SoCal lineman picks up steam
Offensive lineman/defensive tackle Laupepa “Pepa” Letuli (6-4, 260, 4.9) from Torrance (Calif.) North Torrance really stood out at the adidas camp held UCLA Saturday May 8th and the colleges that were in attendance stood up and took notice.
Letuli displayed toughness and there is no doubt that this young man has a high ceiling.
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Another thing that you love about this guy he is very lean. The potential just oozes out this young man.
Letuli has seen his stock become on a definite upswing. He is definitely a player to keep your eyes on.
“Pepa is a very raw talent who is very athletic for his size,” North Torrance head coach Todd Croce said. “When you look at him, you could never tell he weighs 260.”
“There will be no trouble adding weight,” Croce said. “Pepa is only 17 and he’s still growing.”
“Pepa went to USC’s big man camp a couple of weeks ago,” Croce said. “He was recognized by the staff at the end of the day.”
The amazing thing about Letuli is he has only been playing the game since his freshman season.
“Pepa has tremendous upsides to him,” Croce said. “His potential is unlimited.”
“Pepa has tremendous feet and explosion,” Croce said. “We will give him a chance to play more defensive tackle this season. We are going to let him pin back his ears and let him go.”
Letuli is a well grounded young man who has his priorities in order. “I put the Lord first in everything I do,” Letuli said. “I get all my inspiration, strength and power from the Lord.”
Letuli is a hard worker and is also becoming an outstanding leader for his team. He will be attending the Derrick Deese offensive line camp this coming Saturday being held at El Camino College.
Deese of course played his college ball at USC and played 11 years in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers. He will line up for Tampa Bay this season.
Letuli is getting all the other linemen on his team to join him at the camp.
Letuli benches 300, power cleans 260, squats close to 400 and has recorded a 27-inch vertical jump.
What is Letuli looking for in a school?
“My long term goal is to get drafted,” Letuli said. “I want to go to a school that will teach me the skills to get drafted.”
“Academics are also very important,” Letuli said. “I want to get a good degree. I want to major in health and nutrition.”
UCLA, USC, Oregon, Washington State, Arizona State, Cal, Fresno State and San Jose State are showing interest in Letuli.
Fresno State recently sent Letuli a letter stating that he is on their short list of prospects.