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Buccaneers Draft 2017: Three Things To Know About Stevie Tu’ikolovatu

By Bailey Adams

Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) is pressured by USC Trojans defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu (96) in the second quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Mike Fafaul (12) is pressured by USC Trojans defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu (96) in the second quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu of USC (98) participates in a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu of USC (98) participates in a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

3. His Uncle Played In The NFL

Before Tu’ikolovatu had his NFL dream come true on Saturday afternoon, his uncle spent time in the league. Sione Po’uha was drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played all seven years of his career with the Jets, from 2005 until 2012. Po’uha also played defensive tackle and also played college ball at Utah.

In seven years with New York, Po’uha played 106 regular season games. He totaled 263 tackles (193 solo), with 4 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries and 10 passes defended. In six career playoff games, he racked up 22 tackles (13 solo) and one sack. In the 2011 season, Po’uha was one of the Jets’ permanent captains. After a back injury in 2012, he was released in March of 2013.

Despite the fact that he was only a seventh-round pick and not a third-rounder, Tu’ikolovatu definitely has the drive to have a career as long as his uncle’s. The Bucs must have seen something in the 6-foot-1-inch, 331-pound defender, seeing as how they traded up to select him. If he makes the roster in 2017, don’t be surprised to see him make an impact for a rising Tampa Bay defense.

Next: Stevie Tu'ikolovatu Instant Analysis

There you have it, Bucs fans. Stevie Tu’ikolovatu is your newest defensive tackle and the final member of the team’s 2017 draft class. You can find him on Twitter @steviet_90. Take some time to follow the big man and welcome him to Tampa Bay.

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