California DT Viliami Moala declares for 2014 NFL Draft

[RS12]

Scott Olmos / USA Today Sports
Cal's Viliami Moala struggled to live up to his billing as one of the nation's top recruits coming out of high school.

And the hits just keep on coming for the beleaguered California defense. Defensive tackle Viliami Moala became the third Golden NFL Draft, according to BearTerritory.net.

Moala joined linebacker Khairi Fortt and cornerback Kameron Jackson in forgoing his remaining year of eligibility from a defense that allowed 45.9 points and 529 yards per game this past season.
Moala (6-foot-2, 315 pounds) was one of the nation's most sought-after recruits coming out of high school, with offers from every member of what was the Pac-10 at the time and a host of national powers like Alabama. But Moala was never able to live up to that lofty billing, struggling with conditioning as a freshman and seeing limited action the following season.

As a junior, Moala finally seemed to be tapping into that potential, starting 11 games and recording 37 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

If Moala can continue to progress, he could prove to be a worthwhile investment as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...es-for-2014-nfl-draft?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cb

 

[RS12]

priority UDFA perhaps

 

[xwalker]

Moala arrived at California weighing 387 lb (176 kg), but managed to shed almost 70 pounds with a nutrition plan designed specifically for him by Suzanne Nelson, Cal's director of sports performance and nutrition, along with workouts under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Mike Blasquez.[16] Initially, he was thought to remain in the 350–360 lb (159–163 kg) range, but eventually shed more weight on request of head coach Jeff Tedford.


While a senior in high school, Moala bench-pressed 495 pounds (225 kg).[20] Said Jeff Tedford: "He's already got the Cal bench-press record before he even gets here".[21] By 2013, Moala vows to bench 520 pounds, adding, "That can really bend a bar."[22]

 

[tm1119]

Sounds like it wouldn't be such a bad idea to sneak some cheeseburgers into his diet and make him a 330 lb NT type. A man that big with that much upper body strength is hard to move.

 

[IAmLegend]

If he's projected as a late-round pick or UFA, why not go back to school and try to improve? And enjoy your last year of college. I never understand why players do that.

Regardless, I'd take a 7th round flyer on him. Sounds like he needs to be coached up. Could be a steal late, and I'm sure a lot of scouts will say the same thing. Prob goes a little earlier just based on potential, and depending on the combine.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Maybe turn him into a Guard (Mark Tunei style).