Meet the New Guy: Mike Tuaua

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<td><b>NAME</b></td>

<td>Mike Tuaua</td>

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<td><b>POSITION<span> </span></b></td>

<td>Defensive End</td>

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<td><b>HEIGHT/WEIGHT </b></td>

<td>6'3" / 260lbs.</td>

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<td><b>HOMETOWN</b></td>

<td>Rohnert Park, California<span> </span></td>

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<td><b>Junior College</b></td>

<td><span>Santa Rosa Junior College</span></td>

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<td><b>247 Composite Star Ranking</b><span> </span></td>

<td>Two Star (**)<span> </span></td>

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Another classic find by the coaches. Tuaua played at the same JUCO cornerback Jason Verrett played at and like Verrett did out of Santa Rosa JC, Tuaua will have three years of eligibility. Tuaua has excellent size at defensive end and what's even better is his motor - it never stops. The defensive line is very deep, but Tuaua could see playing time this fall if he picks up the defensive scheme quick enough.

Jeremy Clark, HornedFrogBlitz.com

- A transfer from Santa Rosa Junior College (which is rapidly becoming a TCU pipeline, always a plus in a talented region like California), Tuaua earned a medical redshirt his first year while recovering from a broken leg before putting up 68 tackles, 16 1/2 for a loss and 8 sacks.  It's rare to get three years out of a Juco player, so the Frogs are very lucky here.

- Tuaua put up impressive numbers at Santa Rosa, but I'd wager it's the first clip on Tuaua's hudl highlight video that made Patterson take notice.  On it Tuaua beats the lineman and gets held so the play gets made on the opposite side.  Tuaua fights through the block and pursues all the way downfield to pull down the back from behind.  When people like Jeremy Clark say "high motor" they aren't kidding about Tuaua, and a coach like Patterson loves a big ugly who will chase the ball carrier 20 yards down the field to catch him from behind.

- Tuaua has been clocked at 4.77 in the 40, which isn't a bad time for a dude his size.  Tuaua only started playing football in high school, but still has good instincts and keeps his eyes on the ball at all times, enabling him to get his hands up to tip passes and take excellent angles when pursuing.  Still, he's not going to be able to get by with just the bull rush and the swim in the Big 12, so developing more moves will be key.

- TCU was on this kid early, being the first major program to show interest and that continued interest paid off.  He's of a similar build as Stansly Maponga and has a similar motor, if not the polished array of moves as our recently departed end.  Look for Tuaua to crack the two deep next year and be the favorite of many an educated fan by doing all of the little effort plays that make a difference for a team.