Will Ta'ufo'ou
by chase17 on Apr 29, 2009 10:06 PM CDT
61 comments
When people started talking about how good this guy was I didn't believe him. But, after hearing it from multiple sources and having nothing better to do, I decided to YouTube him. Suprised I even got any hits being that he was a FB, I noticed how light on his feet he was and how he was juking people out. Not only was he an effective run-blocker and receiver, he also layed some monstor blocks on people, he was putting people on their backs. After seeing this I'm going to be really depresed if the Bears keep McKie over this guy, not only is he good but he has a way better FB name which is probably the most important thing. Plus, according to his teammates he seems to be a real hard worker and a team leader.(See Video 3)
Highlights:
via www.dailycal.org
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How the HELL do you pronounce his name?
And will they put the apostrophes on his jersey?
by GallopingGhost on Apr 29, 2009 10:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know, but they say it in the third video.
Plus, I hope they put the apostrophes on the jersey that would look legit.
by chase17 on Apr 29, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read
it’s pronounced “tau-FOE-oh,” but who knows.
And I have a Q now.. are they really apostrophes? Or are they supposed to be accents?
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by HoneyBear on Apr 29, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apostrophes
He’ll be of South Sea Island descent, probably Tongan or Samoan, going by the surname. You see a lot of them in top-level rugby… naturally big and athletic, love to hit, skilled with the ball in hand. Surprised there aren’t more in gridiron, really.
by Spongie on Apr 30, 2009 6:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way, man
the NFL is littered with guys of Polynesian descent. but i know what you mean. It should be roughly the equivalent of black and white players. I think another 5 to 10 years from now they are gonna be about even.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 30, 2009 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We signed another Polynesian
Johan Asiata 6’4" 310#. His college coach called him the strongest player he’s ever seen a fitness guru. The Bears plan to try him at guard.
by luckie815 on Apr 30, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How was this guy NOT drafted?
I mean… when I look at the prospect rankings at FB on various sites… he’s not even listed? Are you kidding me? This guy’s friggin awesome!
5’11" 253, and he’s all over the field making big plays! Jason McKie is 5’11" 245… and makes about 3 big plays a year.
I have visions of Le’Ron McClain, in a Bears jersey.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 29, 2009 10:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not only that but
He levels guys from sub-par teams (WSU and MSU) and holds his own or even knocks down guys on legit NFL caliber players (USC) so that is a great sign. Here’s hoping he makes it over McKie.
by GallopingGhost on Apr 29, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thos 8 pounds
make all the difference
If you want to crown em...
by JohnnyTruant on Apr 29, 2009 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mel "The Hair" Kiper
had him as his #2 senior FB. That’s what the 3rd video said. Fullbacks don’t get drafted often. Unfortunately they are viewed as a part time position. Personally, I love the position. When a FB is in the game, you can bet that his assignment is crucial to the success of the play. My brother was an excellent FB at Murray St. (all conference and offensive MVP) years ago and it was the position I played (I sucked) as well. Point being, I have always believed a great FB can make a HUGE difference to the success of the team. Just look at most successful teams, 80’s niners Tom Rathman, 80’s Bears Suey, 90’s cowboys Johnston (one of few boys’ I’ve liked), 70’s dolphins Csonka, and these guys just scratch the surface. I really should temper my excitement for Ta’ufo’ou. As you can tell, I am not doing a good job of that.
by rdent4hof on Apr 30, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Suhey blocking for Walter Payton, then Brad Muster blocking for Neal Anderson. Those were the days.
by Spongie on Apr 30, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fullbacks are like kickers and punters, only worse
unless they’re truly special and unless your team is hard up for one, there is little reason to draft one.
they’re “worse” than kickers because so few teams even use one anymore.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett
by tyger1147 on Apr 30, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carolina did
Tony Fiametta from Syracuse. He’s a beast. He’s from my hometown area so they had all this stuff about him in the papers.
by McRipper on Apr 30, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard alot about him
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers use a rushing attack similar to Baltimore’s
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 30, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Panthers
already had a great running attack and now it looks to have gotten better. TF had a great combine and he was considered the best FB in the draft. I don’t know why teams don’t utilize the FB more. They could be huge parts of an offense.
by McRipper on Apr 30, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping...
… Chicago would draft him. Though I have zero complaints, with Ta’ufo’ou.
by rdent4hof on Apr 30, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure they have three FB's now
which is pretty absurd.
I am like your Dan Aykroyd and biglow would be Jane, the ignorant slut. -Chad
by thecoolest on May 2, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Bears have proven..
… you can get by with half a FB.
by rdent4hof on May 3, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If...
All you ever want is half a yard you only need half a fullback…
Unfortunately, they use him when they need a FULL yard.
by sabbath999 on May 4, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
M'eh
If this guy puts his head down and goes for the legs that much at the Pro level he’s going to render himself useless. That can be coached out of him, though. Curb your enthusiasm, Jason McKie at this level would absolutely dominate. That’s the harsh reality. I like the gusto, though.
by uli on May 1, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me add...
that I think the guy’s raw skills are good but when you look at college highlight tapes you have to just sit back and use your brain- most veteran NFL fullbacks could come into those situations and really do some damage. He’s got a lot of upside, though, and I’m glad they brought him in. He looks like he has the right kind of attitude to make a difference. I though my initial post was a twee too negative.
by uli on May 1, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you,
I’m a little biased towards FB’s, as it was one of the positions I played from 4th grade through High School. I love the position, on almost every play, the FB gets to build up a 3-5 step head of steam and unload on somebody whether he has the ball or not. That’s what one of the things that football is all about IMO.
I agree, if McKie went back to the college level, McKie naysayers pick your conference, he would absolutely be blowing people up. Now, I know some people here might jump on me for supporting McKie, but he has been a very serviceable FB. Plus I don’t blame him for those FB dives last years. Everybody in the world knew they were coming, he was playing with an injury, and our o-line got no push last year in the run game.
Also good call about Ta’ufo’ou going low. He was getting away with that in college because it looks like his athleticism was better than those around him. In the pros everybody has elite athleticism. His mechanics, which are coach-able, will need to improve a lot. Still, I like what I see in him. It would be exciting to have a truly dominating FB.
by Fridge72 on May 2, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked their RB too
Shane Vereen, he’s a really nice guy too, check out his Facebook http://www.facebook.com/people/Shane-Vereen/744303493
If you want to crown em...
by JohnnyTruant on Apr 30, 2009 12:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"Hefney making the stop"????????
I’m pretty sure Ta’ufo’ou hit Hefney ALOT harder than Hefney hit Ta’ufo’ou
"The phone's for you, I think it's the Devil."
by Acreman20 on Apr 30, 2009 4:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never been a big fan of McKie, the Bears need a block 1st FB, someone that will get in your chest and knock you around, I hope this kid can stick
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Apr 30, 2009 10:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That guy looks great.
I hope he does beat out McKie it might cause all of us to look forward to the full back dive instead of dreading it. Not to mention McKie cannot block like that, I could see him and Forte becoming best friends.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Apr 30, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, thats what I said about the FB dive
in the post written about Ta’ufo’uo a few days back. Lol, but yeah this kid looks pretty darn good. This might be the most heated position battle in camp.
"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. "---George S. Halas
by Halas is God!!!!! on Apr 30, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very impressive for a FB...
Reads the play very well and holds his assignments. Also appears to be very quick and agile on his feet which gives you another legit receiving threat out of the backfield, and if you notice he’s always falling forwards when he gets tackled on FB dive or on any reception which is great for getting that extra yard or two when you really need it. The guy looks very tough and he probably wouldn’t be out of place playing linebacker with his athleticism. All in all appears to be a great addition to camp and I hope he gets a chance (Mckie has gotten plenty and I’m sick of him).
"One time I went to a social gathering, I brought a bottle of Tanqueray and a shotgun and showed those motherf&#@ers the best time they ever had!"- Kenny Powers (Eastbound and Down)
"Why give 100% when 35 can still get you paid and laid."- Kenny Powers
by gridiron_assassin on Apr 30, 2009 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he looks real good
he stays on his blocks, then he goes down field and looks for more people to block. And it seems like you said he knows his assignment, hes always blocking the right person to maximize the play.
"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. "---George S. Halas
by Halas is God!!!!! on Apr 30, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see him taking two guys out on one play on that youtube video
I watched the Matt Forte highlights video, and noticed that most of Forte’s big runs came in singleback formation. And, when a fullback was on the field (McKie or Davis), usually in short yardage, sometimes the FB made the key block, and sometimes he didn’t. Which is to be expected. But there was nothing extraordinary… didn’t really see our FBs get to the second level.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
by SackMan on Apr 30, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
I agree with everything, except the last sentence a little. Curious about the third sentence though. I mostly agree with the statement, might be a little short for pass coverage, just curious if you have read anything that makes you think they would consider him at LB?
by Fridge72 on May 1, 2009 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not saying they're going to make him a linebacker...
Nor am I saying he could actually play linebacker. I was just commenting on the fact that he looks to be very athletic (especially for a fullback) and has the size of a linebacker and the same willingness to hit people.
"One time I went to a social gathering, I brought a bottle of Tanqueray and a shotgun and showed those motherf&#@ers the best time they ever had!"- Kenny Powers (Eastbound and Down)
"Why give 100% when 35 can still get you paid and laid."- Kenny Powers
by gridiron_assassin on May 1, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is what one ESPN Chicago Blogger thinks:
by GallopingGhost on Apr 30, 2009 2:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
this guy looks awesome. he’s a triple threat with passing, running, and most importantly, blocking. I could see him and forte forming a better duo than LT and lorenzo neal.
by Nih1lus on Apr 30, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
60/40 chance?
I think he has an advantage over McKie because of his youth, and seemingly better speed.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
by propheteer on Apr 30, 2009 10:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope he starts
Right away. He is a Bear hust by the way he plays…
by Bearsguy34 on Apr 30, 2009 11:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, this guy was completely off my radar.
He looks great, I especially liked that third video. He was standing up D-linemen and when he runs the ball he looks a little Mike Alstott-ish. In my opinion, Mike Alstott was one of the best FB’s of all time, though he frequently lined up as the featured back. He was drafted as a FB and was one of the most exiting NFL players to watch in my lifetime. IMO.
by Fridge72 on Apr 30, 2009 11:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Here,
Some videos if anyone would like to compare.
The best FB (hybrid) of all time, not including Matt Suey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFWtdfM332I
by Fridge72 on May 1, 2009 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alstott
the only reason I went to bucs games. That man was awesome.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 6:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's really the most unheralded, underrated player in the history of the NFL
he has to be in the top 5 category of power runners. the combination of power, agility, and quickness was just amazing.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 6:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed...
the guy is so unheralded that when he had his jersey retiring ceremony last season for the Bucs. they spelled his last name wrong.
Look at the yellow jersey:
http://www.bucem.com/2008/10/21/639205/mike-alstott-tribute-retir
by chase17 on May 1, 2009 6:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops
Considering all he was for that franchise, that’s a little sad.
by Fridge72 on May 1, 2009 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, they did it on purpose.
I saw it on the bucs pregame show(I live in orlando, the bucs have their very own two hour pregame show) the story is when he was a rookie, they had his name mispelled that way for the first few games the season.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 8:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember John Madden
describing an Alstott run. To paraphrase: something like “there goes a big man, rumblin, bumblin, stumblin, to the endzone.”
I was lucky, I was aware of and watched Alstott’s career from college to retirement from the NFL.
by Fridge72 on May 1, 2009 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will Ta'ufo'ou
I got to see him play quite a bit in high school and a few times as college player. He was not highly recruited out of high school but made a pretty good career at Cal. He was able to handle going from being the guy who gets the ball most of the time in HS, to being the guy who rarely gets the ball in college without much problem, so ego is not a problem. The guy knows what his role is, block and maybe catch a ball once in a while, and once again being snubbed (like after HS), so he has something to prove. If the Bears are going to keep a FB, this guy brings more to the party than McKie does.
by lookingdeadred on May 1, 2009 8:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm...
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHOA!
That’s grounds for internet violation. Turn off your router, then toss it in the street. eventually a passing vehicle will take care of the rest.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WWDD?
You forgot to tell me to jump into traffic, too.
by lookingdeadred on May 2, 2009 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, I wouldn't say that dude
you can stay your router definitely needs to go :)
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 2, 2009 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blasphemy
"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. "---George S. Halas
by Halas is God!!!!! on May 4, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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