USC Trojans defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

FBS-leading sack-getter declares for 2023 NFL Draft

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/4/23

After a tremendous junior year for the USC Trojans, defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tuipulotu quietly had a standout campaign in 2022, named a consensus All-American and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

In 14 games with the Trojans, Tuipulotu finished with an eye-popping 13.5 sacks to lead the FBS.

Tuipulotu also impacted the game in other ways when he wasn't sacking the quarterback, tallying 22 tackles for loss, second in the FBS behind only Durrell Johnson (28) of Liberty.

Fight On Forever✌ #AGTG #Tonganz #gotime pic.twitter.com/E2C7iAarZk
— Tuli Tuipulotu (@TuipulotuTuli) January 4, 2023

While Tuipulotu has proven to be a quarterback's worst nightmare, many consider him a quiet teddy bear despite his six-foot-four, 290-pound frame.

However, USC head coach Lincoln Riley recently lauded him for his leadership skills, even if he's not a "rah-rah guy."

"I think that's just his personality," Riley told reporters via Nikki Chavanelle of on3.com. "But that doesn't mean he can't be a great leader. In fact, a lot of great leaders say very little. And when they do talk, it's impactful. And I think he's absolutely grown and embraces that role."

Tuipulotu ends his career with USC, having amassed 116 tackles (32 for loss), four forced fumbles, and 32 sacks in 31 games.

Tuipulotu's older brother, Marlon Tuipulotu, a former Trojan himself, is in his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

A sixth-round draft pick by the Eagles in 2021, he recently made his first NFL start in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders and registered his first-career sack in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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