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From PFF:
A former edge defender turned off-ball linebacker in 2018, Takitaki earned an 88.6 run-defense grade with BYU, ranking tied for 13th with Kansas’ Joe Dineen Jr. among qualifiers. Takitaki also earned a 75.9 coverage grade across 365 coverage snaps in 2018.
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/04/06/2019-nfl-draft-prospect-interview-sione-takitaki-byu/
Meet Sione Takitaki, BYU's gem of an LB prospect
Zachary Hicks | April 6, 2019 11:38 am
If your favorite team is looking for a steal of a linebacker in the 2019 NFL draft, BYU’s Sione Takitaki might just be your man.
A versatile prospect with a well-rounded skill set, Takitaki recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his unique journey at BYU, why his passion for the game and help from his wife helped keep him on the path to success, and what kind of skill set he brings to the next level.
ZH: I read that you were recruited by a ton of schools that included Wisconsin, Washington State, and Utah. Why did you end up choosing BYU?
ST: I grew up LDS, I grew up a Mormon kid, so BYU was always one of the schools that I was always looking at, because my mom and my family wanted me to go there. So that was the main reason why I decided to attend BYU.
ZH: You struggled a bit early in your career with some off-field issues, but really turned that around the last two seasons. What was the key to really turning your life around?
ST: I just really loved the game. I really loved football, I met my wife on that journey, and you know from a maturity standpoint, I got my head on right and like I said, I want to be a football player. I know I have a big opportunity and it was all in my hands, so I finally just screwed my head on right and attacked it.
ZH: How difficult was it to manage your time between your marriage, schoolwork, and football those last few years at BYU?
ST: It was difficult. BYU is a great university and you really have to prepare for the schoolwork and all that stuff. It’s all about priorities you know and managing your time. Once I leave the facility, I can leave football there, and like I said, it’s all about time management.
ZH: That turnaround was evident when you were named team captain in 2018. What did it mean to you to receive that honor after all you’ve been through?
ST: It meant a lot just because I stuck it out with them at BYU. I had a lot of friends and coaches that have helped me, so when I got that team captain, it kind of felt good because I was close with my teammates in the locker room. I felt like it was just a big step for my final year, and I thank God for all of that.
ZH: On the field, you made the transition from defensive end to linebacker this past year. Was that position change difficult for you?
ST: Prior to 2017, I played 3-4 outside linebacker, so that’s where coaches got to putting me at DE because I was rushing quite a bit, so I made the switch. And then in 2018, I went back to stack linebacker, middle linebacker/outside backer. To answer your question, though, it wasn’t too difficult at all. I’ve always rushed and known how to play physical, so I learned a lot from both positions, and I’m happy that I played DE and linebacker.
ZH: After that great senior season, you were invited to the East-West Shrine Game. How was that experience for you?
ST: It was awesome, man. I met a lot of good athletes there. I was able to meet a lot of scouts and do a lot of testing that the NFL wants, and I just feel like it was a great learning week. Learning a new scheme and things like that, but I had a great time down there. I went there and put my best foot forward and dominated a lot of the drills and practices.
ZH: Following the Shrine Game, you were also a late add to the Senior Bowl roster. How were those two events different for you?
ST: It was just different because I really did a lot of the testing and met a lot of the scouts at the East-West game the week before. I thought it was a good thing though. It was kind of tiring, doing the back-to-back where you stay up late nights, where you get minimum sleep, and they ask you to perform at a high level in practice. I flew back to California from Florida and then I got the call, so I think that was the most difficult thing, having to fly from the East coast to the West coast then back to the East coast in that little time in three days.
ZH: Who in the NFL do you compare your game to most/ model your game after?
ST: I don’t really have anyone to compare myself to, but I do watch a lot of film on guys in the NFL right now. Guys like Bobby Wagner, Luke Kuechly, Von Miller. All of the greats, I definitely watch all kinds of film on them.
ZH: What is my team getting if I spend a draft pick on Sione Takitaki?
ST: First and foremost, you are going to get a guy who loves football. I’m doing this because I love this game. You are going to get a hard worker and also a guy who has never been hurt. There are a lot of players who are good but they have had like 5 surgeries. I haven’t had one surgery, I’m healthy as an ox, and I’m ready to play special teams or defense or wherever you need me. I’m ready to go.
You are also getting a locker room guy. I’m cool with all walks of life and backgrounds. I’m comfortable with everyone and I let the coaches coach. I think those key things are really important for me and what you’d be getting with me.
