An Interview with FB Sione Houma

Submitted by Magnus on

Andrew did an interview with Sione Houma late last week and posted it this morning over at TTB.  He talks about the importance of the fullback position and what size the coaches want him to be, along with his favorite instrument to play.  Plus there's a separate video interview embedded.

stetgor

March 14th, 2012 at 8:10 AM ^

Thanks Magnus.  It's ironic you posted this as I've been wondering how a guy like him feels in light of Shallman and all the talk about back recruiting.  I wondered how he might see the fullback position and his role as such.  It sure seems clear that he understands the role and embraces it.  Love his comment about not being scared of anyone.  He sounds like a "search and destroy" guy.  Thanks again.

Magnus

March 14th, 2012 at 11:10 AM ^

Eh, I think he might redshirt.  We've got Hopkins to start and Joey Kerridge might be able to be his backup.  There's not a huge reason to play a backup fullback and burn a guy's redshirt, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play, either.  I'd say there's a 50/50 shot of seeing him on the field.

Sione's Flow

March 14th, 2012 at 1:17 PM ^

My only question is where are the Sione Houma plays ukelele videos on youtube?  Kid sounds like he's going to a good one for UM.  Is it possible the FB sees more of a roll as Borges' offense takes hold, because this kid did everything in high school?  

Elmer

March 14th, 2012 at 1:31 PM ^

This kid really seems to love putting a helmet on someone.  I can see him opening some holes and also having the speed to bust some long runs, ala Stanley Edwards back in the day. 

Nice pick up, glad he's a Wolverine.

JeepinBen

March 14th, 2012 at 1:37 PM ^

Jacob Hester. Of LSU and now the Chargers. Total WCO FB. Good lead blocker, but not the mack-truck style of a 260lb guy like Mack Strong (best FB name ever?). Agile enough to get the ball on hand offs, to catch it out of the backfield, etc. I think this guy could become a real weapon in Borges's non-system.

maznblu

March 14th, 2012 at 3:21 PM ^

is getting a foothold in the Utah recruiting scene. Football and rugby are especially popular there, with a strong Tongan presence. They produce some top talent for a small state population.

Magnus

March 15th, 2012 at 6:29 AM ^

Yeah, Michigan went after several Utah kids last cycle.  I would imagine they'll continue to aim for players there if they find some they like.  Moana Ofahengaue was big on Michigan, too, but they filled up on his position pretty early.

ChuckieWoodson

March 14th, 2012 at 4:29 PM ^

"They gave me a workout book for last month and this month, I think."



Ha, sounds like he's really digging into his workouts!

Be nice to have him at 230-235 and punishing DB's.  Good luck Sione!

AmaizingBlue3

March 14th, 2012 at 4:57 PM ^

I'm very curious how we will use the full back in what our future offense will be. I know we have bigger backs like Shallman (and whoever our other 2013 back will be). Presuambly he will mostly serve as a lead blocker? How many times a year will he be expected to possibly carry the ball? On 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 do you expect the fullback to get the ball or power RB? Or will they mix it up? Any enlightment Magnus? 

Magnus

March 14th, 2012 at 7:52 PM ^

Well, the coaches are obviously fond of the one-back quick-hitting dive on short yardage or goal line situations, which we saw several times with Toussaint this past season.  It's possible that you could see Houma running that play from a single-back formation, Toussaint lined up behind him but motioning out of the backfield, Toussaint lined up in the I and faking a pitch while Houma gets the quick-hitter, etc.  Toussaint was a good back for that play because of his power and leaping ability, so I'm not sure we'll need a replacement on that type of play for the next couple seasons...but we'll see.