Willie Tuitama

During his four years as the starter in Tucson, Tuitama has dealt with injuries, changing schemes from a pro-style to spread offense, poor offensive line play and even his own inconsistencies. But the 2008 second-team All-Pac-10 player saved his best season for last (64.9 percent completion rate, 3,088 yards, 23 touchdowns, eight interceptions) and led Arizona to its first bowl game since 1998. His production was actually better in his junior season (3,683 yards, 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions), but his coaches and NFL scouts agree that he has grown as a leader and passer. Tuitama isn't a highly-rated prospect because he still lacks pinpoint accuracy and great athleticism, plus he lost a large share of his sophomore year due to multiple shots to the head. But his chances of being drafted are significantly higher than they were before his senior season began.

positives

Looks the part. Good height and build for the position. Quick set up and delivery. Legitimate NFL arm strength. Forces the safety to play back due to his potential to complete the long pass and can fire the deep out. Good zip and trajectory to his intermediate and longer throws to avoid defenders. Flashes touch to place the ball between the linebacker and safety down the seam. Experienced in a pro-style offense and has the physical tools to warrant further development. Four-year starter. Good bloodlines; relative of San Diego TE Brandon Manumaleuna and Patriots LB Junior Seau.

negatives

Still struggles with consistency despite his experience. Can be fooled by creative defenses and either hold the ball too long or try to force the issue by throwing into coverage. Can be wildly inconsistent with his accuracy, especially when on the move. Struggles to square his shoulders when moving laterally and throw with accuracy. Slow and lacks elusiveness in the pocket. Statistical improvement over the past two years, but scouts question if this isn't due to the change in scheme (pro-style to spread), rather than his own improvement in reading defenses and passing accuracy.

SuperPrep All-America, rated its No. 16 quarterback

PrepStar All-America honors

Rivals four-star rating and No. 5 at quarterback, plus listed the No. 16 recruit in the state

Received votes in the Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West Poll

Cal-Hi Sports third-team All-State

Scout.com four-star and No. 10 QB ranking

Senior year he completed 158 of 254 passes for 2,734 yards and phenomenal 32 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions.

Led Stockton St. Mary's to California's Division I sectional championship, beating Nevada Union of Grass Valley, Calif., 50-45 with Tuitama completing his last 11 passes. He had no incompletions in the second half

Team finished 13-1 and Tuitama led the league in passing yards, completing 17 of 23 passes for career highs of 312 yards and five touchdowns in his final prep game

Max Emfinger top 30 drop-back QB list with 4.5 stars

CollegeFootballnews.com No. 12 QB prospect nationally

Two-year letterman in football and once in baseball

Senior team captain.

Son of Lui and nancy Tuitama of Stockton

Academic area of interest is communications

Parents are University of the Pacific graduates

Dad is a broker and mom is a travel agent

Boys Senate honors in school

Volunteered as a Pop Warner assistant coach and also a volunteer elementary teacher's aide

Older sister, Tiare, played volleyball at Cal State Los Angeles

Relative of former UA tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (Chargers) of the St. Louis Rams, former USC All-American and All-Pro linebacker Junior Seau (Patriots) and former ASU star Junior Ah'You

Likes video games, poker and playing golf

Full name Willie Coonley Savea Tuitama

Date of birth: Jan. 13, 1987, in Stockton, Calif.