Born in Corinth, TX, Josiah Tauaefa stayed local to play football in college. Josiah had multiple offers from “Power 5” schools such as Colorado, North Texas and Texas El-Paso. Yet he decided to stay true to his roots. Just 308 miles from his hometown was the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA). The hometown kid would go on to play the next three years rocking the navy blue and orange.

After weeks of pondering his decision, Tauaefa announced on Instagram his declaration for the 2019 NFL Draft. The “Beast of the Southeast” proved himself as a force to be reckoned with at the collegiate level. Compiling an astonishing 111 tackles and 5.5 sacks, he earned himself to be a lock in the years’ draft. This past week, The Paw Print had the opportunity to interview him as he continues his path to the draft.

Q: What was your favorite moment playing for UTSA?

A: It’s definitely got to be becoming bowl eligible in my first season. I played at the collegiate level. It was an incredible feeling to be a roadrunner at the time. It was a great achievement for our university.

Q: Why did you decide to attend UTSA?

A: Locationally, my family could come to all my home games and even a good chunk of my away games. The fact that this program was extremely young drew me in because I wanted to be a part of helping write the program’s history. Three years later, I accomplished my goal with UTSA’s single season tackling leader.

Q:  Do you have a favorite uniform you like to play in? If so, can you describe it?

A: It’s definitely the all-white uniforms. The few times a year I saw them waiting in my locker, a burst of joy ran through my body. They’re so sweet.

Q: Did you have a favorite NFL team as a kid? If so, would you like play for them in the NFL?

A: Somewhat. It was usually the Cowboys or Steelers. It would absolutely be a blessing to dress up in the black and gold, or the blue and silver.

Q: What’s your mindset at as the NFL draft approaches?

A: Anything that happens. Drafted. Undrafted free agent. Or rookie minicamp. Any opportunity that comes my way, I will make the most of. It’s a win-win situation.

Q: Which NFL player has inspired your style of play the most?

A: Former Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. His motor and his instinctual ability to find the ball has always been something I look up to and admire. It’s a definite answer for me.

The Paw Print would like to wish Josiah Tauaefa the best. The UTSA linebacker was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. If you would like to follow Tauaefa’s path, you can follow his social media accounts below.

Twitter: @josiahtauaefa

Instagram: @josiahtauaefa