Name: Siaosi Finau
School: Butte Community College / Colorado Mesa University
Position: ILB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 239
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My long term goals this year included leading the team in tackles and leading my team to win the conference. Of these goals, I accomplished leading the team in tackles. My short term goals, which I set at the beginning of each game week, included watching 20 hours+ of film prior to each game. I’d use this film to analyze our strengths and weaknesses as well as the opposing teams strengths and weaknesses. I’d then bring my findings to the rest of my team and my position group during meetings.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe my coaches and teammates would say that I’m a straight up player, I don’t beat around the bush. If you’re messing up, whether it be a coach or player, I’m going to say how I feel and provide my perspective on how I would proceed differently. They would also say that I’m very intelligent when it comes to the game, being able to watch 20+hours of game tape a week, provides me with the ability to anticipate the opposing teams next action or play.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
While studying film, I pay attention to each player on the field and the formations they are in. I watch plays more than once so I can analyze each person and what signs they show. Most players do something to indicate what kind of play they are going to do. One thing I learned about watching film comes from the great Rod Woodson and that is offense’s can only get into five formations. When I figured that out, I realized there were only so many plays that each team could run out of those five formations. Being able to figure that out helped be able to stay a step in front of the offense on most plays.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects at my position is my film study and communication on the field. I love being a field general and being able to give little hints to my teammates about where the ball is going to be or where the opposing team is trying to run the ball can play a big role in either winning the game or losing. Another thing that also separates me is my determination and humbleness. I put many hours in, on and off the field, to achieve my goal of being the best player I can be for not only my team, but myself as well.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My off-season plan is simple, I’m trying to carry my legacy as great as I can and that means I gotta put the work in day in and day out. This includes watching my own film and comparing it to some of the greatest linebackers in the game to help me improve my faults. The great Ray Lewis once said “You’re carrying a legacy, You’re carrying greatness. And greatness is a lot of small things done well. Day after day. Workout after workout. Obedience after obedience.” During the off-season I am doing everything and anything to be one step ahead of my opponents. I am COMMITTED to putting in the work no matter how I’m feeling. This includes a workout plan that not only makes me stronger, but focuses on footwork, speedwork, and balance.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My strengths and abilities that I can bring to the team on the field is being that field general a team needs. I am able to take charge of situations when they go wrong and also when things are going smoothly. I am able to call out plays to my teammates so they can adjust as needed. I am also very aware of how each of my teammates are doing, physically and mentally. The second thing is being a great person, I don’t want to draw any bad press/attention to my family, my team or myself. That means treating everybody, no matter how rude they can get, with respect because at the end of the day I am not only representing myself, I am representing my team and family as well.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
To all the pro league teams and coaches out there looking for a true inside linebacker and a great leader on and off the field, I am your guy! I am the glue of every defense that I’ve been a part of. My ambition and determination to lead the team and myself is never ending. My stats and accolades may not be the best of the best out there but my film doesn’t lie. If you don’t trust my word, you can ask my coaches or teammates about me. I hope you take the time to watch my film and hopefully we can have a conversation about moving forward as a potential player for you.