OSU’s final two signees fill needs, add flavor
STILLWATER — One is of Polynesian heritage from a suburb of Los Angeles. The other was born in West Africa and grew up in Memphis.
On the football side of things, Samuela Tuihalamaka and Amadou Fofana fill a recruiting need and add depth on the Oklahoma State defensive line.
From a real-life perspective, they bring some unique cultural flavor to the Cowboy locker room.
OSU announced the signings of its final two recruits in the 2018 class on Wednesday morning, after the Cowboys signed 23 during the early period.
Fofana, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound junior-college transfer from Highland (Kansas) Community College, was an NJCAA honorable mention All-American this past season.
He was born in the West African country of Guinea and raised in a Muslim home. His family moved to Memphis when he was 3 years old, and he’s hoping to make a trip back to his homeland.
“I don’t remember much about living there,” Fofana said. “I’m planning on going back in the next couple of summers.”
Fofana primarily played defensive end last season, but also moved in to tackle on occasion. He was strong against the run and as a pass rusher from either position.
That versatility could be valuable for him in the defense of new coordinator Jim Knowles, who will occasionally shuffle between a three- and fourman front.
Fofana’s college journey has been unique as well. He spent his first summer out of high school at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, but left before the season began. Instead, he enrolled at Division II Lane College.
“I played one or two snaps there, but after that, they redshirted me,” Fofana said.
He spent the next season at Highland, and is set to graduate in May. His brief stay at Lane College has been counted against his eligibility, but OSU could potentially appeal to the NCAA to get that year reinstated.
For now, he’s a junior with three years to use his final two seasons of eligibility.
Tuihalamaka comes from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, and adds to the list of Polynesian players who have made their way to Stillwater — including current Cowboy back Sione Finefeuiaki, who was one of Tuihalamaka’s hosts during his visit in January.
Both the past success and current presence of Polynesian players at OSU swayed Tuihalamaka’s recruiting.
“That gave me confidence about Oklahoma State,” he said. “I just prayed to God, and he led me there. I felt it in my heart that Oklahoma State was the right place.”
The 6-foot-2, 290pound Tuihalamaka played nose guard in high school, but feels confident in his ability to adjust to playing defensive tackle in a four-man front. And he’s excited about the slower pace of Stillwater.
“I like that it’s like a small town, so I feel like I can really focus there,” Tuihalamaka said. “There’s a lot of academic help, which I really appreciate.
“And it’s a football town. I really like that, too.”