NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Siosifa Tufunga, OL, University of Washington

Washington defensive tackle Siosifa Tufunga is a big boy with a mean streak

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner.

What is your name?

Siosifa Vakasiuola Tufunga

What is your Height/Weight?

6’3″ 310 lbs

What is your position?

OL- C/G

Where do you play college football?

University of Washington

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

I went on a study abroad trip to Tahiti twice to help out the people there the sport of football. We ran camps so we can coach them different techniques and stuff like that. It was a great experience.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Astronomy 150

Where are you from?

Long Beach, California

Who is your role model, and why?

My dad, because of his work ethic and how humble he is with everything he does. He’s worked hard to provide for our family and that’s the man I want to be like when I’m older.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Shotput my senior year in high school.

Did you play any other positions in football?

At your position, what separates you from others?

I am a quick learner and my IQ for the game is good. I am a good communicator on the field. I stand my ground pretty well and move guys pretty well.

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

I start with myself and look for the all the mistakes or things I need to work on to get better. With opponents, I watch the guy who’s going to line up in front of me to see his tendencies, what moves he like to use and things like. Then I try to look at the whole defense, with pressures, line games, and things like that.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Lowell Lotulelei-Utah

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

I might have to go with Max Unger because he’s not the strongest but will stand his ground and move guys off the ball. He may be taller but I feel that my game is similar.

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

My family and I moved to Tonga. I dropped out of middle school in Tonga and I moved back to the U.S. to finish school. I didn’t know what to do with my life. I didn’t know how college worked and the recruiting process was like. I began playing football my junior year because my cousin played and then I got offered by University of Washington my senior year and that changed my whole life.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always say a prayer at my locker before we head out to play.

What is your biggest strength?

I’m strong on the inside and can hold my ground. Strong hands once I latch on to someone.

What is your biggest weakness?

Moving my feet against a speed guy and staying square.

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

I will do whatever it takes to help the team in any way to win and become successful throughout the season. I will work my ass off to help out the team.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

I didn’t have a favorite player but my favorite team growing up was the St. Louis Rams.

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

My Dad, grandpa Hoke, and Bob Marley

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Rapid Answers:

Tupac or Biggie?
NFL Network or ESPN?
Coke or Pepsi?
Pizza or Burgers?
Dogs or Cats?

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

Rapid Answers:

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