Who is Stevie Tu’ikolovatu?

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With the Buccaneers final pick, Tampa decided to go big, and when I mean big, they went BIG! They drafted Stevie Tu’ikolovatu. He is a 6’1 and 330 pounds mad man! Stevie has had a very interesting life, to say the least. Stevie started his college career as a walk-on in 2009 at Utah University. After his redshirt season, Stevie decided to leave for two years to go on a mission trip in the Philippines.

 

In 2013 Stevie rejoined the Utes on a scholarship, but his season was cut short sadly with a foot injury. Stevie was determined to make it to the NFL and came back strong in 2014. He played a limited role in 2014 and finished the season with 8 tackles, one for loss. In 2015 his final season at Utah he had a more predominant role. Stevie was second in FBS with 4 fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown. He finished the season with 28 tackles with 6 of them for loss, and also had 2 sacks, and 4 FR.

 

In 2016 Stevie transferred to USC after he graduated from Utah, so he could have more playing time. Stevie actually lived in his car not far from the USC campus until he finally received housing benefits by NCAA. This man was dedicated to play football and get into the NFL. 2016 was by far his best season in his career. He made second-team All-Conference and finished the season with 53 tackles, two going for a loss, and half a sack.

 

All of his hard work has earned him a chance at his dream thanks to the Buccaneers. He will be fighting for a rotation spot next with Big Man Chris Baker. He is big enough to take on double teams and open holes for our linebackers to come right on in. He does sometimes allow the centers to get under his pads when he gets fatigued. So he has some things to learn but I have faith that Mike Smith can turn him into an ELITE run stuffer! Welcome to the team Stevie Tu’ikolovatu! LET’S GET TO WORK!

 

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