Teitum Tuioti Sees Improvement in Oregon Run Defense Ahead of Game 1
Despite arriving as a three-star recruit, Oregon outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti was a key contributor as a true freshman in 2023. Now entering 2024, he’s aiming to improve his run defense among other things.
He’s part of a room bursting at the seams with talent alongside Matayo Uiagalelei, Jordan Burch and Blake Purchase among others.
Tuioti met with reporters in Eugene following Tuesday’s practice to share his thoughts ahead of Oregon’s season-opener against Idaho. Below you’ll find the transcription of key quotes as well as some analysis.
Question: What’s it feel like to finally get the season underway and hit somebody else?
Tuioti: “I think we’re all excited. It’s been a minute since we went against a different team, so I think we’re ready. We’re gonna do our best. We’re gonna try and set the tone for this year.”
Question: What do you miss the most about game prep?
Tuioti: “Game prep, I would just say the feeling of—kind of just having that knowing that you’re going against another team other than your own team. I think just the excitement, the buildup and everything.”
Question: What have you guys looked at so far with Idaho and how do you feel like you guys can take advantage this weekend?
Tuioti: “I think that we have a good feel for Idaho. I think that the coaches did a good job with the install and allowing us to be able to play fast. I think we feel good and I think we’re gonna be ready to play.”
Question: They lost a lot of skill guys, but their offensive line four guys are back. How helpful was it to be able to look at film where those guys are coming back?
Tuioti: “Film, it was good being able to watch last year, this year’s spring game. They got a strong returning group. We’re excited to go against them and just do what we do.”
Question: What will be success for you personally, for the group to feel like you guys went out and did what you were looking to do?
Tuioti: “I think all of us we just want to show the world that we’re one of the best groups in the nation. Us in the EDGE room we got depth and we’re ready to show everyone that we can play ball.”
Question: What do you think the biggest improvement for the team as a whole during fall camp, what do you think is that?
Tuioti: “Defensively I would say communication, just being on the same page, that’s one thing that we continue to work on. Then just being able to stop the run. I think that we’ve been able to do that much better during the fall.”
Torres’ Take
I for one did not expect Tuioti to have the year he did as a true freshman. He wasn’t a big-time recruit and kind of flew under the radar leading up to the season. But the 6-foot-3, 255-pound outside backer carved out a significant role and logged 30 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 1 pass breakup.
Entering his second year with the Ducks, he looks poised to take another leap forward. Rotating players along the front seven was key to Oregon’s success as a defense and that should continue once again. Expect to see plenty of Tuioti in 2024.
