Lincoln Riley Offers More Praise for Tuli Tuipulotu

Attention this offseason has focused on the new arrivals for the USC Trojans. There’s almost an entirely new coaching staff that helped land more than 30 newcomers via the 2022 recruiting class and transfer portal. Quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver Jordan Addison and linebacker Shane Lee have been in the spotlight since their respective arrivals at USC. But the Trojans return a significant number of players as well. And it’s tough not to root especially hard for the guys who gave their all during a tumultuous 2021 season at USC. One of those players who will likely get an extra loud cheer on Saturday is defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior has been a rock for the USC defense since his arrival as a true freshman in 2020. That year, he started three games and finished with 22 tackles. In 2021, he led the Trojans with 5.5 sacks among his 48 tackles.

Tuipulotu looks poised to lead the USC defense again. He was named a team captain on Tuesday and head coach Lincoln Riley spoke after practice about what he brings to that leadership role.

“I’ve been proud of him,” Riley said. “It’s not within his comfort zone to be extremely vocal and that’s okay. Every leader doesn’t have to be that and some of the more influential leaders can be ones that are a little bit more by action.”

Tuipulotu said he’s found a new confidence in his ability to get vocal as a leader. It’s still not his natural way, but it stands out when it happens.

“He’s picking his spots,” Riley said. “And he’s being more vocal at the right times. He’s kind of the guy on the team, maybe more than anybody, who moves the needle for us as far as a mentality standpoint.”

Tuipulotu’s Consistency Stands Out

In Tuipulotu’s two years at USC, there have been 18 football games played featuring the Trojans. He’s started 15 and played in all 18. His consistency impressed the previous staff and it’s done the same thing with the new one.

“I don’t know if we have a more consistent competitor than that guy,” Riley said. “He brings it every day. He hasn’t missed not one thing, missed not one spring practice, not one rep of fall camp. Never misses anything.”

Tuipulotu was selected a captain along with Williams, Lee and offensive lineman Justin Dedich. Riley said this fall that there are leaders everywhere on this roster. And that’s a big thing for a group of players all either in their first year at USC or their first year under Riley.

But Tuipulotu is one of the guy who stands out.

“You can just tell our guys, our whole football team, feeds off that guy,” Riley said. “He’s vitally important.”

Finding Improvement in His Game

Riley will likely point to a few players on this roster in the coming years as examples of guys who helped set this program on a positive trajectory. Tuipulotu is one of those. He’s a great example of someone who has proven himself as a standout but keeps working.

Riley knows what he’s done already at USC. He said there’s “a huge gap” between what he’s done and what he’s capable of achieving. And so far, Riley has seen improvement.

“One of the great lessons for all of our players in our program, our young players,” Riley said. “The reason he’s improved is he brings it every day and he doesn’t miss anything…When you do that and you bring a good attitude, you are going to get better. And I think he’s gotten a lot better.”