Timote "Junior" Maile Tafuna is an American football defensive tackle from the University of Utah. He was one of 329 prospects invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he ran a 5.03-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 28.5-inch vertical jump, and clocked in a 1.8-second 10-yard split. With a prospect grade of 5.80, he is projected as an average backup or special-teams player at the next level. His Next Gen Stats score of 59 falls into the "below average" category. (Via NFL's official site).
Junior Tafuna signed with the Utah Utes football program in 2020 and remained with the team through the 2024 season. He did not see any action during his freshman year but went on to appear in 48 games over the next four seasons. During his collegiate years, he had 108 tackles (53 solo), 16 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. In 2021, he played in 13 games and started the final 11. That season, he recorded 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. He received Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pac-12 Second Team. He was named again for All-Pac-12 Second Team awards in 2022 for the third year in a row. As a senior in 2024, he achieved a season-high five tackles against BYU and was named Big 12 All-Conference Honorable Mention, according to the Utes roster.
Junior Tafuna's Hometown
Junior Tafuna grew up in Taylorsville, Utah. He attended Bingham High School in South Jordan. A three-star recruit, he was ranked the No. 7 prospect in Utah. Tafuna assisted Bingham to win back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017. During his 2018 senior year, he received second-team all-state recognition with 64 tackles and one interception. (via Utes roster)
Also Read: Junior Tafuna's NIL Deal
Junior Tafuna's Birthplace
Junior Tafuna was reportedly born in Taylorsville, Utah, part of the Salt Lake City metro area. He is the son of Mau and Timote, as noted on his college roster.
Junior Tafuna's Nationality
Junior Tafuna holds American nationality.
FAQ on Junior Tafuna
A. Junior Tafuna is from Taylorsville, Utah.
A. Junior Tafuna attended the University of Utah.
A. Junior Tafuna went to Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah.
A. Junior Tafuna plays as a defensive tackle.
