DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Returning players: Bo Maile, Seni Tuiaki, Bryan Vogl
2023 players not returning: Siaosi (George) Lauhingoa (transfer portal), Vaughn Mamea (transfer portal), Hale Motu’apuaka (graduation)
2024 post-spring ball attrition: Emerson Conlon (left team), Sir Mells (transferred to Georgia State), Clifton Mosley (transferred to Louisiana-Monroe), Poukesi Vakauta (transferred to Colorado State), Dalin Walker (transfer portal)
2023 total production lost: 47 games, 14 starts, 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
2023 total production returning: 24 games, 13 starts, 29 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown
2023 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college): 58 games, 28 starts, 141 tackles, 31.5 tackles-for-loss, 13.0 sacks, 2 pass breakups
New Faces in 2024:
Braydon Bailey 6’3″ 305 (247 3*) – Golden West CC, CA – (3 years to play 2)
2023 (So.) Stats: 23 tackles 9.0 tackles-for-loss 3.0 sacks
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 10 tackles 2.5 tackles-for-loss
Offers from: Ball St, Kennesaw St, Northern Arizona, Portland St, Stephen F. Austin
Primary Recruiter: Nick Paremski, Tevita Finau
https://247sports.com/Player/braydon-bailey-46146011/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12973852/Braydon-Bailey
Isaiah Bruce 6’1″ 280 (247 3*) – Iowa Central CC, IA – (3 years to play 3)
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 23 tackles 4.5 tackles-for-loss 3.5 sacks 1 pass breakup
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at University of Iowa
Offers from: Alcorn St, Ball St, Eastern Michigan, Indiana St, Louisiana-Monroe, McNeese St, New Mexico, New Mexico St, Northern Iowa, Temple, Towson St, Western Illinois, Western Kentucky
Original offers from: Iowa, Iowa St, Northwestern
Primary recruiter: Cedric Douglas
https://247sports.com/player/isaiah-bruce-46057256/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9821854/Isaiah-Bruce
Gabriel Iniguez 6’1″ 285 (247 3*) – New Mexico State University – (2 years to play 2)
2023 (So.) Stats: 24 tackles 5.0 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks 1 pass breakup
2022 (RsFr.) Stats: 37 tackles 8.0 tackles-for-loss 6.0 sacks 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery at City College of San Francisco (CA)
2021 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at University of Hawaii
2020 (Fr.) Stats: COVID Freshman Season
Offers from: Arkansas St, Colorado St, Jacksonville St, Old Dominion, UTEP, Western Kentucky
Original offers from: Nevada, New Mexico St, North Texas
Primary Recruiter: Nate Dreiling
https://247sports.com/player/gabriel-iniguez-46059158/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/12299624/Gabriel-Iniguez
Miguel Jackson 6’2″ 296 (247 3*) – University of Charlotte – (1 year to play 1)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 16 tackles 3.5 tackles-for-loss 2.0 sacks
2022 (So.) Stats: 29 tackles 2.5 tackles-for-loss 0.5 sacks 1 blocked kick
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 13 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sack
Offers from: Akron, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent St
Original offers from: Akron, Ball St, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Delaware St, James Madison, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Old Dominion, Villanova
Primary Recruiter: Tevita Finau
https://247sports.com/Player/miguel-jackson-46079386/high-school-228633/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9924893/Miguel-Jackson
Ricky Lolohea 6’3″ 280 (247 3*) – Oklahoma State University – (4 years to play 4)
2023 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Oklahoma State University
Offers from: None
Original offers from: Louisiana-Monroe, Oklahoma St, North Texas, San Diego St, SMU, Texas Tech.
Primary Recruiter: Tevita Finau
https://247sports.com/Player/ricky-lolohea-46129675/high-school-275562/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13338987/Ricky-Lolohea
Manase Tupou 6’0″ 300 (NR) – Logan HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2023 (Sr.) Stats: 53 tackles 14.0 tackles-for-loss 4.5 sacks 17 QB hurries 2 forced fumbles 1 fumble recovery
2022 (Jr.) Stats: 6 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 4 QB hurries
2021 (So.) Stats: 2 tackles
Offers from:
Primary recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11268712/Manase-Tupou
Collin Vaughn 6’3″ 290 (NR) – Limestone University – (1 year to play 1)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 31 tackles 6.5 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks
2022 (So.) Stats: 31 tackles 2.5 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks
2021 (RsFr.) Stats: 34 tackles 5.5 tackles-for-loss 3.5 sacks
2020 (RsFr.) Stats: 24 tackles 2.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks 1 pass breakup
2019 (Fr.) Stats: 1 tackle, Redshirted at Livingstone College
Offers from: Alcorn St, Central Michigan, Georgia St, Jacksonville St, Kent St, Miami (OH), Ohio, Temple, Texas Southern, Western Kentucky, Youngstown St
Primary recruiter: Cedric Douglas
https://247sports.com/player/collin-vaughn-46149736/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZHtonu3T_FyhgxTAIHgIHJJoMsCMcYRn/view
Macyo Williams 6’3″ 275 (247 3*) – Kent State University – (2 years to play 1)
2023 (Jr.) Stats: 18 tackles 3.0 tackles-for-loss 1.5 sacks
2022 (So.) Stats: 13 tackles 2.5 tackles-for-loss 1.5 sacks
2021 (Fr.) Stats: 5 tackles 1 pass breakup
Offers from: Austin Peay, East Tennesse St, Lamar, Lousiana Tech, New Mexico, Prairie View A&M, Robert Morris, Tarleton St
Original offer from: Akron, Duquesne, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Fordham, Georgetown, Holy Cross, Indiana St, Kent St, Long Island
Primary Recruiter: Tevita Finau
https://247sports.com/player/macyo-williams-46094253/
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uCxKOolqSMU
2024 OUTLOOK
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
SENI TUIAKI
Junior Seni Tuiaki will once again anchor the Aggie defensive trenches. Last season Tuiaki started all 13 games and rolled up 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recover, and he intercepted a pass that he returned for a touchdown. During his 3-year career at Utah State, he has played in 20 games with 14 starts and totaled 42 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
According to 247sports coming out of East High (UT), Tuiaki was rated as the 87th-best strong-side defensive end nationally and the 25th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over offers from Fresno State, Georgia Tech, Navy, and Princeton.
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. He plays with great emotion and that rubs off on his teammates.
MACYO “TAZ” WILLIAMS
Kent State senior transfer Macyo “Taz” Williams will use his final season of eligibility in 2024. Last season Williams played in 12 games with 1 start and tallied 18 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks. During his 3-year career with the Golden Flashes, he played in 31 games with 1 start and totaled 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, and 1 pass breakup.
According to 247sports Williams is rated as the 1,303rd-best transfer portal player in the country and the 131st-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. He originally held offers from Akron, Duquesne, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Fordham, Georgetown, Holy Cross, Indiana State, Kent State, and Long Island. He chose the Aggies over offers from Austin Peay, East Tennesse State, Lamar, Lousiana Tech, New Mexico, Prairie View A&M, Robert Morris, and Tarleton State.
Williams brings a lot of experience to the table. He began his collegiate career playing a few different spots along the defensive line but settled into defensive tackle. He uses his strength to bully his way into opposing backfields and displays plenty of power as he fights through the double-teams of opposing offensive linemen. His mobility will also be a plus in helping him chase down opposing running backs and quarterbacks. He plays with ferocity and puts his heart into everything he does on the field.
MIGUEL JACKSON
University of Charlotte senior transfer Miguel Jackson will use his final season of eligibility in 2024. Last year Jackson played in 8 games and logged 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks. During his 3-year career with the 49ers he totaled 58 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and he blocked a kick.
According to 247sports Jackson is rated as the 1,512th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 162nd-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. He originally held offers from Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Delaware State, James Madison, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Old Dominion, and Villanova. He chose the Aggies over offers from Akron, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Kent State.
Jackson has the talent and experience to help tighten up the tackle position. He shows a solid combination of power and speed. He uses those physical attributes to terrorize opposing ball carriers and quarterbacks. He has an arsenal of pass-rushing moves but seems to favor using a very effective swim move and a powerful bull rush the most. His good instincts for the ball and his excellent athleticism allow him to chase down opposing ball carriers with ease.
BO MAILE
Junior Bo Maile will be in the mix to be a strong option for playing time this season. Last year Maile played in 11 games and recorded 14 tackles and 0.5 tackles-for-loss. During his 2-year career at Utah State, he has played in 22 games and totaled 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. His brother George is an offensive guard for the Aggies.
According to 247sports coming out of Bingham High (UT), Maile was rated as the 1,627th-best player nationally, the 88th-best EDGE defensive end, and the 16th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over an offer from byu.
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. As his playing time and reps continue to increase he should be able to maintain his development into a productive pass-rusher during his time at Utah State.
MANASE TUPOU
Adding depth to the position is true freshman preferred walk-on Manase Tupou. As a high school senior in 2020, he started in all 10 games and amassed 53 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, 17 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. For his effort, he earned 4A Region 11 first-team honors. During his 3-year career at Logan High (UT), he played in 15 games with 10 starts and totaled 61 tackles, 16.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, 21 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
Tupou chose the Aggies over offers from Adams State, Colorado Mesa, Concordia, Iowa Wesleyan, McPherson, Mid-American Nazarene, Midland, Mount Marty, Ottowa University, Salt River Community College (AZ), Southern Virginia, University of Saint Mary, Western Oregon, William Penn
Tupou 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.
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
GABRIEL INIGUEZ
Gabriel Iniguez is a transfer from New Mexic State University who will enter the 2024 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. Last year Iniguez played in 15 games with 4 starts and tallied 24 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. During his 3-year career at New Mexico State University, the City College of San Francisco (CA), and the University of Hawaii, he has played in 25 games with 14 starts and totaled 61 tackles, 13.0 tackles-for-loss, 8.0 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
According to 247sports Iniguez is rated as the 1,324th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 140th-best defensive tackle in the transfer portal. He originally held offers from Nevada, New Mexico State, and North Texas. He chose the Aggies over offers from Arkansas State, Colorado State, Jacksonville State, Old Dominion, UTEP, and Western Kentucky.
Iniguez has a stout, big frame and is powerful enough to win his battles in the trenches and cause a major disruption at the line of scrimmage. He is often faced with double-teams and fights tirelessly to get through them. Once he explodes off the line at the snap, he has active hands to keep opposing offensive linemen from getting ahold of him. He is constantly in pursuit of the opposing quarterback or ball carrier and once he gets them in his grasp he uses his raw power to force them to the ground.
COLLIN VAUGHN
Limestone University senior graduate transfer Collin Vaughn will use his final season of eligibility in 2024. Last year Vaughn started in all 7 games he was available for and rolled up 31 tackles, 6.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. During his 4-year career at Limestone, Concordia University, and Livingstone College, and played in 34 games with 7 starts and totaled 121 tackles, 16.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup.
Vaughn chose to become an Aggie after flipping his initial commitment from Temple. He also had offers from Alcorn State, Central Michigan, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, Kent State, Miami (OH), Ohio, Texas Southern, Western Kentucky, and Youngstown State.
Vaughn 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. Vaughn has the talent to make an impact right away.
ISAIAH BRUCE
Isaiah Bruce is a junior college transfer who will enter the 2024 season as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining. In his first season of action last year, he played and started in 6 games and corralled 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. He did spend the 2022 season as a true freshman at the University of Iowa.
According to 247sports coming out of Lena-Winslow High (IL), Bruce was rated as the 882nd-best player nationally, the 42nd-best defensive tackle, and the 10th-best prospect overall in Illinois. He originally held offers from Iowa, Iowa State, and Northwestern. He chose the Aggies over offers from Alcorn State, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, Indiana State, Louisiana-Monroe, McNeese State, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Northern Iowa, Temple, Towson State, Western Illinois, and Western Kentucky.
The first thing that jumps out at me is Bruce is fast and athletic. He is simply too quick and too mobile for just one person to block him. He uses his rare combination of size and speed in several ways but seems to favor a swim move or bull rush that is so fast sometimes he’s not even touched. He shows a good explosion off the ball. He plays with a mean streak and uses his body to maximum capacity. He even ran for over 1,000 yards as a running back in high school. He is a hard worker and a dude who can be molded into a very good defensive lineman.
RICKY LOLOHEA
Ricky Lolohea is a transfer from Oklahoma State University who will enter the 2024 season as a redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility remaining. Lolohea spent last season as a true freshman on the Cowboys practice squad while he redshirted.
According to 247sports coming out of TrinityHigh (TX), Lolohea was rated as the 1,332nd-best player nationally, the 127th-best EDGE defensive lineman, and the 199th-best prospect overall in Texas. He originally held offers from Louisiana-Monroe, Oklahoma State, North Texas, San Diego State, SMU, and Texas Tech.
Lolohea thrives on strength and power at the point of attack. He is a big force that can move in a hurry, overpowering opposing offensive linemen once he gets going. No matter if it is against the run or the pass, he has the strength to play through traffic. He has outstanding speed and agility for a player of his size and that leads to him regularly opposing offensive linemen. He is determined to get a hand on the quarterback and doesn’t let go until he completes the tackle.
BRAYDON BAILEY
Braydon Bailey is a junior college transfer who will enter the 2024 season as a junior with three years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility. Last year Bailey started in all 10 games and logged 23 tackles, 9.0 tackles-for-loss, and 3.0 sacks. For his effort, he earned a Southern California Football Association second-team selection. During his 2-year collegiate career for the Rustlers, Bailey played in 16 games with 10 starts totaling 33 tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3.0 sacks.
According to 247sports coming out of Golden West Community College (CA), Bailey was rated as the 72nd-best junior college player nationally, the 18th-best junior college defensive lineman, and the 15th-best junior college prospect overall in Hawaii. He chose the Aggies over offers from Ball State, Kennesaw State, Northern Arizona, Portland State, and Stephen F. Austin.
Bailey is very good at anticipating the snap. He uses his exceptional lower-body strength to move opposing linemen off the line of scrimmage before they can react. His excellent mobility often commands multiple blockers in an attempt to neutralize his pass rush. He reads plays well and does a good job of blowing up the line of scrimmage. He has a variety of moves but seems to prefer his swim move and bull rush.
BRYAN VOGL
Adding depth to the position is redshirt freshman preferred walk-on Bryan Vogl. In his first season as an Aggie last year, Vogl participated on the Aggie practice squad as a true freshman.
During his 4-year high school career for the Aviators, Vogl started all 43 games and racked up 196 tackles, 62.0 tackles-for-loss, 29.0 sacks, 31 QB hurries, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries. For his effort in his senior season, he earned a Class 5A honorable mention selection. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Black Hills State.
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 2024 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
48 Seni Tuiaki (6-1, 290, Jr., 2L, 3*)
8 Macyo Williams (6-1, 285, Sr., TR, 3*)
95 Miguel Jackson (6-0, 300, Sr., TR, 3*)
44 Bo Maile (6-2, 290, Jr., 2L, 3*)
96 Manase Tupou (6-0, 300, Fr., HS, NR)
3-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE
10 Gabriel Iniguez (6-1, 285, Jr., TR, 2*)
99 Collin Vaughn (6-3, 290, Gr-Sr., TR, NR)
90 Isaiah Bruce (6-1, 280, So., JC, 3*)
94 Ricky Lolohea (6-3, 315, RsFr., TR, 3*)
00 Braydon Bailey (6-3, 305, Jr., JC, NR)
93 Bryan Vogl (6-2, 260, RsFr., RS, NR)
Coming up on Wednesday: Defensive End/EDGE