17 for '17: Marlon Tuipulotu
Our countdown of USC’s most intriguing players to watch in spring practice continues. Note: This is a list of guys who have the most to gain and are best positioned to do so.
For each player, we examine the depth chart, back story, outlook, key questions and how their role could swing in spring.
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8. MARLON TUIPULOTU
Profile: 6-3, 295, freshman
Current pecking order: He begins at the bottom but with a chance to impress amid open competition at defensive tackle.
Background: Tuipulotu had been committed to Washington for about nine months when he announced he was going to USC and would be enrolling immediately. The coaching staff stayed on him throughout the process and landed arguably its biggest prospect in the early part of the Clay Helton era. It’s no secret how badly the Trojans need quality down linemen. Tuipulotu completed the necessary coursework just in time to be eligible for spring practice. The 17-year-old will be thrown right into the fire as USC seeks out a run stuffer who can draw a double team in a manner similar to Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.
Outlook: Unlike with most true freshmen, getting practice reps shouldn’t be a problem for Tuipulotu. He’ll have the opportunity to go as far and as fast as he’s ready to. All newcomers are raw to some degree, so there will obviously be a learning curve as he learns the defense and a new set of techniques. The transition for a defensive lineman is never an easy one. But his high school film reflects someone who might be ready to make an impact sooner rather than later. He’s listed at the exact same height and weight as fellow tackle Kenny Bigelow (and five pounds heavier than Josh Fatu. He’s also the cousin of former USC defensive tackle Fili Moala.) Tuipulotu really has nothing to lose and yet a whole lot to gain over the next six weeks. Moreover, how he and those around him develop this offseason could determine how often DC Clancy Pendergast employs three down linemen.
Key questions: How will he adjust to college ball? What’s his motor like and how physical is he? How soon can he take the field and make an impact?
Swing potential: His best-case scenario would be practicing his way out of a redshirt and establishing himself in the rotation. At worst, he’ll be in about the same position in training camp.
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17 FOR '17
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