The USC Trojans historically have been known for their great defensive players in the NFL, and it seems that they may have another one. This time it comes in the form of a second-round pick that happened to stay in the city of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Chargers insider Daniel Popper of The Athletic believes that former USC Trojans defenseman Tuli Tuipulotu could end up winning a major award this year for his performance.
“Tuipulotu will be named Defensive Rookie of the Year: By the end of the season, Tuipulotu has a strong chance of distancing himself as the best defensive player in his class.”
Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic
This would be a major honor for Tuipulotu and the Trojans program. USC has become known for its offensive players in recent years, so his winning this award could go a long way.
The Trojans loved having Tuipulotu on the team last season, and he is showing exactly why he was a second-round pick in the draft this season. His dominance on the defensive line has helped the Chargers defense become scary over the last few weeks, and he seems to be getting more comfortable as time has gone on.
It can take a minute for players to learn the speed of the NFL, but it seems Tuipulotu has been getting the hang of it all. On the year, he has 27 total tackles and four sacks for the Bolts, showing a strong first half to his rookie year.
If he can make a push for an even better second half of the year, the award could be his. He has gotten better as time has gone on, and having some All-Pro defensive players like Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack around him surely has helped things.
“This is more of a projection, as Tuipilotu’s best football this season is likely still in front of him. Cornerbacks and edge rushers typically win this award. Only one non-cornerback or edge rusher has won the award since 2015: the Indianapolis Colts’ Shaquille Leonard in 2018. Tuipulotu is fifth in BetMGM’s DROY odds, trailing Carter, Seattle Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon, Lions safety Brian Branch and Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson. He should move up that board in the coming weeks.”
Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic
The former Trojan has been lighting things up in the NFL, and the entire USC fanbase will be rooting for him the rest of the way.
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