Tinilau may be a developmental prospect but nobody will question his toughness after 2022 season
Questioning three-star Miami offensive tackle commit Frankie Tinilau’s skills and talents are fair game in the eyes of his coach at Miami La Salle, Helder Valle. But questioning his toughness certainly isn’t up for debate.
After coming to the United States from Australia, Tinilau played through a broken thumb and with a cast on his hand this season while adjusting from his rugby background to his football future. Valle said Tinilau’s work ethic and mentality is a testament to his overall toughness which compliments the size, length and athletic ability to play at the next level at Miami.
“He has the nastiness in him, and I think he has more because I think he has to prove, him being an international kid, that he can play the sport,” Valle said. “He missed missed two games, and I think it hurt him a little. But he did everything possible to be on the field. I think he was dominant at his position. He played with a cast, and he didn’t miss a beat.”
Schematically, any time La Salle needed a first down, the team ran right behind their left tackle and allowed Tinilau to push the pile. Valle made Tinilau the centerpiece of La Salle’s rushing attack as an offensive lineman, and Tinilau filled in at nose guard at times.
However, Valle said the biggest challenge for Tinilau at Miami will be adjusting to the speed of the Power Five level.
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“It’s always hard to tell (how he’ll adjust to the college level) when it comes to the transition of the speed of the game and all,” Valle said. “Normally how coaches will do it, coaches won’t put him in there to play right then and there. I think he will (receive playing time) one day, but I think you have to gain the trust of the coach first.
“I don’t think his ability is the reason why he doesn’t play. I just think it’s more about the speed of the game. The checks, the down blocks, the sliding protections.”
Valle said he thinks Tinilau will become a successful player thanks in part to his relationship with Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal, who has primarily handled his recruitment. He added Tinilau has a 6-foot-10 wingspan.
Tinilau is expected to be a Summer 2023 enrollee.
CANESPORT’S TAKE
Tinilau embodies the heart and toughness Miami coaches can only hope to instill in their athletes, and he has the length and size to match. He is Miami’s lowest-rated commit at three stars and with a player rating of 84.33, but the Canes may have found a diamond in the rough in their backyard. By taking a few project recruits in this class, Miami coaches are showing a willingness to invest in development of players with potential.
