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I love it when a guy that was lightly recruited comes in and becomes a strong controbutor in time. That is the case with today’s player, a fifth year senior that has persevered through a lot.
Semisi Fakasiieiki - Sr. (5)
Compton, California (Dominquez HS)
6’2”, 270 pounds
Defensive Line
2020 Projection: Contributor, possible starter
Semisi comes to us...
Fakasiieiki was a 2-star recruit in Darrell Hazell’s final class with offers from Hawaii, New Mexico, and San Diego State. Coming to Purdue given those three choices is a surprise, but he has found a home here.
After redshirting in 2016 he also did not play in 2017. He finally found the field in his third year in 2018 as a reserve in 12 of 13 games. He finished the year with eight tackles, three of which came in the Music City Bowl (proving that yes, we did tackle Auburn on a few plays). last season was a bit of a breakout year for him. He played in 11 games with four starts and had 38 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and a sack. The sack came against Maryland and twice he had a seven tackle game.
Fakasiieiki seems like a player who could thrive in Diaco’s 3-4 scheme. He has played some defensive end and some linebacker in his career, mostly in the middle. Being versatile like that can be a huge piece in that style of defense. He also has other talents: