Kiwi Andrew Motuapuaka has signed a deal with NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.
The Virginia Tech alumnus was quickly snapped up by last season's AFC Championship runners-up after he went unselected in the 2018 draft.
Motuapuaka was a three-year starter at the linebacker position at Virginia Tech, recording 333 career tackles including 32.5 for loss and 11.5 sacks, and was a finalist for the 'Polynesian Player of the Year' award.
Most scouts had him projected as late-pick or a priority free agent because of his leadership ability, a role he thrived in on a Virginia Tech defence that included Tremaine Edmunds, who was snapped up by the Buffalo Bills with the 16th overall pick.
Born in Auckland to Tongan parents, Motuapuaka attended Wesley College before his family emigrated to the United States. He enrolled at Salem High School in Virginia Beach, where he excelled as an all-state football player.
Motuapuaka was ranked 20th in his position in the country by Rivals, before he was recruited by his home state team, Virginia Tech.
The 20-year-old is one of several hopefuls who will now compete for a spot on the 53-man roster or their practice squad for the upcoming 2018-2019 season, and NFL analysts are confident he'll make the cut.
"Motuapuaka is a productive three-year starter and team leader who plays with a consistent level of grit," Lance Zierlein said.
"However, he lacks the athletic ability and play speed teams usually look for from a draftable linebacker.
"Motuapuaka doesn't have superior instincts to make up for his deficiencies, but he has a shot to compete for a roster spot if he can shine with toughness and special teams play."
Much like former Kiwi Paul Lasike, Motuapuaka's rise to the NFL has largely been overshadowed by an Australian hype machine.
In 2015, it was Jarryd Hayne that received all the media attention both here and abroad, but only spent one season with the San Francisco 49ers.
And similarly, Motuapuaka's achievement is being overshadowed by former rugby league player Jordan Mailata.
The 2.03m phenomenon was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round, despite never playing a down of football.
He's thought of as a developmental player, but like Hayne - despite the fanfare - faces an uphill challenge to make it as an NFL player.
Newshub.
