Molokai native emerging as giant presence on K-State defense

MANHATTAN, Kans. — Training camp has been going on long enough at Kansas State that the Wildcats are starting to get sick of exclusively lining up against their teammates in practices and scrimmages one day after the next.

They are eager for the season to arrive so they can, cue the classic football cliche here, “hit somebody else.”

With that in mind, offensive coordinator Collin Klein is happy to tell you which K-State defender he is sick and tired of going up against on a daily basis — Uso Seumalo, a 6-foot-3 and 337-pound defensive tackle from Molokai, Hawaii.

“Uso has been a machine,” Klein said earlier this week. “He has caused a lot of problems for us.”

He may not be fun to run plays against in practices, but Seumalo performing like a star lineman is excellent news for the K-State defense. Many wondered how the Wildcats would replace Eli Huggins in the middle of their defensive front this season, but it now seems like Seumalo is up for the task.

K-State fans saw a glimpse of his potential last season when he made five tackles, including two for loss, and knocked down a pair of passes at the line of scrimmage while playing in all 14 games.

Coaches have been eagerly waiting to see what he can deliver for an encore, especially after they watched him shed a few pounds during the offseason.

“I’m just telling you, watch Uso,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said. “He has trimmed down as much as he can trim down at 337 pounds and run. He’s athletic and strong.”

Funny thing about his size: He still plays like a giant.

“He can block out the sun,” K-State cornerbacks coach Van Malone said before later continuing the joke. “When he gets out there it gets dark, immediately.”

It can sometimes feel that way for K-State quarterbacks when they try to attempt a short pass over the middle. One of the best skills that Seumalo brings to the field is his ability to swat down passes at the line of scrimmage.

Even if you keep him out of the backfield or run away from him on a handoff, it is difficult to scheme around him on any passing play.

“Some defensive linemen never get their hands up,” Malone said. “I think this dude takes great pride in deflecting balls. He has done it in games and he always does it in practice. He does a great job beyond those things. He does a great job using his hands. When you have a guy that is that big and is able to command double teams, he is an asset for your defense. Very rarely is he single blocked and if that’s the case for one of your defensive linemen it helps a lot of people.”

The only concern with Seumalo, at the moment, is his health status.

The former junior-college transfer from Garden City Community College has missed a few recent practices after what his position coach, Mike Tuiasosopo, described as a minor lower-body injury.

“We expect him back a lot sooner than later, I promise you that,” Tuiasosopo said. “It’s football. People get rolled up on in piles all the time. He will be just fine. This is the same guy who got nicked up in the Big 12 championship game and then played in the Sugar Bowl. So we’re not worried about him.”

As he recovers, other defensive tackles like Damian Ilalio and Jevon Banks will get extra playing time in practice. Coaches are pleased with how both of them are looking at training camp, and they have confidence that they will be able to contribute this season.

But make no mistake, the Wildcats will be thrilled when Seumalo is able to return. They’re ready to see him tackle someone on another team.