The Husky Haul
Fansided

Washington football lands their second 3-star DL of the week

By Roman Tomashoff

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Washington Huskies Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake poses with teammates and the Apple Cup trophy after defeating the Washington State Cougars 31-13 during their game at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 29: Washington Huskies Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake poses with teammates and the Apple Cup trophy after defeating the Washington State Cougars 31-13 during their game at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Washington football is starting to pick up their recruiting for the class of 2021, and have landed their second defensive line recruit of the cycle!

After not landing any defensive line recruits during the class of 2020, Washington football’s Ikaika Malloe needed to have a big showing for the class of 2021. So far, he’s picked up two outstanding defensive tackles, earning a commitment from Kuao Peihopa earlier this week, and now securing one from East (Utah) High’s Voi Tunuufi! It’s worth noting that East is also the alma mater of current Huskies Taki Taimani and Jordan Lolohea.

Tunuufi is a perfect fit for the Washington defense, with super fast hands and an impressive arsenal of pass rush for a high school defensive tackle. He flies to the football and has a quick, powerful lower half that propels him into the backfield immediately off the snap. At 6’2, 280 pounds, he’s equally impressive on the edge as he is on the interior.

The way defensive tackles are used in Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense, he’ll succeed as a one or three-technique. He could probably even be used as a five, and with his natural athleticism, he’d find a way to succeed as a situational pass rusher early on in his career.

Tunuufi will probably redshirt during his first year on campus, and if he can get up to around 295-300 pounds while retaining his athleticism, he could end up having a very similar career to Levi Onwuzurike. Depending on who else the Huskies take at the position this year, along with how the players in front of him develop, expect him to start making major contributions as a redshirt sophomore.

What’s next?

There’s probably one spot left for a defensive tackle in this class, and it’s strictly reserved for J.T. Tuimoloau. Rumors have started to swirl that Tuimoloau is heavily considering Ohio State, and while the two defensive linemen the Huskies have secured already are incredible players, for as many off-field reasons as on, Washington needs to secure a commitment from JTT.

Congratulations to Voi on his commitment, and we can’t wait to watch him play in purple and gold!

Home/Football Recruiting