"The Other" Tonga working his way back

[Spaz]

Apparently the good folks at TBS are reporting Tonga is pretty much going to be back, donning the blue & white for the cougars this fall.


Obviously, he provides much-needed depth to the team, and having him & Russell T both on the line makes me think MUCH more favorably about having a few 4-3 sets installed for this year...

[K-dog]

Originally Posted by Spaz

Apparently the good folks at TBS are reporting Tonga is pretty much going to be back, donning the blue & white for the cougars this fall.


Obviously, he provides much-needed depth to the team, and having him & Russell T both on the line makes me think MUCH more favorably about having a few 4-3 sets installed for this year...

He is waaaaaay out of shape. He won't do much this year IMHO.

[Hot Lunch]

Originally Posted by Spaz

Apparently the good folks at TBS are reporting Tonga is pretty much going to be back, donning the blue & white for the cougars this fall.


Obviously, he provides much-needed depth to the team, and having him & Russell T both on the line makes me think MUCH more favorably about having a few 4-3 sets installed for this year...

If, and I say If in the terms of, I will believe it when I see it. He will be backing up RT at nose guard but once again I will believe it when I see it.

[Insensitive PAP]

The thing about Tonga is that he's just a huge dude. He's like Ofa in that he is incredibly big and physically gifted. Whether or not he turns out to be a great football player remains to be seen, but I wouldn't dismiss him for being out of shape. He's just a really big. When he played a couple years ago, he was listed at roughly the same size as Paongo, but when you saw them in person, you'd think Tonga weighed 50 lbs more.

I'm skeptical that he'll be back this year, if ever, but I don't think physical condition will be a problem.

[Flystripper]

Originally Posted by Insensitive PAP

I don't think physical condition will be a problem.

Especially for a down or 2 at a time.

[RockyBalboa]

If he comes back he'll redshirt.

He's major out of shape.

[Hot Lunch]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

If he comes back he'll redshirt.

He's major out of shape.

I think last year will count as his redshirt. He started his clock and it only stops if he goes on mission or enters the service so I am pretty sure that last year will be considered his redshirt year.

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by Hot Lunch

I think last year will count as his redshirt. He started his clock and it only stops if he goes on mission or enters the service so I am pretty sure that last year will be considered his redshirt year.

Ah...well he better get in shape in a hurry then, lol.

Cause as of now he'd be behind Hola and Tialavea at D-Tackle. Probably Afutiti as well, if that's where they line him up,,,,well and if he qualifies and shows up.

[Spaz]

I have no input on his in-shapetitudeness. If he's out of shape, he'll surely be down the depth charts, but like I said, will add some nice depth.

I believe he'll have 3 to play 3, so a RS year isn't an option.


I don't have any personal insights into the likelihood of his return. Just a second-hand reference made by someone on TBS, citing Talo.

Talo reported in the D roundup that he'd spoken (I think) with Matangi himself and that he's got things lined up to get back. I've since heard from a couple of other sources that it seems like it's nearly a done deal - that it amounts, at this point, to Matangi not messing anything up and then he'll be back in the fall.

Take it for what it's worth...

[Spaz]

Also, FWIW, Talo reports Tonga "looks large but not out of shape".


He's clearly exceptionally talented, and once in shape could definitely provide some top-shelf DT play...