Los Angeles Chargers rookie linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has taken the team by storm, and he has become one of their better players. He is showing why he was a second-round pick in this year's draft, and he is earning all the praise coming his way.
Bolts head coach Brandon Staley spoke about Tuipulotu, and how he has fit in well with the team so far.
"He's got great respect for the game for a young player," Staley said about Tuipulotu. "With young players, you're worried about them being a pro. You hear that [a lot] — learning how to be a pro — well, he's pretty advanced for his age. He's not there yet, but he's pretty advanced for his age. And he's never satisfied."
Per Omar Navarro of Chargers.com
For the year, Tuipulotu has put together a very solid season. He has four sacks and 20 total tackles through eight games, and he continues to get better each week.
His emergence has allowed the Bolts defense to really take off this season, and it has given them another player who can get into the backfield to disrupt things. Tuipulotu has been great at making life tough on opposing offenses, and he gets pressure on teams easily.
“Tuipulotu has the second-most total pressures (29), second-most run stops (14) and best run defense grade (84.3) among all rookie edge rushers who have played at least 20 percent of the snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.”
Per Omar Navarro of Chargers.com
He never takes a snap off, which is something that Staley loves about him. His motor to succeed is in high gear at all times, and it has translated to major success on the field.
"The switch is always on with Tuli. That's his secret," Staley said. "His switch is never off. That's why you're seeing him play like he can. But he did the same thing in college. He led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, played everywhere just like he's playing for us. The respect he has for the game is really rare."
Per Omar Navarro of Chargers.com
If he can continue to perform at such high levels, the Bolts will be in great shape. They are ecstatic with his development this season and are hoping that he can get even better as time goes on.
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