Father, Etika, is originally from Tonga. Prepped in Hawaii, where he missed time as a senior because of a dislocated right elbow. Redshirted in 2007. Played all 12 games in ’08, drawing four starts at nose tackle, and recorded 18 tackles, two for loss and one sack with a batted pass. In ’09, started 5-of-8 games played and managed 18-2-1 with an interception. Strained his right MCL against Wake Forest and missed five games. Started all 26 games at defensive end the next two seasons — producing 33-5-4 with two batted passes and two forced fumbles in ’10 and 34-11-3 with four batted passes and a forced fumble in ’11. Graduated. 

Well put together and well-proportioned — has packed on nearly 30 pounds in the last year and pumped 38 bench-press reps. Fights to hold his ground. Good movement skills, balance and body control to redirect. Has a terrific makeup that translates to consistent on-field effort. Low-voltage athletic ability restricts his ceiling, however, as his chase speed leaves something to be desired. Inconsistent pad level and extension and is not an adept hands fighter. Played a variety of techniques. Size, smarts and toughness might fit best with a team employing a hybrid scheme in which he could provide depth at multiple spots.