The Polynesian Pipeline is now a mainstream of the Husker recruiting machine with the recent additions of Offensive Tackle Brian Tapu (6-7/ 295) and Center Houston Kaahaaina-Torres (6-3/ 265). The old adage of winning the game by dominating the lines of scrimmage has never been truer, especially in the rough and tough Big Ten Conference.
Both players will need some time in the weight room and training table to get ready to go against Big Ten linemen, but this bodes well for the future of having players with the right attitude and physiques for this league.
These additions would not be possible without the Raiola’s leading the way both as a coach (Donovan) and program changing quarterback (Dylan) influencing players to move far away from home. Polynesian players tend to commit to programs that understand the culture and brotherhood that is so important to them, which is why certain programs get the lion’s share of these players.
Nebraska has had smatterings of Polynesian players in the past but never in this quantity and quality which can only mean good things for the future of Matt Rhule’s lines of scrimmage. The name that the Raiola family holds both in Hawaii and the mainland will greatly influence any young player thinking of committing their future to a program.
My first reaction to 5-star quarterback Dylan Raiola committing was the influence that it would have on top-tier skill players wanting to catch balls from the top QB in the class. Still, the Polynesian influence cannot be underestimated. Already on the team are defensive lineman Brodie Tagaloa and offensive lineman Preston Taumua, who both look to have bright futures on either side of the line.
If the Huskers can land a few Polynesian linemen in each cycle, they will take enormous pressure on landing the bigs in the 500-mile radius with so many programs willing to dip into the Midwest. The Huskers built a winning program on owning the Midwest. With modern recruiting, they will never be able to land every top-rated player, and having a steady supply of Polynesian talent will offset those losses.
Rhule has great influence in Texas and the Northeast, but they are not traditional hotbeds of lineman talent, so this could fill that potential gap.
Let’s hope Donnie can attract the best of these bright young talents and that the Polynesian Pipeline goes from strength to strength.
GBR