Stevie Tu’ikolovatu Talks About Pads Day 1
August 1st, 2017
The Bucs’ manbeast seventh-round pick
After playing last season as a space-eating, college run-stuffer measuring an impressive 6-1, 350 pounds, Stevie Tu’ikolovatu is adjusting to the NFL, he explained to Joe yesterday.
Joe talked to Tu’ikolovatu after practice. It was the first time the team donned pads this season — and the first time the seventh-round pick got to handle a professional offensive lineman.
“It was pretty good. I got a lot of things to work on, but overall I did ok,” Tu’ikolovatu said.
“I got a lot to work on. This is a whole different level and I just got to step up to it. Definitely the speed. the strength part is ok but the speed is really there. I just got to keep up.”
No surprise that strength is a non-fact for the man known as “Stevie T,” who was considered NFL-ready in that aspect of his game coming out of Southern California. He also just turned 26, so his man weight and strength is fully developed.
Speed, though? Well, that’s why Stevie T. was a seventh-rounder. He just might not have the burst to make it.
Yesterday wasn’t the best day to judge, though. A very soggy field kept a lot of Bucs from going all out.
“Yeah, they’re just telling us be careful of the slippery surface and just try to prevent injury as best we can,” Tu’ikolovatu said of coaches’ orders in the rain.
Man, Joe sure hopes the Bucs can get some rain-free days in here soon.
And yes, Joe is rooting for Stevie T. Any man playing at that size, who lived at that size in a truck, has Joe’s respect.
August 1st, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Rooting for Stevie T also. Thought I’d read Joe that he slimmed down quite a bit, to a mere 320 lbs or so. Even at that diminished size he’d be a bear to move out of his lane on run plays.
August 1st, 2017 at 12:25 pm
this kid is wide….he should have no problem eating up space for the backers to feast….like joe, im rooting for this kid….GO BUCS!!!!
August 1st, 2017 at 12:32 pm
…….now that’s a big boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 1st, 2017 at 12:52 pm
I think Licht has the formula down for picking kids that have the true desire to be great.. unselfish and driven . This kid looks like he has pushed himself to be in the best shape possible at his size… He could be a long term NT that is key to running a multiple defense … Hoping Stevie T ends up being our version of Vince Wilfork!!
August 1st, 2017 at 1:10 pm
I like his chances to make it it’s either him or Sealver Siliga that will make the 53 man roster as the Buc’s run stuffer so I’d call it a toss up for him to make it.
August 1st, 2017 at 1:15 pm
he just turned 26?!
August 1st, 2017 at 1:16 pm
i am pulling for this guy… one thing for sure with the fragility of our starting DT’s outside of Baker and the fact one (93) gets so worn down, so easily and, so often all our reserve DT’s will see significant playing time.
August 1st, 2017 at 1:58 pm
I had heard nothing about him in a long time. Thanks for the update.
August 1st, 2017 at 2:28 pm
He is a great height/weight for a nose tackle. He will be able to get under the taller NFL lineman. OL want long arms to put hands on DL, but being short means is will be difficult for OG/C to move him.
He could be a “huge” help on short yardage, goal line, and NT depth for a 3-4 alignment.
Not hearing his name doesn’t relate to him not doing well. Names are called out for both splash plays and complete failures in training camp. He is a 7th round NT. There is a large learning curve. Not hearing his name yet is a good thing. There is time and a few pre-season games for him to flash.
August 1st, 2017 at 2:34 pm
Someone should tell him he wasn’t drafted for his speed. Lol. Hard knocks will be all over that story.
August 1st, 2017 at 2:44 pm
I can’t wait to see him in preseason.
August 1st, 2017 at 3:12 pm
Definitely pulling for this guy, thanks for the update Joe.
I look forward to us drafting 1 or 2 DTs next year……..can’t wait.
August 1st, 2017 at 3:31 pm
Wonder if Dirk would use him as a goal line FB?
August 1st, 2017 at 3:35 pm
Vince Wilfork & Casey Hampton were never praised for having had “speed”
All Stevie T needs is to get himself acclimated to his role and be a student of the game and his position.
August 1st, 2017 at 4:15 pm
Wonder if Dirk would use him as a goal line FB?
THAT WOULD BE AWSOME!!!!….after he flattens someone, the commish may make it illegal….lol…GO BUCS!!!!
August 1st, 2017 at 5:42 pm
“I got a lot to work on”. He said that twice?
That tells me he is seeing the difference in the college level and the NFL level.
The kid has a lot of heart. Saw him play when he was with Utah and at USC. He can do it and I am pulling for him to make it.
I agree with you Joe, kid has a lot of heart.
August 1st, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Next year’s draft, the Bucs pick up an right offensive tackle in the 1st, a defensive tackle in the 2nd, and a corner in the third. Don’t worry about a running back as I could run for plus yardage with the other defense worried about the pass. Who should they cover ?
August 1st, 2017 at 8:43 pm
The Bucs have their own “Mr. T”, and I bet he has no issue with practicing.