DE Rankings: JT Tuimoloau

November 15, 2022 CFB Saturdays Staff

As we review the DE rankings, players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into JT Tuimoloau, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football DE Rankings here.

Ohio State defensive end, JT Tuimoloau played a part time role as a true freshman. In 2022, he has been Ohio State’s top defensive end, playing a key role in the Buckeyes’ defensive turnaround. Tuimoloau has been playing well all season, but he put together a historic performance at Penn State in a 44 – 31 win. Tuimoloau did it all for the defense making 6 tackles with 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 fumble forced, 2 interceptions, 1 pass breakup and a touchdown. That performance was the highlight of what has been a strong sophomore season in which he has totaled 22 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and a fumble forced. He is quickly becoming one of the most impactful defensive linemen in college football.

Tuimoloau is a tough match-up physically because he combines good size at 6’4″ 270 lbs with excellent quickness. He has the strength to overpower blockers and squeeze the pocket with a bull rush. Tuimoloau is also quick off the ball, showing the explosiveness to get around the end and close on the quarterback. He is strong at the point of attack against the run and shows the lateral agility to get in the right gap and disrupt the play. Tuimoloau has a rare combination of size and athleticism that makes him tough to prepare for.

In addition to his raw athletic gifts, Tuimoloau’s basketball background has also helped him excel on the football field. He has nimble feet and reacts very well to the ball. Tuimoloau shows the quick bounce to react to passes and the ball skills to make a play. He has an innate ability to get his hands on the ball almost like reacting to a rebound off the rim. The quick feet, good hands and bouncy athleticism make him excellent at disrupting passing lanes when he cannot get to the quarterback.

JT Tuimoloau has emerged as a force off the edge for the Buckeyes. He has an excellent blend of size and quickness that makes it tough for blockers to handle him one on one. Tuimoloau also has good instincts and play-making ability that is tough to teach. As he continues to refine his technique and add to his arsenal of pass rush moves, he will become one of the scariest defensive ends in college football.

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