Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Felei Tauave, OL, Valdosta State University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Felei Tauave

What is your Height/Weight?

6’3 330

What is your position?

Offensive Guard

Where do you play college football?

Valdosta State University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

None. So I chose to take a Junior college route.

How did you choose your school?

I wasn’t recruit it by Valdosta State at the time. I committed to Humboldt State and ended up didn’t work out for me. Because the O-line coach took a Job from Sacramento State. Later on that day I received a phone call from Coach Richman saying that he’s interested in me. In addition, he offered me a scholarship to play football at VSU and further my education. So I signed with VSU in May 2013.

Where are you from?

Nuuuli, American Samoa

Who is your role model, and why?

I would say my Father because he never fails to get up every morning to go to work and provide for us kids and my mother.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Yes, they told me I look good on film and told me to keep working hard.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Soccer, Basketball.

Did you play any other positions in football?

Center

At your position, what separates you from others?

Hard Work, Toughness.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

Study their Moves, the way they come of the ball. and how they react on double teams, down blocks, reach blocks, and Zone Blocks.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

DT from Winston Salem State

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

Mike Iupati LG for the 49ers because he’s very physical and knows how to dominate his opponent.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Been through a lot growing up as a kid in American Samoa. Seeing my parents struggling everyday trying to provide for my family. So I decided to finish school strong and take junior college route and get a scholarship to play football at the next level. Football was my meal ticket to leave home and come to the mainland to pursue my dreams and provide for my family.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Getting my mind right before the game and pray to God to give me strength and also protect me while I’m going to War on the field.

What is your biggest strength?

Work ethic

What is your biggest weakness?

Can’t sleep good at night because I got a family to feed.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I make sure to never let you down. I will show my hard work to make my dreams in to reality.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Junior Seau / SD Chargers

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Both of my grandparents and My brother Big-Rome