2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Hale Motu’apuaka, DT, Utah State

 Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Hale Motu’apuaka, #8
School (Code)	UTST
DOB, Class Yr	04/11/2000
Height, Weight	6010, 301
40 Yd Dash	N/A
Position/Depth	DT, #1
Honors/Captainship	2023 All-Mountain West Honorable Mention
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	@COAF, CAFR, @CASJ, @NMUN
Scout Name / Date	Ryan Vidales 02/28/24

Per Year Stats

2023	12 GP (12 GS), 32 Tkls, 5.5 TFL, 3.0 Sks
2022	12 GP (12 GS), 35 Tkls, 8.0 TFL, 5.0 Sks
2021	14 GP (14 GS), 26 Tkls, 8.0 TFL, 2.5 Sks
2020	6 GP (2 GS), 8 Tkls, 2.5 TFL
2019	12 GP, 13 Tkls, 0.5 TFL
2018	2 GP (Redshirt Year)

Player Summary:

Hale Motu’apuaka is a sixth-year Defensive Tackle with an athletic 300-lb frame, a formidable upper half, and a robust, sturdy lower half. Played in 58 games in six seasons, which ranks him second in all-time appearances in Utah State history. Started 38 straight games from 2021-2023 to round out his USU career. Operated from multiple techniques across the Aggies’ defensive front including the 0, 1, 2i, 3, 4i, 4, 5, and 7. 

Motu’apuaka explodes off the ball with favorable leverage, using his truncated COG to maintain a low pad level at the get-off. Abrupt & decisive initial quickness allows him to beat IOL off the ball and thwart trap, power, and counter blocks from the backside guard & tackle. Works with advantageous body quickness to cross face when slanting down the LOS. Engages with heavy 10” hands and a stout power base to sustain optimal gap control in the run game. Absorbent balance/body control and pliable ankle flexibility to strain & stay upright against double teams. Keen block awareness to establish a base and dip his inside shoulder (or extend a long arm) when adjusting to combo blocks. Displays consistent control of the POA when locked up in 1-on-1 matchups. Does not have the longest arms (3168) but he maximizes his length to hold his position at the POA. Keeps his eyes up to peek into the backfield and locate the ball before it breaks across the LOS. Keeps his shoulders square while scraping down the LOS and uses capable lateral agility to string out runs toward the sideline. Defeats cut blocks with forceful hands to press offensive linemen into the ground. Boasts acute awareness and play recognition to sniff out draws and slip screens before they develop. Flashes a dependable swim move and a decent push-pull move to win 1-on-1s on his way to the quarterback. Exhibits subtle twitch to force offensive lineman to open up their gates. Provides the necessary speed and lower-body flexibility to bend the edge and get around the arc on twist stunts. Appears to lack a clear plan when rushing the passer and has a limited set of pass-rush moves to push the pocket. Only eclipsed the five-sack mark once in his six collegiate seasons.

Scheme Fit:

3T Defensive Tackle who prioritizes gap discipline in the run game. Also presents the hand use, power base, and contact balance to play head up in the 4T.

Power Statement:

Motu’apuaka’s stable power base, dynamic use of hands, swift initial quickness, flexible lowers, and heady awareness help him stay gap sound as a primary run defender. He has some pass-rushing limitations that will need to be addressed at the next level, but his athletic profile, instincts, and run-stopping capabilities are still worth the early investment.

Additionally, Motu’apuaka’s strong performance in the 2024 Hula Bowl (3 Tkls, 2.0 TFL, and 1 FR) solidified his projection as a draft-worthy defensive piece in the backend of the NFL Draft.