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Brandon Pili Signs as Undrafted Free Agent with Miami Dolphins

Erik-McKinneyby:Erik McKinney04/29/23

ErikTMcKinney

Brandon Pili
USC Trojans defensive lineman Brandon Pili (91) celebrates during a college football game between the Rice Owls and the USC Trojans on September 3, 2022 (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

USC defensive tackle Brandon Pili will get a shot to make an NFL roster. The 6-foot-3, 316-pound Pili signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft.

Pili came to USC as part of a loaded group of offensive and defensive linemen in the 2017 recruiting class. Jay Tufele and Marlon Tuipulotu were the headliners on defense and became NFL draft picks. But the three-star Pili made just as much of an impact early on.

As a true freshman, Pili started twice and played in nine games. He recorded 14 tackles and blocked a field goal on the way to All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.

Pili again started two games in 2018 and played in all 12. He finished the season with 12 tackles, including a sack. He remained a reserve defensive tackle in 2019. Playing in all 13 games, he recorded 18 tackles, three pass deflections and a forced fumble.

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He was expected to be a major contributor in 2021, but he tore his Achilles during spring ball and missed the entire season. Pili was able to return to full speed for the 2022 season and turned in his best year at USC. He played in all 14 games and logged 25 tackles, including a sack against Fresno State.

The Dolphins in the 2023 Draft

Pili now heads to a Dolphins team that did not draft a defensive front-seven player in the 2023 draft. Pili and UCF defensive tackle Anthony Montalvo are the only two reported interior defensive line undrafted free agent signings for Miami at this point.

Pili’s Pro Day Results

Pili participated in every testing drill at USC’s pro day back in March.

40-yard: 5.3

Bench press: 24 reps

Vertical: 29 inches

Shuttle: 4.95

3-cone: 7.69

Broad jump: 8’11”

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