Though it's not uncommon for rookie players to be relied on in starting all 17 games in the NFL, there are those teams who are stacked at a certain position, making it harder for said rookies to get valuable playtime.
That was not the case for Los Angeles Chargers rookie Tuli Tuipulotu, who went from understanding that he could sit behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, to starting in 10 games this season.
Tuipulotu's emergence as a starting linebacker was due to the heavy injuries that the Chargers experienced this entire season. The rookie responded well though, pulling in 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He also had eight tackles for loss and 11 QB hits, which is only behind Mack.
Tuipulotu revealed to Chargers.com, what it was like experiencing his first pro season, especially being called on to start.
"That gave me a good taste of the league," Tuipulotu said about stepping up in his rookie year due to injuries. "When somebody goes down, somebody's coming up.
"I think it just gave me a good taste of what the league is and what could happen," Tuipulotu added.
The old expression of "trial by fire" is certainly true for Tuipulotu, as he had to step in to fill the shoes of the vets who went down. Again, his season stats showcase that the rookie linebacker is poised to have an amazing career.
Even with some good rookie numbers, Tuipulotu understands that the NFL is the next level.
"I think I exceeded my expectations, but I didn't play as well as I could've played," Tuipulotu later added. "I didn't think I was going to play as much this year than I have, but I also think I could've played way better than what I put out this year."
via Tuli Tuipulotu, Chargers.com
The rookie has a huge career ahead of it, and this small sample size should be enough to excite the Chargers.
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