Safety Hufanga trains with Polamalu ahead of NFL draft
There are different ways to prepare for the NFL draft, but most prospects stick to the basics: hire a personal trainer or work out at a facility with other draft hopefuls with professionals who make their living molding athletes for the big time.
USC safety Talanoa Hufanga has gone a slightly different route as he prepares for the 2021 draft, working instead with one of his Trojan predecessors, Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu.
“I’m very grateful for him in my life. Getting to learn from him is unbelievable,” Hufanga said ahead of today’s USC pro day. “When it comes to something I learned from him, it’s so many things.”
Hufanga first met Polamalu in high school when training with Vai Sikahema, the first Tongan to play in the NFL. Sikahema asked whom Hufanga liked to model his game after, and though Hufanga said he didn’t model after anyone, his favorite player to watch was Polamalu.
It’s not hard to see the parallels in their games. Both were hard-hitting safeties capable of making tackles for loss or interceptions depending on what the situation called for.
Sikahema pulled his phone out on the spot and started a group text between them and Polamalu. Hufanga began to utilize the former Pittsburgh Steeler great as a resource through FaceTime or phone calls.
So when Hufanga declared for the NFL draft following his junior season, he put out the big ask to Polamalu.
“When I asked if it was possible if I could train with him, it was something that he took thought into and ultimately said yes,” Hufanga said. “I’ve been off social media for three years and getting to have those conversations with him. I think that’s (why) he kinda knows that when I meant I was all-in, I was all-in.”
“But,” Hufanga added, “learning from him is very different. It’s a training that’s not common.”
They don’t do much in the way of lifting weights. Instead, the focus during workouts is on isokinetic movements and plyometrics to increase flexibility and mobility.
Hufanga says Polamalu’s teaching has been most beneficial in the mental side of his life. Polamalu assigns his protégé books to read. Hufanga’s favorite is an audiobook called “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins, which he says has helped him learn how to combat adversity.
“I think a lot of it is just training with him, being able to comprehend what we’re doing and why we’re doing it,” Hufanga said. “I think that’s the most important thing, is being authentic, showing your true character, being very detail-oriented in what we do. Whether it’s the diet, whether it’s the training, whether it’s the hydration, the sleep, when you do all those things it kinda comes together.
“When you make that the most important part of your life, just being obedient, nothing can really stop you.”
Hufanga is one of seven Trojans who will be participating in pro day Wednesday. USC expects representatives from all 32 NFL teams to be in attendance.
Hufanga said there isn’t one area in particular he wants to showcase. He feels like the training he’s done with Polamalu is more about long-term success and not necessarily eye-popping numbers in the 40-yard dash or bench press.
As a junior, Hufanga played all six games for USC, recording 62 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles. He also showcased a new knack in pass coverage; after no interceptions his previous two seasons, he had four in 2020.
The fact he could play a full season healthy, with positive medical reports, has limited teams’ questions about his injury history as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
“I’m just excited to go throughout this process, whether I’m drafted or undrafted,” he said in his typical humble fashion. “All I ask is for one opportunity to go showcase my talents.”