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Pronunciation: tal-a-lie pha-NO-tee
At Stanford: Fourth-year player who is a two-time letter-winner and valuable member of Stanford's special teams ... Taualai has played a backup role at both defensive end and outside linebacker throughout his career ... Has seen action in 21 of the Cardinal's 22 games in 2003 and '04 ... Will once again compete for increased playing time at outside linebacker and be a key member of Stanford's special teams ... Two years of eligibility remaining.
Career Stats
The 2005 Season: Game-By-Game Statistics
The 2004 Season: Played on special teams and was a reserve outside linebacker ... Earned a letter by playing in all 11 games ... Most of his playing time came on special teams ... Accounted for three tackles.
Game-By-Game Statistics
The 2003 Season: Earned his first varsity letter as a reserve defensive end and special teams player ... Played in 10 of Stanford's 11 games ... Recorded three unassisted tackles.
The 2002 Season: Did not play in 2002 as a true freshman outside linebacker.
In High School: First-Team All-State linebacker from St. Louis High School in Hawaii ... Led the team with 83 tackles, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries as a senior ... Named All-Farwest by SuperPrep ... Also lettered in track and soccer ... All-State in the 110m high hurdles ... President of the Student Council as a senior.
Personal Information: Sociology major ... Brother, Toniuolevaiavea, was an All-America offensive lineman as a junior at Nebraska in 2001 ... He gave up his final season of eligibility to make himself available for the 2002 NFL Draft ... Selected in the second round by the San Diego Chargers ... Taualai, born in American Samoa, is a member of the National Honor Society.
Getting To Know: Taualai Fonoti
Nickname: T-Lai, Tizzle, Tau, Tui,
I would describe myself as a person as: funny, cool
My favorite pre-game ritual is: Praying for divine inspiration and assistance
The biggest thrill in my life to date is: Getting into Stanford
The teammate I admire the most is: Kenny Tolon
My favorite stadium in which to play is: Aloha Stadium, Hawaii
A friend from another college football team is: La'auli Fonoti, New Mexico State
The reason I chose Stanford University is: Weather is similar to Hawaii; best athletic and academic program
Since coming to Stanford, I have learned: Procrastination is easy to accomplish
The best thing about Stanford is: the people
My favorite class at Stanford is: Institute for diversity of arts: songs of sovereignty
The sports team I followed when I was younger: Oakland Raiders
When I played football as a kid, I pretended to be: myself
The athlete I admire most is: Andre Agassi
The person I admire most is: My father, Fonoti Satele Foniti
If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be: my family
The person in history I admire most is: Jesus Christ
Best book I have read: Harry Potter series, The Westing Game, Scriptures
Favorite food: anything but seafood
Least Favorite food: seafood - I'm allergic
If I had to cook all of my meals, I'd probably survive on: rice, Spam and eggs
Favorite movie: Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2.
Favorite TV show: American Idol
Favorite actor: Benjamin Bratt
Favorite actress: Sandra Bullock
If a movie were made of my life, I would have the following actor play me: My brother, La'auli Fonoti - actor/model
My ultimate SportsCenter highlight would be: Scoring a touchdown with three seconds to go after intercepting a pass
Favorite musical group or performer: Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder
If I were not playing college football, I would be: singing professionally
The best advice I ever received was: "You know nothing", "all you can give is your best", "You only live once and you're not coming back, so express yourself."
The people who had the greatest influence on my life: my parents
The place I'd most like to visit: London
The favorite place I've visited: My home, Samoa
Ten years from now, I'd like to be: having fun
My advice to youngsters: Aua ne'I galo lou atua ma lou fanau
My most prized possession: music
If I won $1 million, I would: Pay tithing, split it with my family and buy myself an orange dream machine from Jamba Juice
Last Updated: March 1, 2006