Bombers sign WR Lavasier Tuinei

[Mike]

I'm going out on a limb but I love this signing.

As a big time Ducks fan, this guy was absolute money in the Rose Bowl in 2011 and he's exactly what we're looking for at receiver. Not a burner but he's the closest thing to Chris Matthews we've had since.

6'5", 220 and he's got great hands. He's just on the slower side.

No idea why on earth Tedford cut him. But I love it.

[gbill2004]

His scouting report from 2012:

With plenty of talent at the wide receiver position in the 2012 NFL Draft, it’s easy to see why not many people are talking about Oregon Ducks wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei.

Tuinei however, is someone that deserves some recognition. He’s got tremendous size, standing at 6’5″ and weighing 216 pounds with all the ability in the world to be a successful possession receiver in the NFL. He’s not overly impressive in the speed column, but his quick cuts and smooth route running have been strong enough to give him great separation throughout his career.

Despite playing in an offense that put up huge numbers in the run game, Tuinei still managed to snag 48 catches for 599 yards and 10 touchdowns.

His participation at the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl only helped him as he was one of the most impressive wide receivers during the practices. He then came into the game and hauled in two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown on a mostly unimpressive offense for the American squad.

His two catches displayed what kind of receiver he could be for any team in the NFL as his first catch was a 23-yard grab up the seam and the second, was an 11-yard touchdown grab from another little known prospect in Bo Levi Mitchell.

Tuinei won’t be the type to put huge numbers up at the combine or in workouts, but he’s a solid receiver with a great work ethic. His overall abilities will make him a viable selection either late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent. However, once given a chance, there’s little doubt that Tuinei will impress scouts.

Watching Tuinei run drills at wide receiver is a thing of beauty as he sinks his hips well, cuts out of his breaks with a good head fake and catches the ball very well with his hands. He’s an all out type of player that will give maximum effort in order to make the play for his offense.

In order for Tuinei to make an NFL squad, odds are he’s going to have to impress with his route running ability and hands as he’s not physically gifted aside from his height. He’s a bit lanky, not overly fast and not as physical as you’d like to see a wide receiver but his cuts, smooth route running and great hands could overshadow that.

He won’t be on the same level as Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd or Kendall Wright, but Tuinei could still be a solid option without the high price tag.

[gbill2004]

And another...as a comparison, his 40 time was 4.61 and Chris Matthews was 4.57.

Bio: Junior college transfer who started the past two seasons, posting career-best numbers of 48 receptions/599 yards/10 TDs as a senior. Junior totals included 36/396/2.

Positive: Well-sized receiver with a solid game. Comes back to the ball out of breaks, nicely adjusts to the ball and makes the difficult reception in stride. Displays good focus and concentration, plays heads-up football and effectively uses his large frame to shield away defenders or protect the pass. Consistent hand catcher and a sturdy receiver who grabs the ball in the middle of the field, takes a pounding and holds onto the throw. Works hard to come free to make himself an available target. Keeps the play inbounds trying to pick up yardage running after the catch. Gives effort blocking downfield.

Negative: Displays limited quickness and speed in his game. Cannot run to the long throw. Average route runner.

Analysis: Tuinei is a slightly underrated possession receiver who's shown a lot of progress the past two years. He does the little things well at the position and has enough skill to make it as a fifth receiver in the NFL.

[gbill2004]

And a third report:

Scouting Report: Oregon's Lavasier Tuinei

By Pac-12 Conference

Nov 19, 2011

Lavasier Tuinei

Oregon, Wide Receiver

6-foot-5, 215 lbs.

Hands

Strong hands, does fight the ball some but is generally reliable. Can make catches away from body. Very good catching range and ability to extend.

Run Ability

Shows good effort to get yards after the catch. Lacks great speed but will fight for the extra yard and doesn't get caught from behind. Is a short strider with good quickness. Can break tackles.

Route Running

Comes off line of scrimmage hard. Not a real fluid strider but works to separate at the break. Uses body to gain advantage in jump ball situations. Shows instincts and savvy working underneath zones.

Deep Threat

Lacks top end deep speed and is used primarily as an underneath receiver. Very good possession type to move chains.

Ball React

Can win in jump ball situations. Good hand eye coordination. Knows how to adjust to off target throws. Has the body control to make the back shoulder catch in tight coverage.

Competitiveness

Outstanding effort in all phases. Is a clutch performer. Will throw key blocks downfield and sustain with 2nd effort. He wants the ball and will fight for it in traffic. Plays with a special teams demeanor.

Summary

Very good height for the position. Has the bloodlines of his father; Van Tuinei played four years in the NFL as a DE. This player is tough and hard-nosed with good quickness for a tall receiver. His game is more of a possession zone receiver rather than vertical threat. He has good hands and makes several clutch plays on tape. Doesn't put up the huge numbers but that is more a result of the Ducks' run-oriented attack. He is a selfless player who likes to do the dirty work going across the middle. Good college player who has the ability to be a role player at the next level as a 3rd or 4th WR and special teamer.

[Mr Dee]

Recognition factor so far : Gbill - 3 Mike -1

[Tracker]

Sounds promising. Speed is great but not the be-all, end-all. If he runs crisp routes and doesn't lose many fights for the ball, that size with good hands ought to make him valuable. Looking forward more and more to training camp.

[Atomic]

Should be some decent competition for that boundary WR spot.

[Jpan85]

Wonder if Chip had interest in him at all?

[kelownabomberfan]

Why did BC let this guy go?

[IC Khari]

I'm waiting with baited breath to see who eventually will be right about this guy

[dmillerywg]

Nothing wrong with his speed he ran a 4:53 40 on his pro day.

 

his vertical was below average however his 3 Cone was excellent

 

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=90185&draftyear=2012&genpos=WR

 

I am not sure why BC let him go but lets see how he does in TC and pre-season.

[TBURGESS]

He was also on Montreal in 2012 and the Patriots let him go in Aug 2013.  He's a big guy with 7 CFL receptions hoping the 3rd teams the charm in the CFL.

[Tracker]

I'm waiting with baited breath to see who eventually will be right about this guy

You've got chum in your mouth?