[blackhawk]

will this guy play this year and win games?
Paul Soliai
Height: 6-4
Weight: 334
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Utah

Soliai is an unheralded talent with excellent size to play in the two-gap scheme. He is a former offensive guard with just two years of experience on the defensive line, but he plays with leverage and is known for his ability to occupy multiple blockers.

One of eight children, Soliai was team captain and an offensive lineman at Nuuuli Poly Tech in Pago Pago, American Samoa. He also lettered in basketball and soccer. Upon graduating, Soliai moved to the United States. He enrolled at Coffeyville Community College in 2002, where he excelled as an offensive guard. The two-time All-Jayhawk Community College Conference choice added All-America honorable mention as a freshman and first-team national honors in 2003.

Soliai transferred to the University of Utah in 2004, spending the season redshirting on the scout team. He suited up for the team's fourth game of the season against Air Force, but did not appear in that game. He shifted to the defensive line in 2005 spring camp, gaining valuable experience behind Kelly Talavou at nose guard. He managed just five tackles (four solos) with a sack and 1½ stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Soliai earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2006. He started the team's first 12 games at nose guard, but was ruled ineligible for post-season action. He registered 35 tackles (13 solos) with 2½ sacks, 3½ stops for losses and four pass deflections. He caused and recovered a fumble while also blocking an extra point attempt.

In 24 games at Utah, Soliai started 12 times. He produced 40 tackles (14 solos) with 3½ sacks for minus-27 yards and five stops for losses totaling 31 yards. He caused and recovered a fumble. He also was credited with four pass breakups and one blocked kick.