuligasenoa is Expanding Role with Nation’s Defending National Champs

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

De La Salle High School’s season to remember in 2015 started off as a potential season to forget. The loaded Concord area squad went on the road to Texas facing Trinity (Euless) but went back home with a 26-21 loss on the schedule. Instead of hanging their collective heads, head coach Justin Alumbaugh and company rallied the team for big regular season wins over Serra (37-21), Servite (52-15), and Long Beach Poly (52-6) building what would be unstoppable momentum.

The streak continued into the post season capturing a North Coast Section title and then an overall California state championship downing Foothill (Pleasanton) 35-0 and Centennial (Corona) 28-21 for the trophies. The Spartans’ California title along with their 13-1 record gave them a MaxPreps national No. 1 end of the season ranking.

One of the many key contributors throughout the season was Class of 2018 lineman Tuli Letuligasenoa.

Letuligasenoa got time in on both sides of the ball but made his biggest impact on the defensive line at tackle. Playing at around 6-2, 285 pounds, Letuligasenoa came up with at least 48 tackles, 33 solo, 15 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery through eight games.

The future is bright for Letuligasenoa having already secured offers from UCLA and Nebraska with teams like Cal showing interest as well. Teams see the potential in the now- 6-2, 300 pound, talent. Collegiate teams, and opposing California squads, should get to see even more of Letuligasenoa this year with the big man expected to play on both sides of the ball adding offensive guard to his list of contributions.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Letuligasenoa before his junior season begins to get an overview on his growth on the field in 2015, his offseason workouts, an inside look at De La Salle’s team, and a recruiting update.

Interview

Tuli, you went from playing on the freshman squad in 2014 to becoming a starter on the defensive line for De La Salle as a sophomore. What were some of the steps you took during the season to improve your game?

“First, I had great teammates. My D-line was unbelievable. We had two of the top ranked players in the nation helping me. I sat behind them and picked their brain. I would workout with them and listened to them telling me what I should do. They made my transition to varsity easier.

“There were times the tempo was too fast for me. They told me to take a breath and then keep going. The tempo was fast and a lot of guys were stronger than me. Varsity is different than the freshman level, everyone is stronger and faster at the varsity level. The D-linemen helped me a lot and the coaches helped me a lot, and I got extra work in to perfect my craft. The whole season was a learning lesson.”

During fall camp going into the season, did you know you were going to start?

“No. I didn’t. They work all of us out so that we will be ready for the calling when it comes. I was not planning on starting but there was an opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”

During fall camp last year did you play both offensive line and defensive line?

“Yes. In fall camp I was playing both. During the season they scaled me back to just defense.”

Which side of the line do you like better?

“I like defensive line a lot better.”

What are some of the things you feel you do well as a defensive tackle?

“I feel like my run defense is pretty good. I’m good at shedding blocks to make a tackle. My pass rush needs some help, I’m not perfect there. When I do get my pass rush going it is hard to stop me. My run stop is best right now.”

What goals have you set for yourself in 2016?

“I want to finish the season strong playing in all of our games. I want to be the best defensive tackle I can be this year. I’ve been training hard in the offseason to make it happen. I want to play with a fast tempo to help my teammates – no matter the position. I want to make plays whether I’m playing defensive tackle or guard. I want to be an X-factor in tight situations. I want to lead my team and the defense to victory so we can capture another state title.”

Are you expecting to start on both sides of the line?

“I wouldn’t say that I am an official starter but my chances are high. I have to work hard and come out and compete for my position. I could be replaced by someone who is better or could help the team out more. I’m just trying to get myself into better shape so I can play the entire game both ways if needed.”

How are your off-season workouts going to prepare for the possibility of playing both ways?

“I’m trying to get my stamina up. I’m trying to delay needing that second wind. I’ve been doing a lot of track and cone drills to get my lateral speed up. Technique wise, I’ve been getting on the sled a lot. The big downfall for me is my pad level, I’m working on keeping that down. It will be really hard to stop me if I’m low. I’ve been working on using more hand moves instead of just bull rushing. I’m working on more moves so the lineman are guessing what I will do.”

Have you maxed out in any of the football lifts lately?

“No. We maxed out a while ago. My bench then was 380 and my squat was 540.”

Have you ran a 40-yard dash this off-season?

“The last time I ran a 40-yard dash I was at 5-flat.”

That’s impressive. Are you getting excited about fall camp?

“Yeah, it is coming up soon. I think in two weeks.”

How do the defending champs look heading into the season?

“I think the team is looking good. We lost a lot of starters. With all the hard work that we’ve been putting in over the summer we should be alright. Our main focus is getting everything down in the details. If we do all of that and listen to our coaches we should be fine this year.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“No.”

I know you have two offers, one from UCLA and one from Nebraska. Which other schools are showing interest in you?

“I don’t know. My coach handles all of that. I know Cal and USC have been showing interest in me. I’m not sure about the others.”

What was that feeling like for you when you got that Nebraska offer (July 7)?

“I was grateful. I was hyped. A big school like that being my second offer. It was exciting for me when coach told me they wanted to offer. I was shocked and happy. I’ve always liked Nebraska. That was a big offer for me.”

UCLA was your first offer (June). When that offer came through what was that like for you?

“It was breathtaking. UCLA being my first offer at a school like that, it was a proud moment. That showed me hard work does pay off. That showed me if I keep my mindset I can take football far. It did boost my confidence and made me more motivated. I told myself, a big Pac-12/California school giving you an offer – keep pushing. It was a great feeling when I got that news.”

Do you have any plans to unofficially visit any schools coming up?

“As of now I don’t have anything planned but I think down the road my parents and I will start discussing stuff like that.”

How did you finish up your sophomore year in the classroom?

“I had a 2.5 overall GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math. I like math a lot.”

Are there any games on the 2016 schedule that you are getting excited to play already?

“Yeah, there are a couple. Three games I can think of right now. Our third game is against Servite (Sept. 9). I’m really looking forward to that. They have a good quarterback (Tyler Lytle – Colorado commit) there. I like competing against great athletes. We play Antioch this year. They have the best player in the nation in (running back) Najee Harris (Alabama commit). We play a team from Utah, East high. I’m looking forward to those games. Those games will be a good challenge for our team.”

Tuli, thanks for your time today and good luck during fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 74 Tuli Letuligasenoa on the sidelines.

Photo credit: maxpreps.com; De La Salle celebrates a championship.