DEFENSIVE TACKLE
2022 Players not returning: Tui Aiono (Transferred to Idaho), Tavian Coleman (Transferred to Texas State), Johnson Hansen (Transfer Portal), Phill Paea (Transferred to Oklahoma), Aurion Peoples (Transfer Portal)
2023 post-spring ball attrition: Nikita luferov (Transfer Portal), Fale Mosley (Transfer Portal)
Returning players: Bo Maile, Hale Motu’apuaka, Adam Tomczyk, Seni Tuiaki, Poukesi Vakauta
New Faces in 2023:
Justice Ena 6’4″ 280 (247 2*) – Sky View HS, UT
2019 (Sr.) Stats: 62 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks
2018 (Jr.) Stats: 29 tackles 3.0 tackles-for-loss 3.0 sacks
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://247sports.com/Player/Justice-Ena-46097095/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12972420/Justice-Ena
K’Leyone Iosua 6’4″ 295 (NR) – Skyridge HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2021 (Sr.) Stats: Started on the offensive line in all 13 games; 5 tackles 3.0 tackles-for-loss 0.5 sacks
2020 (Jr.) Stats: Saw action in all 13 games
2019 (So.) Stats: Started on the offensive line in all 9 games; 10 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sack
2018 (Fr.) Stats: Started on the offensive line in all 10 games
Offers from: Black Hills St, Eastern New Mexico, Fort Hays St, Highland CC
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11532863/KLeyone-Iosua
Siaosi (George) Lauhingoa 6’3″ 295 (NR) – Independence CC, KS – (3 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 13 tackles 2.5 tackles-for-loss 1.5 sacks
2021 (Fr.) Stats: Stats Unavailable
2020 (Fr.) Stats: Did not see any action
Offers from: None
Original offers from: New Mexico, Utah State
Primary Recruiter: Tevita Finau
https://247sports.com/player/siaosi-lauhingoa-46043231/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9896490/Siaosi-George-Lauhingoa
Vaughn Mamea 6’2″ 315 (NR) – DT – College of San Mateo – (3 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 13 tackles 3.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 16 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks
Offers from: Albany, Central St, Eastern Illinois, Lamar, New Mexico St, Norfolk St, North Alabama, Robert Morris
Primary Recruiter: Alex Devine, Nick Paremski
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8528172/Vaughn-Mamea
Sir Mells 6’3″ 315 (247 3*) – University of Oregon – (4 years to play 4)
2022 (RsFr.) Stats: Played in one game at Oregon recording 1 pass breakup
Offers from: Alabama A&M, Coastal Carolina, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Portland St
Original offers from: Arizona, Central Michigan, Florida A&M, Fresno St, Maryland, Michigan, Morgan St, New Mexico St, Oregon, Oregon St, San Jose St, UNLV, USC, Washington
Primary Recruiter: Mike Zuckerman, Joe Cauthen
https://247sports.com/player/sir-mells-46085853/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11604751/Sir-Mells
Clifton Mosley 6’2″ 340 (NR) – Navarro CC, TX – (4 years to play 3)
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 31 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1 fumble recovery 1 TD
Offers from: Central Oklahoma, Charlotte, East Central University, Eastern Kentucky, Hawaii, Incarnate Word, Liberty, Lincoln University, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, McNeese St, Morehouse College, New Mexico St, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston St, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton St, Tennessee Tech, Texas St, UNLV
Primary Recruiter: Alex Devine
https://www.hudl.com/profile/6405298/Clifton-Mosley
Bryan Vogl 6’2″ 255 (NR) – Cedar Valley HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 43 tackles 16.0 tackles-for-loss 5.0 sacks 1 QB hurry 2 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery 2 blocked punts
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 49 tackles 17.0 tackles-for-loss 7.0 sacks 19 QB hurries 1 INT 4 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery 1 blocked punt 1 TD
2020 (So.) Stats: 52 tackles 15.0 tackles-for-loss 10.0 sacks 11 QB hurries 2 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 2 fumble recoveries
2019 (Fr.) Stats: 52 tackles 15.0 tackles-for-loss 7.0 sacks 1 forced fumble 2 fumble recoveries
Offers from: Black Hills St
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://247sports.com/player/bryan-vogl-46117220/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12973900/Bryan-Vogl
2023 OUTLOOK
Regarding the NCAA-mandated eligibility freeze from the 2020 season, I’ve learned the player’s eligibility will continue to accrue. Once the player reaches his 4th or 5th season, depending on if the player uses a redshirt season, the player will have the option to return to school for a 5th or 6th season and continue playing one more season. The player will then move from being listed as a senior (Sr.) to a graduate senior (Gr-Sr.)
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
HALE MOTU’APUAKA
Graduate senior Hale Motu’apuaka is back for a final season to finish off what he started. Hale is the older brother of Aggie defensive offensive lineman Tavo Motu’apuaka. As a senior in 2022, Motu’apuaka started in all 12 games he played in totaling 35 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, and 5.0 sacks. As a junior in 2021, he started in all 14 games and racked up 26 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.5 sacks. As a sophomore in 2020, he played in all 6 games, starting in 2, and tallied 8 tackles and 1 blocked kick. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he played in 12 of 13 games and totaled 13 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. As a true freshman in 2018, he appeared in 2 games but did not record any stats and received a redshirt season. Motu’apuaka is quick off the snap and runs through opposing offensive linemen with relative ease. He can split through double teams to get into the backfield and stop the run. He has great hands and is a fast-twitch defensive lineman. He is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with as he commands a double team on nearly every play. His strength is difficult for opposing offensive linemen to deal with. He has been an anchor on the defensive line throughout his career.
CLIFTON MOSLEY
Coming in this summer and battling for playing time is sophomore Clifton Mosley. After beginning his collegiate career at Navarro Community College (TX), Mosley will have 4 years to complete his final 3 seasons of eligibility. Mosley chose to become an Aggie over offers from Central Oklahoma, Charlotte, East Central University, Eastern Kentucky, Hawaii, Incarnate Word, Liberty, Lincoln University, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, McNeese State, Morehouse College, New Mexico State, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston State, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton State, Tennessee Tech, Texas State, and UNLV. As a true freshman at Navarro Community College in 2022, Mosley tallied 31 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1 fumble that he returned for a touchdown. Mosley gets a great initial push after the snap and opposing blockers seem unable to match his strength. He is a high-motor player who rips through the offensive line. He thrives on disrupting things in the backfield. He is agile enough to change directions and pivot in tight spaces to gain a step on opposing offensive linemen and make a play. Mosley has the talent to make an impact right away.
SIR MELLS
Transfer redshirt freshman Sir Mells will be battling to get on the field immediately. Mells began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon and has four years of eligibility remaining. Mells chose to become an Aggie over offers from Alabama A&M, Coastal Carolina, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, and Portland State. As a true freshman at the University of Oregon in 2022, Mells played in one game while maintaining his redshirt status and recorded a pass breakup. As a senior at Liberty High (NV) in 2021, he totaled 20 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. As a junior in 2020, his season was canceled due to COVID. As a sophomore in 2019, he picked up 33 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. Mells has what you can’t teach, a solid frame, long arms, and size. It’s not just his size that is attractive either. His film shows improving athleticism, strength, and technique. He can squirt through the heart of the offensive line to make a quarterback sack. The next play he might run down a running back for a tackle for loss. Due to his size and strength, Mells shows up very well on run plays. He eats up opposing offensive linemen and then sheds them with ease to make plays. On passing plays, Mells shows the ability to reach the passer. He also has the east-to-west speed to bring down players near the line on screen plays or short passes.
SIASOI (GEORGE) LAUHINGOA
Competing to make a move up the depth chart is junior Siaosi (George) Lauhingoa. Lauhingoa chose to become an Aggie over an offer from New Mexico. Lauhingoa joined the Aggies this summer after beginning his collegiate career at Independence Community College (KS). He has 3 years to complete his final 2 seasons of eligibility. Lauhingoa is the cousin of current Aggie players Hale and Tave Motu’apuaka. As a sophomore at Independence Community College in 2022, Lauhingoa logged 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks. As a COVID true freshman in 2021, there were no stats available at press time. As a true freshman in 2020, he did not see any action. Lauhingoa displays very active feet for a player his size. He does a good job of not getting caught up at the line of scrimmage. He keeps his head up, locates the opposing ball carrier, and goes in for the play. He has the strength to pull away from an engaged blocker. He is versatile enough to play both defensive tackle and defensive end.
JUSTUS ENA
Looking to make his mark in fall camp is true freshman Justus Ena. Ena joined the Aggies for spring ball after returning from serving an LDS Church mission. As a senior at local Sky View High (UT) in 2019, Ena had a stellar final season racking up 62 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks. As a junior at Clearfield High (UT) in 2018, he tallied 29 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 3.0 sacks. Justice could be a difference-maker on either side of the line but he was announced as a defensive player. He is a fierce tackler who gets off the line right away when the play begins. His quick burst helps him get into opposing backfields in a hurry. He is a cerebral player who diagnoses plays quickly. Once the ball is snapped he is relentless in his pursuit of the ball. Justice will need some time to get back into the routine of playing football full-time again but figures to boost the line once he does. He has an athletic build and looks like he can add additional weight to his frame.
K’LEYONE IOSUA
Adding depth to the position is true freshman preferred walk-on K’Leyone Iosua. Iosua chose to become an Aggie over offers from Black Hills State, Eastern New Mexico, Fort Hays State, and Highland Community College (KS). As a senior at Skyridge HS (UT) in 2021, Iosua was credited with 5 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks. He was also a starter on the offensive line in all 13 games. As a junior in 2020, he saw action in all 13 games. As a sophomore at Crescent Valley High (OR) in 2019, he was a starter on the offensive line in all 9 games. As a freshman in 2018, he was a starter on the offensive line in all 10 games. Iosua does a good job of playing assignment football. He identifies the opposing player that is his mark and engages immediately. He keeps a solid base while fighting to get into the backfield. He uses his leverage well to stand up an opposing offensive player. He uses his size well in the run game and is very aggressive on the field.
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
POUKESI VAKAUTA
Senior Poukesi Vakauta is looking to put his stamp on the 2023 season. Due to the COVID NCAA eligibility extension, Vakauta has one more season of eligibility beyond 2023 remaining. As a junior in 2022, he played in 12 games with 6 starts and made 13 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. As a sophomore in 2021, he played in all 14 games and recorded 11 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. As a true freshman in 2020, he saw action in 1 game and was credited with 1 tackle and 0.5 tackles for loss. As a senior at Trinity High (TX) in 2019, Vakauta racked up 98 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 14 QB hurries. He is from the same high school as former Aggie linebacker Tipa Galeai. Vakauta is built as a classic defensive tackle/nose guard. He is very talented in all the defensive line spots. He is strong at the point of attack and with being right around 6 feet tall he can get up under opposing offensive linemen and use his leverage to push the linemen back into the opposing backfield. He plays with a high motor and does not take plays off. He often makes plays just by keeping his head on a swivel and running down opposing offensive players.
SENI TUIAKI
Sophomore Seni Tuiaki will be eager to return to the field in 2023. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Tuiaki was pressed into action and played in 4 games with 1 start before missing the rest of the season with an injury. In those 4 games, he logged 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1 pass breakup. As a true freshman in 2021, he saw action in 3 games and was credited with 2 tackles while maintaining his redshirt status. Tuiaki joined the Aggies in time for spring ball of 2021 following his return from serving an LDS Church mission. As a senior at East High (UT) in 2017, he logged 24 tackles and 1.0 sacks, while also starting on the offensive line. As a junior in 2016, he was a starter on a very talented offensive line and was credited with 2 tackles and 1.0 sacks defensively. After adding some weight, Tuiaki looks like he will fit nicely as a defensive tackle. He did play on both sides of the ball in high school at a high level and that level of experience will help him diagnose opposing plays. He’s extremely aggressive and doesn’t give up on plays. He is determined to do something on each snap that will benefit the team. He is good with his hands and he is also physically strong.
VAUGHN MAMEA
Junior Vaughn Mamea will be battling for positioning on the depth chart. Mamea is a transfer from the College of San Mateo (CA) and he will have 3 years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility. Mamea joined the Aggies in time for spring ball but unfortunately was sidelined early with an injury and missed a significant portion of camp. As a sophomore at the College of San Mateo in 2022, Mamea tallied 13 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sacks. As a true freshman in 2021, he was credited with 16 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. Mamea is an imposing figure on the line of scrimmage. His huge size is intimidating at times. He is surprisingly mobile and that is going to make things miserable for offensive linemen. He eats up blocks and fights through double teams to significantly alter plays and make tackles. He pushes back opposing blockers with his strength and doesn’t miss tackles when he gets the chance. Mamea should be a contributor this season.
BO MAILE
Competing to make a move up the depth chart is sophomore Bo Maile. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Maile saw action in 12 games and was credited with 7 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. As a true freshman in 2021, he spent the season as a redshirt. As a senior at Bingham High (UT) in 2020, he racked up 40 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and 2 QB hurries. During an injury-shortened season as a junior in 2019, he logged 9 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks. Maile is physical at the line of scrimmage and gets off his blocks quickly. He attacks blockers, running backs, and quarterbacks alike, using his strength to stop the opposition in their tracks. He pounces on ball carriers and wraps them up to complete a big play. He should be able to develop into a productive pass-rusher during his time in college.
ADAM TOMCZYK
Redshirt freshman Adam Tomczyk will be working hard to make a move up the depth chart. Tomczyk spent the 2022 season as a redshirt while participating on the Aggie practice squad. As a senior at Los Alamitos High (CA) in 2021, Tomczyk racked up 47 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 10.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. As a junior in 2020, he rolled up 31 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 QB hurries, and 1 pass breakup. As a sophomore in 2019, he was credited with 1 tackle. Tomczyk is physically strong and he uses that to push back blockers to get into the opposing backfield. He initiates contact after the snap to gain the advantage and flies past opposing offensive linemen to disrupt plays. He stays low when moving around and doesn’t overpursue on plays. He has the versatility to play all over the defensive line at this level.
BRYAN VOGL
Adding depth to the position is true freshman preferred walk-on Bryan Vogl. Vogl chose to become an Aggie over an offer from Black Hills State. Vogl had a stellar 4-year varsity career at Cedar Valley High (UT). As a senior in 2022, he rolled up 43 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 blocked punts. As a junior in 2021, he totaled 49 tackles, 17.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks, 19 QB hurries, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked punt, and 1 touchdown. As a sophomore in 2020, he amassed 52 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, 10.0 sacks, 11 QB hurries, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. As a freshman in 2019, he racked up 52 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. Vogl has exceptional speed for a player at his position. He uses that speed to anticipate the snap and quickly knife into opposing backfields and disrupt plays before they get a chance to develop. He made a living creating tackles-for-loss his entire high school career. He relentlessly hunts opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
8 Hale Motu’apuaka (6-1, 280, Gr-Sr., 3L, 3*)
00 Clifton Mosley (6-4, 325, So., JC, NR)
00 Sir Mells (6-3, 315, RsFr., TR, 3*)
00 Siaosi (George) Lauhingoa (6-3, 295, Jr., JC, NR)
90 Justice Ena (6-4, 280, Fr., HS, 2*)
61 K’leyone Iosua (6-4, 300, Fr., HS, NR)
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
9 Poukesi Vakauta (6-0, 290, Sr*., 1L, 3*)
48 Seni Tuiaki (6-1, 270, So., 1L, 3*)
94 Vaughn Mamea (6-2, 335, Jr., JC, NR)
44 Bo Maile (6-2, 275, So., 1L, 3*)
95 Adam Tomczyk (6-3, 230, RsFr., RS, 3*)
00 Bryan Vogl (6-2, 255, Fr., HS, NR)
Coming up on Wednesday: Linebacker