2010 Combine

[diehardskin2982]

I want to know all the information about Mike Iupati. I think he could play Tackle in the NFL.

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by diehardskin2982

I want to know all the information about Mike Iupati. I think he could play Tackle in the NFL.

Overview
Slipping through the cracks due to questions about his ability to qualify academically after moving to the United States at 14, Iupati quietly signed with Idaho and has since emerged as one of the more intriguing big men in this draft. Iupati, who entered his senior season with only 20 career starts, did not allow a single sack in 2009, earning consensus All-American honors -- the first Vandal to gain such attention since defensive end Ryan Phillips was recognized in 1995.

While all of his 34 career starts have come at left guard, some feel his ultimate pro position could lie outside at offensive tackle or even as a defensive tackle. His unique combination of size, strength and quick feet could be enough to warrant a top 50 selection.

Analysis
Pass blocking: Good initial quickness off the snap. Provides a significant jolt to the defender with his punch. Too high in his pass protection but has the strong hands to latch on to the defender and ride him throughout the play. Good balance and lateral agility to slide with the defender and remain square. Can get himself in trouble with leverage by playing too high. Long arms and great lower strength to lock out. Rarely takes a step back even against a powerful bull rush, but this could be an area of concern against NFL defensive linemen, especially when Iupati fails to move his feet. Has developed into a savvy blocker. Looks to help out his teammates when not covered. Wants to hit someone.

Run Blocking: Can dominate as a run blocker due to his mass and rare upper-body strength. Provides an explosive initial pop that often knocks the defender back. Has to do a better job of latching on, as he'll knock his opponent back only to see him regroup and get back into the play. Very good drive blocker when he plays with leverage and keeps his hands inside. Can physically remove the defender from the hole. Looks to eliminate more than one defender on the play and will release to the second level. Good effort downfield.

Pulling/trapping: Surprisingly agile in getting out and blocking at the second level. Good body control and straight-line speed for a player of his size. Can re-adjust in space to hit the linebacker. Fails to lock onto the defender, at times, preferring to violently shove his target to the ground and look for others.

Initial Quickness: Good initial quickness off the snap in pass protection. Even on the rare occasions when beaten off the snap, his long arms and wide-body make it difficult for defenders (including blitzing linebackers) to sneak through his gap. When beaten by quicker defensive tackles in the running game, has the agility and long arms to catch them as they slide by, typically knocking them down and pancaking them.

Downfield: Intimidating presence on the move. Good athleticism and balance for a man his size and can redirect to make the effective block when he gets close. Will misjudge angles at times, and miss his intended target. When he does so, rather than turn to stand helplessly around the pile, he moves on to the next target. Good effort to block downfield.

Intangibles: Made significant progress over the past two seasons and appears to be just scratching the surface of his potential. Size and athleticism combination enough that some will view him as a better offensive tackle or even defensive tackle prospect. Born in American Samoa and moved to the United States at 14. Began learning English (and football) at that time. Has only played football since high school. Signed with Idaho after bigger programs had concerns about his ability to qualify academically. Voted team captain by his peers for 2009.

2008 Season
Second team All-WAC. Had off-season shoulder surgery … returned to the lineup against Western Michigan … went on to start eight of the 10 games in which he played.

2007 Season
Cemented a starting role last spring and became in impact player on the line for the Vandals … started all 12 games at left guard.

2006 Season
Saw action in a backup role.

2005 Season
Focused on academics as a non-qualifier as English was not his native language.

High School
Graduated from Anaheim's Western High School in 2005 … team captain … earned all-state and all-conference honors … also competed in wrestling and track.

Personal
Son of Belinda and Aposetolo Iupati … born May 12, 1987 in American Samoa … majoring in Justice Studies.

[WaldSkins]

Originally Posted by diehardskin2982

I want to know all the information about Mike Iupati. I think he could play Tackle in the NFL.

He would get too many holding calls on the edge.

[diehardskin2982]

Originally Posted by WaldSkins

He would get too many holding calls on the edge.

this idea is based off of what?

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by diehardskin2982

this idea is based off of what?

from the reports I've read

footwork issues, latches on more than pushes, takes guys on straight up and too high.. good rushers will make him not only latch, but probably pull more

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by diehardskin2982

this idea is based off of what?

Senior Bowl practices and game.