Throughout the next few weeks we’ll be focusing on each player of the 2019 class (those who aren’t enrolled yet, of course) and will talk a little more about who they are, what led them to Washington, and what they hope to bring to the program.
Today we begin with local linebacker, Alphonzo Tuputala of Federal Way High School. The 6-2, 235 lb. inside linebacker committed to Washington back in June, not long after he was first offered by Washington while on campus with his family. One thing about Tuputala is he appreciate the finer things of the 90’s, and he’s a young man who likes to laugh and live in the moment — but he has high aspirations at Washingotn, and in case you missed it, he should have been a four-star prospect. His performance in the Polynesian Bowl was a testament to why Washington made him a priority in 2019.
Here’s some Q and A we had wih him this week:
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a Husky? Had you always felt this was where you wanted to be or had it come on once the recruiting process began?
A: “It actally goes back to when I was young…like in middle school. My cousin is Danny Shelton and we all went to the same church. Also Nate (Kalepo) went to that church too and Danny would come in with his UW gear on and his homework. Then he invited me to come to the games — but he was really representing Washington to us. It was my dream and now I think ‘dang, I’m living it'”
Q: What are your personal goals, in terms of football, at Washington?
A: “I just want to make an impact and help the team. I want to learn as much as I can so that I can be a positive role model and be a blessing to the people around me.”
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: “Mom’s swedish meatballs, and spaghetti.”
Q: And your favorite music?
A: “I like oldies — the 90’s R&B and the late 80’s”
(At this point in the inteview we digressed into a dialogue about Boys to Men, NKOTB, Coolio, Tupac, Bel Biv Devoe, etc. and cool songs from that era)
Q: What about your favorite TV shows?
A: “The Fresh Prince and Martin”
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “Nacho Libre”
(More digression about Jack Black movies and a lot of laughter going on at this point)
Q: Do you have an ideal weight you want to get to when you get to fall camp? Or have you talked about this with Coach Gregory?
A: “I want to be just under 235 — Coach Gregory said around 240 or below, but I want to be at around or just under 235.”
Q: What was it like the day you got that offer?
A: “I was in Coach Pete’s office with my family and then he just said, “Are you ready?”, and my mind was like “Oh, okay so I’m here”, and I Coach Pete started kind of laughing and we all started to laugh — and then what was cool was that we left his office and when we were walking out the whole staff was out there and they were dabbing me and clapping. But then we got out to the car and my family and me just took it in, and we said a prayer.”
Q: Do you think you can win a national title at Washington?
A: “I believe the sky is the limit at Washington. It’s just how Coach Pete handles everything and the foundation he has laid is so strong.”
A few more Tuputala facts:
** He’s the oldest of four siblings; two boys and two girls.
** He wants to major in business or real-estate, but that may change.
** He said he plans to be over to watch some spring ball.
** One of his biggest mentors is Tracy Ford of the Ford Sports Performance training facility in Bellevue. In fact, last week he was shown on video doing four sets of 495.
** Tuputala is Samoan.
UW is about to get blessed with a monster a BEAST. This guy is so humble and hungry. It has been a honor to coach this young man get your money @ATuputala ‼️ #CantCheatTheGrind #FSP #DawgMentality pic.twitter.com/AS4JJJYGyy
— Marcus Abbott (@marcusabbottfsp) February 13, 2019
