WSR Gridiron Report

Interesting comparison. I didn't think about some of the parallels. One big difference, though, is Solomon fortunately has wheels while Tuitama, at times, looked like he was pushing around a wheel barrel while being chased by the defense.

Let's hope Solomon gets better OL protection in the future because Tuitama was like a tackling dummy for his first three seasons.

I don't know if people recall how lofty the expecations were for WillieT, but I remember watching (I think I still might have it) Willie's highlight video from high school. That video was truly epic. His performance in that video demanded comparisons John Elway. I knew they were wildly unfair, but it was really the only player saw when watching it. I was certain that Willie would be drafted in the NFL. He was #2 behind Mark Sanchez in the west coast rankings.

Those are some mighty big expectation-shoes to fill.

I think we are missing somewhat the point about Willie. Yeah, he had a tough time in the LSU game, but what I will remember is the Willie Tuitama that played under the Sonny Dykes spread. I'll never forget the smart ass BYU talk show host I listened to on the drive back from Provo in the Cats first game in the spread and that post game analyst mouthing off about how he didn't think Willie was smart enough to run that system. I never got to hear him, unfortunately, try to explain how Willie pillaged and plundered the Y defense a year later in Las Vegas. I'll never forget the Willie T., who was slow footed but took off from the 10 yard line or thereabouts against tempe up there at the landfill and met a linebacker head on at the 5 and drove him out of bounds leaving us about a foot to go for a TD. I also will never forget the Willie T., who started off slowly throwing high most of the first quarter against Cal, only to lead us back to a big time 24-20 upset, nor will I forget the Willie who saved Stoops' job in Seattle when he threw the ball all over the field and came back from an enormous deficit to win about 48-41, as I recall without checking.

Willie was one of the toughest kids we've ever had play that position and frankly he had to be. I have seen Anu enough to believe he is of the same stock and I see nothing but good things for him.

WT did accomplish a great deal at Arizona. He was an iron man too.

Willie was a notch away from being very special. He played well often. I believe the LSU game made a drastic difference in him as an individual. That overall beat down was hard on the whole team.

Ricky, apparently you have watched this Anu kid often. I hope your enthusiasm proves true,

rdot: I have, but I wasn't specifically focused on him until this last year's game against Devonte Neal and Chap. I was interested then because of the Brewer situation with Connor coming in much more highly regarded albeit a class older. That game I did really focus on him and he is very, very solid. He is accurate, strong arm and mobile. You can see he is very cool and has a presence in the huddle. Stoops would call it the "it" factor.

I will make it a point to shoot up a couple of times this year to watch him play in Vegas.

Wiki also says he finished his degree at some point.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Tuitama#Professional_career

He should have at least had an unregistered firearm with him, then the Raiders would have loved to draft him.

I have to chime in alittle on this one. Willie was never the same after the LSU game. I am reminded as well of the hit he put on the Scummie in Tempe. Drove his ass about 10 yards. I talked to him about that game and that hit. He said, "how was that hit Master Chief?" (no doubt of his toughness!) and again after the Vegas Bowl against BYU..."Hey Master Chief....think they still feel I can't run?" The kid could run (albiet not very fast). In those 2 and a half seasons he lit it up and broke most of the U of A passing records and if you remember he did it with a line that any one of us could half broke through and receivers that were good but undersized as well, and with a sorry ass running game. But I like this kid from Vegas and I like Coach Rod. I believe our O-line is bigger and better today than it was back then and the receivers are bigger, stronger and faster. And there are more of them. Better RB's and FB's....it sets up much better for Soloman. I am looking forward to his arrival!

Update on Willie....he was released from San Antonio and is looking for another gig. He did play for the Nebraska Danger for a year and did well filling in for the starter mid season and was developing into a good IFL QB until he sustained a shoulder injury that ended his year.