USC Football: Ex-All-Pac-12 Trojan Becoming Offseason Favorite Of New NFL Head Coach

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 16, 2024

Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Then-USC Trojans defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu (49). / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Following a PWFWA All-Rookie Team season in 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers during an otherwise unremarkable 5-12 run for that troubled NFL franchise, former two-time All-Pac-12 First Team outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has apparently already gained the trust of his new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

During a fresh conversation with Sports Central LA via KCAL News, the 6'3", 266-pound Lawndale High School alum explained his feelings about the reigning CFP champ to KCAL's Chris Hayre. Sports Central LA notes in the below tweet that Tuipulotu has become a core part of Harbaugh's program already.

In year two, @chargers OLB Tuli Tuipulotu has established himself as a foundational piece for head coach Jim Harbaugh. @chrishayre caught up with the former @uscfb Trojan to discuss another season with Mack and Bosa and a new era of Chargers football -- 5:45/10:45 @kcalnews. pic.twitter.com/9s9ilJl4qB

— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) April 16, 2024

"Just like the fans, we're excited too, but I also think there's a lot of pressure with that," Tuipulotu said. "A lot of people are expecting us to do what we need to do and get back up there, but we usually handle business every single day, we go day-by-day, and we're all excited."

Tuipulotu was of course a highly decorated contributor for the Trojans. During his senior season in 2022, he was unanimously named an All-American while being awarded with the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year honor and that year's Morris Trophy.

During his first pro season just down the road from his NCAA home, Tuipulotu notched 53 total tackles, including 37 solos, and appeared in all of LA's 17 games. Harbaugh is hoping to reorient his team's defense around Pro Bowlers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa and reconfigure the club's offense around Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert. Tuipulotu could be a big part of the former.