2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sione Tupou, LB, Texas State University

• Name: Sione Tupou
• Position: ILB
• College: Texas State University
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 245
• Twitter: @Sione_t32
• Instagram: @Stupou5

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

I consider myself a worthy prospect as a linebacker in the 2023 draft because of my experience and productivity at two different FBS schools.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I have been interested in football since the age of 6. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams should know that I am a natural leader, extremely hard-working, and a smart person on and off the field. I have my bachelors in Kinesiology and a master’s in management of technical education. My football IQ sets me apart and puts me in the right place at the right time while doing my job in order for the team succeeds. I am an old-school linebacker that has played in the new-school football world with value in stopping the run game. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to the March of Dimes.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I was given was to always take pride in what you do- you never know who will be watching, who you might impress, and when that may pay off down the road. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was Junior Seau.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

The most underrated teammate at my school was a kid by the name of Kylar Cooks. He was kind to everyone at the football facility and always had a smile on his face. He was someone that everyone was friends with and could seek comfort with. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve would be drivers that don’t use their blinker. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

The hardest moment in my life that I have overcame was three shoulder surgeries. I came back every time to play the sport that I love despite the setbacks. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Texas State is special to me because it is rich in tradition with electric support from the fans. They also took a chance on me amidst everything that happened during covid. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack would be dried mango.

What is the best part of football? 

The best part about football is being able to compete, make big plays, and being able to hit somebody without consequences.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

My name is Sione Tupou and I bring natural skills, unmatched work ethics, and a high IQ to the table.  

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

I would compare my NFL skills to Zach Thomas as an old-school prototype. I don’t see myself in any current NFL players. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

If I could have dinner with any three people it would be Bob Marley, The Rock, and Adam Sandler.