Growin' Samoans...and Tongans Too

A past ESPN article estimated that "a Samoan boy is 40 times more likely to reach the NFL than a boy growing up in the United States." And there's good reason why. USC knows firsthand the physicality, size and strength of their Polynesian Trojan players.

by Kyle Bunch (Columnist)

0

187 reads

Sports

May 31, 2008

A past ESPN article estimated that "a Samoan boy is 40 times more likely to reach the NFL than a boy growing up in the United States." And there's good reason why. USC knows firsthand the physicality, size and strength of their Polynesian Trojan players. With the nation's top trainers and one of the largest national platforms, USC has helped its Poly-players (both native and ancestral) excel in the next level. Just take a look at Junior Seau or Lofa Tatupu or Troy Polamalu and the soon to be NFLers Rey Maualuga and Fili Moala...just to name a few. Now there's a new name on that list. USC's 11th addition to its already stellar '09 class is Tongan native Hebron Fangupo. A JC transfer out of Mt. San Antonio College, the 6-2, 330-pound defensive tackle has the raw size, speed and talent to become the next Polynesian super star. As reported on Scout, Fangupo had this to say of his new-found home: "I like the tempo. I just like the coaching environment. I like coaches that get a little crazy because I like to get crazy....As a Polynesian, we have a scream that we do before we go into battle, and he (Coach Watson) just kept doing it. I liked that because he has been around a few Polynesians and knows how we work." By the time you hear that war cry...it will already be too late.

Sports

187 views

Share:

  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Print

comments (0) write a comment »

write a new comment


This article has no comments.

Edit this Article Article History

About the Author Kyle Bunch (columnist)

  • 98 articles written
  • 1 comments posted
  • 2 fans

FREE SPORTS TEXT ALERTS

  • Get team scores and news sent to your cell phone during and after each game.
  • We do not charge for these services, but standard messaging rates or other charges apply.
  • Cancel anytime by replying STOP to any message.

Step 1: Choose a team

League:

Step 2: Enter your phone number

( ) -
Standard Messaging Rates or other charges apply. To Opt-out text STOP to 4INFO (44636). For more information text HELP to 4INFO (44636). Contact your carrier for more details.

Want to write for Bleacher Report

We are a community of fans who write about sports. And we're growing.

Learn More and Sign Up »