Versatile athlete who has played both offensive and defensive line over his career while battling injuries ... Joined the Aztecs in the summer of 2015, but tore an ACL and missed the entire season and the 2016 spring campaign.
MEDICAL REDSHIRT SEASON (2015)
Missed the entire season with a knee injury, but was granted a medical redshirt.
AT UCLA (2011-14)
Spent four seasons at UCLA (2011-14), playing in three games as reserve offensive lineman after batting injuries ... Did not play in 2014 while rehabbing an injury ... Played in three games in 2013, earning a tackle vs. New Mexico State ... Moved over to the offensive line midway through the season to help out in that area due to injuries ... Did not see game action in 2012 after being injured during fall camp ... Also did not play in 2011 as a true freshman, utilizing his redshirt season.
HIGH SCHOOL
Played his high school ball at Liberty High in Henderson, Nev. ... Rated No. 42 player in the CA/HI/NV area by SuperPrep ... Earned three stars from Scout and ESPN, and two starts from Rivals ... Ranked No. 61 among defensive ends by Scout ... Led his team to an 11-2 record and earned all-state and all-region honors ... Made 70 tackles, including 15 sacks, despite playing just eight games due to a foot injury ... Saw action at defensive end, tight end and quarterback ... Had three sacks in the final five minutes of the Sunrise Region semifinals ... Team won the Southeast Division title ... As a junior, he made 40 tackles, including six sacks, passed for 588 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 119 yards and five scores.
PERSONAL
Samuela Latu Tai was born Aug. 16, 1992, in Aurora, Colo. ... Son of Taani and Debbie Tai ... Cousins of cousins Haloti Ngata of the Detroit Lions and Fui Vakapuna, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals ... Originally picked UCLA out of other offers from Arkansas, Colorado, Colorado State, Fresno State, Idaho, San Diego State, Southern Utah, UNLV and Wyoming ... Is working on his master's degree in homeland security.
SINGLE-GAME BESTS
Tackles: 1 vs. New Mexico State (9/21/13)