Jonah Laulu Draft Networking Interview: 'I Want To Be The Best' (Interviews)
Interviews

Jonah Laulu Draft Networking Interview: 'I Want To Be The Best'

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Oklahoma defensive lineman Jonah Laulu is a hard-nosed prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Laulu primarily played on the interior this season. He'd previously played as a base defensive end that's capable of stuffing the run.

A Hawaii-to-Oklahoma transfer, Laulu recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his decision to enter the portal, rushing the passer and stopping the run, which teams have shown interest in his services, and so much more.

JM: Now that you've had time to think about it, how do you reflect on the decision to transfer from Hawaii to Oklahoma?

Jonah Laulu: My biggest reason for transferring is that I wanted to get better. I feel like I reached my ceiling at Hawaii. I had some great coaches from a scheme and system perspective.

I just feel like I needed a change. I wanted to get better as a defensive lineman. I thought I had another level to unlock. I wanted to achieve my dream of playing professional football. I went to Oklahoma to get better fundamentally. I wanted to expand my technique as a defensive lineman. That’s why I entered the transfer portal.

JM: Was proving yourself against better competition in the Big 12 a big reason why you ended up at Oklahoma out of the portal?

Jonah Laulu: Yeah, it for sure did. I wanted to play against Power Five programs. The Big 12 is a great conference. That was another big reason why I entered the portal. Oklahoma was the right school for me. I was excited to be coached at Oklahoma.

JM: You made some plays in the backfield for Oklahoma, and you had a ton of sacks and tackles for loss at Hawaii. What is it about your skill set that allows you to make those plays behind the line of scrimmage?

Jonah Laulu: I’d credit my football I.Q. and my toughness. I’ve always had the ability to diagnose offenses pre-snap. Something just clicks for me. Sometimes I feel like I’ve already made the play before I made it.

It’s like a mindset when I get myself into that zone. Nobody can block me when I feel like that. I just feel dominant. When people say they get into their zone, I know what that feels like. I feel like I’m unblockable sometimes and I can do whatever I want with the offensive linemen.

I have a natural knack for the game. I was born to play football. I move great for my size. I’m half black and half Samoan. I feel like I was born to play football

JM: Are you more developed as a pass rusher or as a run-stopper at this point?

Jonah Laulu: That’s a great question. This past season, moving to the interior, I felt more dominant as a pass rusher. When I was playing defensive end, I felt like I was a very dominant run defender. That’s a tough question. I’d probably lean slightly as a pass rusher right now.

JM: Have you met with any teams throughout the pre-draft process, whether in person or virtually?

Jonah Laulu: I’ve met with a few teams both virtually and in person. I met with the Raiders, Jets, and 49ers at Pro Day. I’ve also met with the Seahawks, Jets, and Colts virtually. I’ve been in touch with a good amount of teams.

I have some more meetings on my schedule throughout the month of April.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Jonah Laulu going to make at the next level?

Jonah Laulu: I can’t wait to contribute to a team at the next level. I can rush the passer on third down. I can play defensive end on base downs and stuff the run. I bring a terrific work ethic to the table.

I’m a great teammate first and foremost. I love supporting my teammates in the locker room. I have a blue-collar mentality. I’m ready to work. I love being coached. I want to be the best.

I can’t wait to learn from the veterans. I’m ready to work. That’s what I bring to the table.



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