SALT LAKE CITY — Anyone who’s seen Leki Fotu up close, knows what a massive man he is. At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds he was a first-team all-conference player for the University of Utah and a third-team AP all-American.
He’s likely to be selected on the final day of this year’s NFL draft or perhaps the second, with most experts saying he’ll be chosen anywhere from the third to the fifth round.
Along with his size, Fotu is known for his athleticism, which Utes defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley knows better than anyone.
“Not only is he a run stopper but he’s got the athleticism to be a solid pass rusher for you,” Scalley told the Deseret News. “He’s played rugby at a high level, which has allowed him to move and work on that athleticism.”
Ute coach Kyle Whittingham said Fotu is a player that other teams were forced to double-team because of his size and athleticism.
“Leki Fotu is a force inside,” Whittingham said. “He’s immovable. He’s a big, strong kid — light on his feet. He’s as good of a run stuffer as we’ve ever had here at Utah and on top of that he’s extremely bright as well.”
“I’m excited to make a huge impact at the next level. Whichever team drafts me, their defensive line just got a whole lot bigger.” — Leki Fotu
Fotu prepped at Utah’s Herriman High where he played defensive end and earned all-state honors and was named 5A MVP by the Deseret News. When he came to Utah, he moved inside to the defensive tackle position, where he became a part-time starter as a sophomore before earning all-league honors the next two years.
Fotu was one of the Ute captains this past season and earlier this week he received the Ute Proud Most Inspirational award at the annual Crimson Carpet Awards as voted on by University of Utah athletes.
“I’m excited to make a huge impact at the next level. Whichever team drafts me, their defensive line just got a whole lot bigger,” Fotu said. “I’m a big man that plays the defensive tackle position at a high level. I have confidence in my game. I’m going to do my job and make my mark felt at the next level.”