Oregon offensive lineman makes decision on 2022 NFL Draft
Dan Lanning received an early Christmas gift – and a big one at that. Oregon Ducks veteran offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, a junior right tackle, announced on Twitter Friday that he intends to play another year in Eugene.
It’s surprising news as Aumavae-Laulu announced at the beginning of December that his time with Oregon was over and he thought he’d declare for the NFL Draft.
Aumavae-Laulu started nine games for the Ducks at right tackle and played in all 13 games.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound junior was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection in 2020 and played 635 snaps for the Duck in 2021.
The Ducks are losing star defensive end, Kayvon Thibodeaux, to the NFL Draft and he won’t play in the Alamo Bowl.
Oregon adds pair of assistants
Oregon coach Dan Lanning has found his defensive line coach. The Ducks announced Thursday in a press release that Tony Tuioti has been hired for the position.
The Ducks also officially introduced Demetrice Martin as their cornerbacks coach.
Tuioti brings with him a wealth of experience both in the NFL and Power 5 ranks. Before joining Oregon, he spent the past three seasons as the defensive line coach for Nebraska. Prior to that, he made stops at Cal, Michigan and the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. An alumnus of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, he also spent six seasons at Hawaii from 2008-13.
“I am thrilled to have Tony Tuioti joining us here at Oregon,” Lanning said. “He is one of the top defensive line coaches in the country, and he has a tremendous track record both in recruiting and player development. His experience coaching at the NFL and Power 5 levels will be a huge asset to our coaching staff, and his connection and familiarity with the West Coast, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands is extremely valuable.”
Tuioti enjoyed much success with the Cornhuskers, with two of his defensive lineman earning All-Big Ten honors during his first season. All three of his starters from that year were on NFL rosters in 2020.
He improved the defensive line further in 2020, with the Huskers lowering their yards allowed per rush from 4.82 to 4.17. Highly regarded as a recruiter, he helped Nebraska sign a top-25 recruiting class in 2021.
On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.