Boise State numerical roster countdown 2015: Day 90. Justin Taimatuia

We've got just 90 days (that's 3 months) until the much-anticipated opener, so today we'll highlight the player that wears #90 on the Boise State roster—Justin Taimatuia

#90, Justin Taimatuia, Senior (still), DT

Stats

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 297 lbs.

High School/College: Tafuna (American Samoa) / Fort Scott CC (Fort Scott, KS)

How'd he get to The Blue™?

Taimatuia was a big-time player at Tafuna in American Samoa and carried that play through 2 years at Fort Scott CC. Boise State beat out a host of teams for his services—among them: Houston, Indiana, La Tech, South Alabama, Tennessee State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UTSA and Toledo.

Nickname

"JT"

Our best hope at not butchering Taimatuia's surname. Initials are safe.

Look-a-like

A rather trim version of WWF champ Yokozuna

Career Highlights

Appeared in all 13 games for the Broncos in 2013, notching 29 tackles (2.5 for loss) and a sack. As a sophomore at Fort Scott CC, was named All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (AKJCCC?) honorable mention after registering 29 tackles (4.5 for-loss) and two sacks. As a frosh (2011): Recorded 37 tackles (21 solo), including five TFLs.

2015 Prospectus

Being at Fall Camp practices last season it seemed rather clear that Taimatuia was having some lingering issues. We weren't able to report it at the time, obviously...but it was certainly concerning seeing him relegated to the sidelines for much of camp—my hope was that he, like Mercy Maston, would be able to rebound in time to make an impact in 2014...but the way things turned out may be an even better resolution. Neither Taimatuia or (now) Nickel Maston were able to recover in time to contribute a year ago..but the silver lining is that we gain the services of a few guys this year we didn't expect to.

We've talked at length about the superior depth on the D-line this season (primarily on the interior) and in all likelihood will talk about it plenty more. One side effect of this rare depth is that any one of the top 6 DTs could potentially be a starter...which makes one H-E-double hockey sticks of a rotation. Frankly, I'd trust anyone from Ash to Turner to hold down the interior and Steve Caldwell should be able to enjoy a rather chill season if all goes according to plan. Heart isn't exclusive to Poly players, but more often than not they play with an extra gear...I certainly hope Taimatuia picks up where he left off in 2013 when he was starting to come into his own and becomes a major contributor to what could be a very special defense in 2015.

Is he on Twitter?

Bronco nation is just getting started. #ChampLife #Football & #Basketball

— Jaytee (@jaytee2times) March 8, 2015

Completely NOT made up fact

Taimatuia is one part of what I can only assume is an insanely popular boy band and if you don't believe me here's proof (wardrobe malfunction at :47)