Why Are Samoans Flocking to The NFL? Watch "60 Minutes" Sunday

HY DO MORE NFL PLAYERS COME FROM A TINY GROUP OF SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS THAN FROM ANY OTHER PLACE IN AMERICA? “60 MINUTES” FINDS OUT – SUNDAY ON CBS 

60 MINUTES goes to American Samoa to find out how a territory with a population less than the capacity of a pro-football stadium sends more players to the NFL than any similarly populated place in America. In fact, boys born to Samoan parents are estimated to be 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than other Americans, reports Scott Pelley in his story to be broadcast Sunday, Jan. 17 (8-9 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The Samoan people tend to be on the larger side and the islands’ six high schools have sent 10 linemen to the NFL in the last five years. One of those 10 NFL linemen who played Samoan high school ball is the Cincinnati Bengals’ Domata Peko, who says Samoans’ speed plays a role as well. “The combination of size and ability and speed, that’s kind of hard to find. Big dudes who can have nimble feet and are able to run and go sideline to sideline,” says Peko. Peko’s teammate, another Samoan named Jonathan Fanene, is a defensive end who proves Peko’s point with his six sacks and a touchdown this season. Says Fanene, “With the talent that we have, we have to take pride of it, especially when you have the opportunity to come to the mainland.”

Fanene’s little, well, not so little, brother, 17-yr.-old Aiulua, is poised to follow in Jonathan’s footsteps. At 6-5 and 280lbs., he’s considering offers from Arizona University and Oregon State. Like many other Samoans, he does a day’s worth of chores before school starts. His father, David, thinks the discipline has a lot to do with his kids’ football success. “That’s how he’s been brought up. Discipline. Obedience should be involved in this house and I am expecting our children to obey us,” Fanene tells Pelley

Jonathan Fanene built his family a palatial home in Samoa with the seven-figure salary his NFL career affords him.

Perhaps the most famous Samoan in the NFL, Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu – born in the U.S. to Samoan parents – says the island is lucky to have the option of football. Beyond a career in the NFL, Samoans have little opportunity beyond the military or work in a tuna canning industry based there that is threatening to pull out soon. “The beautiful thing about football is it’s allowed us to get into education,” says Polamalu. “Football is something that comes naturally to us,” he tells Pelley.

There are currently more than 30 Samoans in the NFL and another 200-plus playing Division 1 college football. There are just 65,000 people living on the islands. “What if there were 120 million Samoans,” wonders Polamalu. “How many Samoans would there then be in the NFL?”

Full Article

Weekend Visit Sways Fehoko

With his family connections, Texas Tech always seemed like the team to beat for Farrington (Honolulu, Hawaii) linebacker V.J Fehoko. After a great visit to Washington, it appeared the Huskies were in a good spot. However, a visit to Lubbock this past weekend has the Red Raiders back on top.

"Texas Tech is definitely the team to beat right now," Fehoko said. "I had a perfect visit, it was just an incredible time. First off, my host was my brother Sam and it was great to see him again. We're really close and growing up, he was like my idol so it was just a great experience to be around him again.

"I love the coaching staff and they were my first offer so they have always been high on my list. I visited unofficially before but this visit was way different. All the coaches were great and never pressured me the entire visit. Other schools I've talked with kind of put on a hard sell to me and tried to get me to commit but that's not really my style and the Tech coaches were just so easy to be around.

"I spent a lot of time with Coach (Mike) Leach along with Coach (Brian) Mitchell, who's my recruiting coach and Coach (Ruffin) McNeil, who's the defensive coordinator. They're all great guys and I have such a great comfort level with them. Coach Mitchell is a family friend and they told me they have big plans for me in that defense so that's exciting to hear."

Being able to see how passionate Texas football is was also eye opening for Fehoko.

"Man, you always hear about how crazy the fans are in Texas and how big football is but to actually see it first hand was incredible," Fehoko said. "The atmosphere was incredible and unlike any place I've ever been and I didn't even go on a game weekend. There were fans coming up to me who knew who I was telling me how bad they wanted me to come to Tech.

"Football is just crazy there and that's what I'm looking for. When you combine how great the coaches were with the environment and being around my brother all weekend, like I said, just a perfect visit and it's going to take a lot to beat out Tech right now."

Despite the A-plus visit, Fehoko said he still plans to take a few more visits before he pulls the trigger.

"I still have Utah State set for [Jan. 15] and Utah for [Jan. 22]," Fehoko said. "Just like I said after my Washington visit, I kind of owe it to myself to take all these visits to make sure I'm doing the right thing. When I commit, it's going to be final and I don't want to have any regrets.

"I believe a man is only as good as his word so you'll never see me commit and then back out. The Tech coaches said to take my time and they would have a spot for me so I'm not worried about waiting too long and not having a ride there. I'll still talk things over with my parents though and see what they have to say. If over the break, I feel like the time is right to commit somewhere, I'll go ahead and do it but as of right now, my plan is to still take those last two visits and maybe even a mid-week visit to Hawaii pretty soon here as well."

Full Article

Mike Iupati 2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report

 

Mike Iupati
6'6, 330 pounds | Guard | Idaho

Awareness: Has very good pre-snap awareness to diagnose where a play is coming from. Needs to sustain his blocks longer. Should stay on his initial man and finish off the block.  Too often Iupati releases his block to work on another defender.

Balance: Rarely gets pushed around at the line of scrimmage. Keeps his shoulders square. Always stays on both feet.

Initial quickness: Gets into position incredibly quickly. Gets from a three-point stance to having his arms up and his legs wide really fluidly. Moves off the line of scrimmage without hesitation. Has the quickness of a Pro Bowl left tackle.

Movement: Iupati has excellent footwork. Has a quick outside step. When he has to, Iupati works upfield quickly. Tends to move around too much instead of staying in his area. Very light on his feet. Works exceptionally well on the second level.

Pass blocking: Picks up stunts against quick ends well. Good help blocker, especially against ends who work to the inside. Has a strong hand punch to jolt defensive linemen.

Pulling: For a player his size, it's surprising just how good Iupati is at pulling. he works really well on the move, working from left to right. Doesn't make missteps. Is best when his target isn't on the move.

Run blocking: Can be dominant on run blocking because of his size and strength. Aggressive off the snap, which helps him get leverage. Could do a better job of keeping his knees bent in run blocking so defenders don't get under his pads. Does a nice job of moving to the side and pushing defenders into the pile to create running lanes. Keeps a good base and doesn't get pushed back.

Size: Possesses great size for the position and has a good build throughout. Isn't just a big, fat offensive lineman. Looks to be in good shape. Has long arms.

Strength: Does nicely off the snap dipping his shoulder and driving into defenders. His functional strength is ready for the NFL. He's strong throughout his torso and has powerful legs. Looking at his frame, he could even get bigger, which is scary considering he's already at 330 pounds.

Technique: Good job as a hand fighter keeping defenders out of his frame. But Iupati has to do a more consistent job with proper hand technique. At times would get complacent and drop his arms. Always keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage at all times unless pulling.

Final word: Although it may have been against somewhat lesser competition, Iupati was arguably the best player on the field in every game he played in 2009. Iupati was a consensus All-American and a finalist for the Outland Trophy as a senior. What Iupati showed throughout the year is that he's the premier senior guard prospect in the nation.

The question about Iupati is where to play him. His footwork, arm length and strength is so good he could probably play left tackle. Iupati could be the next Branden Albert – a solid tackle with little upside. Or he could stick at guard and start from Day 1.

Guards aren't generally taken in the first round, but Iupati could be the exception.

Full Article

Two Stand Out For Quezada

 

Athlete Joshua Quezada (La Habra, Calif./La Habra) has now taken four of his official visits and with one remaining, two schools currently lead the way.
Quezada took his first visit to BYU followed by trips to Utah, Hawaii and Washington.

"We play this Saturday so it's going to be good to get a weekend off and sleep in for a change," Quezada said. "The trips get real tiring but I've loved every one of them. I'm going to take one last trip Dec. 18 to either Fresno State or Arizona and I may try and squeeze in an unofficial visit to San Diego State as well."

Quezada said he loved his recent visit to UW, but still favors the two Mountain West powers.

"Washington was awesome," Quezada said. "I had a great time with the players and really bonded well with the other recruits on the visit. We saw a great game and I like the energy and passion of the coaching staff. Coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) said he thinks I could be another Troy Polamalu for them at safety and said I remind him of Troy since he was coaching at SC when he played there.

"As much as I liked the trip, I still have BYU and Utah at the top for me. I just felt most comfortable there and I'm closest with the coaches. With BYU, I love their offense, it's a lot like our offense at La Habra and it would be an easy adjustment.

"Utah felt like home to me as well and there's a real family environment. I felt that at both schools to be honest. It's going to be a really tough decision for me and I don't have a lot of time left since I'm graduating early but I know I can't go wrong with any of my choices."

Full Article

Will Tukuafu on the Bednarik Watch List

Oregon defensive end Will Tukuafu is one of 55 players on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given to college football's top defensive player.

Tukuafu had already been named to the preseason watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive end.

Tukuafu, who had 7 ½ sacks and 17 ½ tackles for loss last season, is one of nine Pacific-10 Conference players on the 55-man Bednarik list.

The 25-year-old Tukuafu is not only older than most of his teammates, but he also is one of the few married players on the team. He credits much of his success on the field with the support he receives at home from wife Krystal, who he married in February 2008.

"Marriage has been awesome," Tukuafu said. "I have the greatest wife in the world. She helps me so much, more than she probably even knows."

Full Article

Asiata Getting Heavier Load

The trimmed-down senior running back sets his sights on a 1,000-yard season.

Lighter, faster, stronger. That's the way Matt Asiata sees himself heading into the 2009 season for the Utah Utes.

Asiata, expected to carry the Utes' running game this season instead of splitting time with another back as he did in 2008 with Darrell Mack, has dropped 10 to 12 pounds to about 220.

The 5-foot-11 senior has noticed a difference in Utah's early practices.

"I wanted to finish out my senior year good, so I dropped some weight and I feel a lot faster," he said.

While rushing for 1,000 yards is one of his goals, so too is staying on the field.

Asiata, who prepped at Hunter High before attending Snow College for two seasons, has struggled with injuries. In 2007 his highly anticipated debut was cut short just four carries into the season when he broke his leg at Oregon State.

Going into 2008, Asiata was slowed by a foot injury that hindered him most of camp.

He still rushed for 707 yards and 12 touchdowns on 146 carries, but didn't feel as strong as he would have liked early in the season.

"I had that broken bone and it sucked," he said of the first few games. "I just had to get over it, though, think about my family and kids and wife every time I played and just made sure I came to play my game. I want to avoid anything like that this year."

The Utes hope he can stay healthy, too, for a number of reasons. With the graduation of Mack, the Utes are searching for a capable No. 2 running back. Veteran Eddie Wide and redshirt freshman Sausan Shakerin are competing for the spot. Secondly, the Utes have made it clear they will rely on Asiata's running game early in the season to take pressure off the starting quarterback.

"He has stepped up and taken on more of a leadership role," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "He is much quicker and much faster and he's going to get the vast majority of carries."

While Asiata said he's excited to know the team will depend on him, he doesn't mind sharing carries, either.

"Football is still an 11-man game," he said. "I'm going to need Eddie Wide and Shak to back me up, but it's good to be the primary guy. It's a lot of pressure, but it makes me want to perform good every practice and every rep."

Both Asiata and the coaches believe his trimmer shape will help him this year, particularly since the Utes are going to stress a quicker offense. Asiata excelled last year in the "Asiata formation," and is eager to show what he can do so this year, especially if he can stay healthy.

"I'm taking every practice seriously and I can't wait to get out there," he said. "I want to get through fall camp and be ready for Utah State."

Full Article

Molesi Commits to Oregon State

Defensive tackle Thomas Molesi became the fifth member of the 2009 Oceanside High football team to commit to a four-year college after giving an oral commitment to Oregon State on Tuesday.

The 6-foot, 240-pound Molesi joins wide receiver/defensive back Jerry Whittaker, who is headed to Arizona, and linebacker Jake Fely, defensive back Rene Siluano and receiver King Holder, who all committed to San Diego State.

Oceanside coach John Carroll said the Pirates may have as many as three other future NCAA Division I players ---- receiver Devon Taverna, defensive tackle Kenny Galea'i and defensive end Markus Tokoi.

"This is great for our school," Molesi said. "The five guys who have committed, we all grew up together."

Oregon State, coached by former Chargers coach Mike Riley, was 9-4 last season and beat Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl.

The Beavers play a 3-4 defense, something different from Oceanside's 4-4, Molesi said.

"So I'm not sure if I'll be a defensive end or a linebacker," he said. "I'll do whatever it takes to be a Beaver. The Pac-10 is a great conference, one of the best in the country, and Oregon State was one of my dream schools. I've watched them on TV and I like their discipline, the chemistry."

Molesi said San Diego State, which offered the chance to play with his friends, was his second choice.

"I've been in California my whole life," he said. "I really want to experience something different. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. It shows that I stood out in high school and was good in the classroom."

"None of us, though, will rest. The Pirates are good because we work harder than other teams. We know the past doesn't mean a thing. How hard you work, the time an effort you put in, determines who wins championships."

Oceanside has won the last four CIF San Diego Section Division II football championships and five of the last six. The Pirates are 24-1-1 over the last two seasons.

"I'm so happy for these kids," Carroll said. "I'm glad we have some guys staying local, and I'm excited for the others."

Full Article

Pela on the Fast Track

Joape Pela is a 6-foot-2-inch, 300-pound defensive tackle prospect from Foothill Junior College. While growing up Pela was the self-described “Big Man on Campus” and admittedly got a big head, not focusing on what was important throughout his high school years at Mountain View High School in California.

“I wasn’t that smart in high school, I just messed around, partied too much and I paid for it," explained Pela. “I thought I was all that and I could do whatever I wanted and I’d be fine, so I graduated late and I wasn’t able to qualify for Division I football, although I was certainly good enough to play wherever I wanted out of high school.”

Pela got the usual letters, phone calls and visits from coaches early on during the recruiting process. Schools such as BYU, UCLA, Oregon and Boise State were among those showing interest, but everyone soon backed off of him when it was learned that he’d have no chance to qualify.

“That was a tough thing for me and definitely opened my eyes," said Pela. “All I had to do was graduate and get decent grades and I could have gone wherever I wanted out of high school, but I just screwed around and it didn’t happen.”

Like most top-flight non-qualifiers, Pela looked to start up at junior college and hopefully play Division I football afterwards. But unlike most junior college athletes, Pela wasn’t content to spend the normal two years getting his degree and subsequently using up at least two years of his eligibility.

Pela hit the books hard from day one at Foothill Junior College and has not let up. He is now eligible to transfer to a Division I program after just one year of junior college play.

“I’ve taken at least 18 credit hours since I first got here," said Pela. “I had two semesters where I took 20 hours because even though I love Foothill, this isn’t where I want to be. I’m a Division I player and I wanted to get to Division I football as fast as I possibly could.”

Mission accomplished, as Pela is set to graduate early and have four years to play three at whatever Division I program he chooses to transfer to. For Pela it’s been a busy year, but one that he’s reaping the benefits from now that he has many offers to choose from upon his graduation.

“It struck me out of high school that this is for real," said Pela. “Screwing around was over. I needed to get going and I wanted to get going as fast as I possibly could. Now I have some good offers and things are going to work out. It’s hectic, but I’m very glad that I’ve made the decisions to put me where I’m at now and make up for all that lost time in high school.”

Pela’s would-be suitors include BYU, Utah, Arizona State, Oregon, Louisville and Houston. He visited BYU this past week and puts BYU on top of his list along with Utah, Oregon and Arizona State.

Pela enjoyed his visit and could definitely see himself transferring to BYU by the end of the month.

“I felt comfortable there," noted Pela about BYU. “I spent a lot of time with their defensive line coach [Steve] Kaufusi and I really liked him. He’s a very down-to-earth type of guy and someone I’d love to learn from. He’d make me a better player, I know that. I could definitely see myself at BYU.”

Pela is LDS and notes that he is certainly drawn to BYU because of that.

“I’m not into partying anymore. That’s done, in the past," said Pela. “BYU certainly is a place where I could continue to concentrate on what is important, which is not only growing as a football player, but as a person and getting a good education.”

Pela plans on pursuing a degree in kinesiology, and if his class work at Foothill is any indication, Pela should be earning that degree sooner rather than later.

Pela also was made aware of the openings BYU has at the nose tackle position this coming season, and that was certainly something he liked when learning more about BYU.

“I want to play," said Pela. “Just like anyone else, I want to play. I don’t want to use my redshirt year. It was explained to me that I’d have a chance to compete and start right away at BYU, and that’s what you want.”

Pela certainly can play and compete with the best around, which is why so many schools are scrambling for his services at this relatively inopportune time for most schools to allocate a scholarship. So what type of player is Pela?

“I just love to hit, I really love to hit guys and dominate them," explained Pela. “I don’t know what else to say. That’s what I love about football and that is what I’m good at.”

A quick view of Pela’s junior college film shows a player that is lightning quick off the line and that can penetrate an offensive line and demand a double-team, which is an essential attribute for any Division I nose guard or defensive tackle.

Pela also made a visit to the Houston Cougars and liked what they had to offer and will certainly factor them into his final decision. For right now, Pela is just trying to make some last-minute visits to the schools that are pursuing him.

“Louisville wants me to visit this weekend and I might go there, but Oregon and Arizona State are trying to work something out, so we’ll just see what happens," explained Pela. “I understand that it’s hard fitting me in so fast and I know that if I would have waited a year that I could pretty much play wherever I wanted, but I like my options right now. It’s enough for me and playing right away after a year is more important than having more options.

“It’s been a hectic and trying time for me here of late. My father passed away a couple of weeks ago and that was a very tough thing for me. It’s tough and sometimes I wish I could have a little more time, but I know that I’m on the right track and all this is really going to pay off if I just keep on going. I’m very happy with where I’m at right now.”

Pela noted that he could be making his final decision as early as this weekend, but that it won’t be any later than the end of the month. TBS will certainly keep in touch with Pela and report on any developments as they break.

Update: Kyle Whittingham and staff received a pleasant surprise last week with the late commitment of 2009 recruit Joape Pela. Pela, a 6-foot-2 inch, 300 pound defensive tackle from Foothill College (Los Altos, Calif.) adds to what was already a strong class of defensive linemen for the Utes.

Full Article

Blocker Manu Mulitalo Set For Brigham Young

A 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive guard / center prospect, Manu Mulitalo of Granger (West Valley City, Utah) has agreed to sign with BYU's Class of 2010.

He chose the Cougars over offers from Washington State and Navy.



Mulitalo presently plays offensive tackle but lacks the height for the position that we like to see at the major level of competition. A move to guard better suits his physical and athletic abilities. Flashes good explosion and playing strength but must become a more consistent every down player. His lower body flexibility, foot quickness and balance look good; displays explosion and initial quickness coming out of his stance. At times his pad level is too high but shows good playing strength when down blocking or getting to 2nd level defenders; demonstrates he can pull and handle movement in space while playing on his feet. Flashes quick set ability; can slide and play flat footed, will play too tall at times. Possesses strong initial punch but hand placement and extension will need work. As a guard his playing strength and athleticism will serve him well vs. quick power moves. This is a player who must learn to consistently use all the tools available to him; does not play to his full potential, if this happens he could become a more dominant player. Mulitalo will not be an early starter of impact player at the BCS level of competition. A red shirt year will be necessary to develop his full playing potential.

Utes Add Big Body to Class of 2009

Utah has added a Class of 2009 pledge from Joape Pela, a 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle from Mountain View, Calif. / Foothill CC, Calif., over BYU.

Pela will have four years to play three when he arrives in Salt Lake City this Fall after finishing courses at Foothill.