2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

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kapakahi
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2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by kapakahi »

Former Kaimuki HS '24 QB now converted to DT with 4 to play 4.
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Rainbows bring Letuli home to improve defensive line
By Stephen Tsai

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Last year, Iosefa Letuli left Oahu as a multi-skilled quarterback.

This summer, he will return as a physical and athletic defensive lineman for the University of Hawaii football team.

On Thursday, Letuli accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors and will transfer from Brigham Young University. Letuli, who is 6 feet 5 and 255 pounds, projects to compete at the 3-tech tackle (across the outside shoulder of an offensive guard) for the Warriors. He has four seasons of eligibility remaining. A scout said Letuli has pocket-deflating skills comparable to former UH D-end Ikaika Alama-Francis.

“I feel Coach Jeff (Reinebold) is going to do a great job forming me,” Letuli said of Reinebold, who coaches the Warriors’ defensive tackles and nose guards. “I’ll also be at home, where I’ll feel more comfortable with my surroundings and the team. I feel I’ll be able to make an impact.”

Letuli, who was born and reared in Oceanside, Calif., moved with his family to Oahu ahead of his sophomore year at Kaimuki High. He was the Bulldogs’ quarterback for three seasons through his senior year.

“It was great to be able to lead a team, and be somebody the community could look up to,” Letuli said of football career with the Bulldogs. “That’s all I was really trying to do — inspire those younger than me to know they can do it, too.”

Letuli joined BYU last summer as part of the Cougars’ special walk-on program. Although walk-on players are not on scholarship, a name-image-likeness agreement with a collective covers their tuition and school expenses.

During last year’s training camp, BYU coaches decided that Letuli’s frame and projected physical development were best suited for the defensive line. Letuli was used as a defensive end before moving to 3-tech. He redshirted last season.

“The coaches (at BYU) are great, the bonds I made here are great,” Letuli said.

Expressing an interest in returning to Hawaii, Letuli entered the transfer portal. “I miss my family,” he said. “It’ll be a blessing to be around them again. Just the bond we have. We can just sit in a room and enjoy each other’s presence.”

Letuli’s cousin, Laupepa Letuli, was a UH offensive lineman and is now an accomplished musician.

The Warriors have reloaded the interior defensive line through the portal. Earlier, the Warriors signed transfers De’Jon Benton, who previously played at USC and New Mexico; Luther McCoy of Minnesota; and Qwyn Williams of Division II Ohio Dominican.
Last edited by kapakahi on Wed May 14, 2025 9:02 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by BigWave96744 »

Maybe after a few seasons under Sun God he can be like another Kaimuki athlete, Kila Kamalawiwoole, who became a solid DE under JJ
How fast is University of Hawai'i football player Kila Kamakawiwo'ole?

In 16 months, he has sped through four positions.
"I'm used to moving around," said Kamakawiwo'ole, who switched to defensive end during spring practice this week.

At Kaimuki High, Kamakawiwo'ole played wide receiver, defensive back and "everywhere else." Last season, his first at UH, he was a linebacker. But that changed Monday, when he was asked to train with the defensive linemen.

"It's kind of confusing," he said, "and right now, I'm not strong enough." He can bench press 225 pounds 15 times, but would like to increase the repetitions to at least 20.

UH coach June Jones said Kamakawiwo'ole, who will be an 18-year-old redshirt freshman when the season opens Aug. 31, has the frame — 6 feet 2 and 228 pounds — to mature into a skilled defensive end.

"He can run, he's athletic and he's filling out," Jones said. "He has a lot of potential."
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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by Irse »

Maybe add a few pounds and move him to OT. We're in desperate need of offensive linemen.
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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by Palolo_2LA »

Irse wrote: Tue May 06, 2025 6:19 am Maybe add a few pounds and move him to OT. We're in desperate need of offensive linemen.
The coaches will get him into the best spot from talent and needs perspective. It's more difficult to play OL vs DL. Plus, he's been playing on the DL at BYU, so doubt he has any background in blocking.

He's got a great frame, agility and is still growing. He's going to contribute in a few yrs is my assumption.
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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by BigWave96744 »

He was a QB in HS, never played OL or DL and has 1 season of learning DL at BYU. Probably ready to see game time PT next year.

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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by bigislandkurt »

He should be groomed as an offensive tackle!
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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by Duster »

Irse wrote: Tue May 06, 2025 6:19 am Maybe add a few pounds and move him to OT. We're in desperate need of offensive linemen.
Should have good feet. Ilm Manning was listed at 6’4” 250 lb. on 2018 signing day. So can.

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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by 76SOUTH »

His story reminds me of another lightly recruited local boy quarterback (also 6'5) who goes to BYU. Mike Ulufale ( Campbell) went on to be 1st team all WAC DT (ended up with the Dallas Cowboys). I think Letuli has that same potential ( it's up to him to put it the work!).

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Re: 2025 BYU transfer DT Iosefa Letuli commits

Post by Duster »

76SOUTH wrote: Sun May 18, 2025 7:05 am His story reminds me of another lightly recruited local boy quarterback (also 6'5) who goes to BYU. Mike Ulufale ( Campbell) went on to be 1st team all WAC DT (ended up with the Dallas Cowboys). I think Letuli has that same potential ( it's up to him to put it the work!).
Good one. I remember that specific example of HS QB to college DT. And UH recruiting miss. He took it out on UH.

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