NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sione Taufalele, LB, University of Nebraska-Kearney

Sione Taufalele the standout linebacker from the University of Nebraska-Kearney recently sat down with Damond Talbot of Draft Diamonds.
Sione Taufalele the standout linebacker from the University of Nebraska-Kearney recently sat down with Damond Talbot of Draft Diamonds.
  • Name: Sione Taufalele
  • Position: LB
  • College: University of Nebraska-Kearney
  • Height: 6’2
  • Weight: 240
  • Twitter: @finehika11

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

I’m a versatile linebacker that can get things done on and off the field. Special teams are never a problem either. Always willing to put in the work no matter the circumstance.

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

I fell in love with football when I was about 9 years old. I grew up watching the 49ers which is my families team. I would play a lot of street ball with my cousins and friends. Since then it’s always been my dream to be a professional ball player.

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

I’m willing to do whatever it takes for my team to succeed. Whether that’s being a special teams player or having position changes mid-season.

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

World Vision- donations for this cause would be for the support of Tonga. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Chop wood, carry water” This was introduced to me in a Mental Toughness workshop back in my JUCO, College of San Mateo. Coach Tulloch reminded us no matter the circumstances or what level we are at, we are never good enough to stop getting better.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My father, Kalama Taufalele.

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

David Lilly, is undersized for the positions he’s been in, however he’s always getting the job done. Great teammate on and off the field and will always give it his all no matter the cost. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When there are players complaining about work.

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

For me, the hardest moment to overcome is my parents being divorced. I’m happy with where we are now considering my step-parents but the love and support I feel would have been stronger with my real parents together.

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

Kearney is very special because most of the team are players within the state if not a state over. Not too many recruits come from out of state, and that shows you the dog mentality that is instilled in Nebraska. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Hot Cheetos XXtra hot 

What is the best part of football? 

The relationships you build over time. You’re put in a place where everyone is grinding and aiming for the same goal. Along the way you find and build friendships. At some point the football is going to run out of air, however the friendships you built will still be there.

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

I’m lengthy, can fill the holes, can cover the flats and wheels, cause havoc on the special teams. 

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

I would say Isaiah Simmons.

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

Troy Polamalu, My grandparents Soko and Inoke Taufalele. I say Troy because I feel like we have the same personality in that we’re both quiet and laid back, but very loud on the field. And being another Pacific Islander, it would be great to talk culture with Troy. I choose my grandparents because I never met them before they were sent to a better place. I’ve heard great stories about them and the hard work they put in to have all 10 of their kids live a better life.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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