Bio
Age: 26
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 320 lbs
College: Utah
Years Active: 4
College
Star made an impression in college. Often times that impression was the outline of opposing lineman in the grass as Star made his way to the backfield. He graded out as an elite run blocker and disruptive force in Utah’s defense. In 38 games with 28 starts, Star recorded 22.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. He also recovered five fumbles, forced four and recorded five passes defenses. It’s easy to see why the Panthers were high enough on their future star to draft him 14th overall in the 1st round of 2013. Lucky for them Star fell from a consensus top 5 position due to a heart condition that prevented him form participating in workouts. An MRI prior to the draft showed no issues but created just enough doubt to create a fall down the board.
2013
Star wasted absolutely no time showing why he was a coveted player in the draft. As a rookie he contributed three sacks to a defense that lead the led the league in that category. The unit finished second in run defense and sixth in passing defense. Star got his first career sack with a brutal four yard loss against Eli Manning. This game, the Panthers were the first team in over a decade to post a shutout of 38 points or more, with at least seven sacks and three turnovers all while holding the Giants to less than 150 net yards. Star contributed to another milestone, sacking Matt Ryan for a seven yard loss for one of the Panther’s team record 9 sacks on the day.
2014
As part of the unit that ranked 10th overall in total defense, Star posted 2 sacks, seven pressures and one pass defense during his sophomore effort. Again Lotulelei targeted Matt Ryan, dropping for a four and a five yard loss in the fourth quarter of a game that saw the Panthers have a season high six sacks. The unit also surrendered only 3 points, the least all season and an astounding two rushing first downs the entire game.
2015
Star continued his rise in 2015, this time adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to his resume along with one sack and five QB pressures. Against Tampa Bay in October, Star recovered a fouled snap by Center Joe Hawley on only the second play from scrimmage to set up a touchdown. Late in the season Star took down Aaron Rodgers for a eight yard loss in a very close contest.
Looking Forward
Star is under contract through 2017 via his 5th year rookie contract option. This keeps the big body in the trenches doing damage for a couple more years. With negotiations heating up between the Panthers and fellow DT Kawann Short, the orginazation can take solace knowing that one of their workmen on defense has shown competency and consistency and will be able to maintain the position if Kawann exits through free agency.
Let’s take a look at some of Lotulelei’s highlights:
Star ends Beast Mode before it can start:
Star scares the crap out of Alex Smith in preseason:
What do you think Lotulelei’s impact will be in 2016?