Dolphins’ Mauia a veritable juggernaut

By Hugo Guzman  |   Tuesday, May 08, 2007  |  Comments( 17 )

Miami Dolphins
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If you live in South Florida and listen to Dan Le Batard's afternoon talk show (most folks apparently do, being that it is now the highest-rated sports talk radio show in the market), then you know all about the phrase "I'm the juggernaut, bitch! Wooooooh!"

It's a quote that was uttered by Miami Dolphins rookie fullback Reagan Mauia, and it has been played ad nausea by Le Batard and his cohorts in recent days. Interestingly, this bit of brash bravado was uttered just after the 270-pound bruiser crashed through a wall in his trainer's gym.

A quick look at that YouTube clip and one immediately understands the nature of the juggernaut reference.

Note: I'm usually not one to pine for my propers, but truth be told, I am responsible for Mauia's sudden ascendancy to mythical status (at least on the Miami radio airwaves). On the day he was drafted, I did some quick Internet research on this rambunctious Samoan and came across the YouTube clip. I then told one of my colleagues here at RealFootball365.com about it, and being that he is an admitted chronic caller to Le Batard's show, he promptly called in to let Dan know about this little Web gem.

But that's enough tasteless self-aggrandizing for now. Let's get back to football.

Critics will say that crashing through a fairly thin piece of drywall is not all that impressive of a feat. In fact, if I had to guess, Le Batard himself could probably do it if he were so inclined. But what can't be argued is that Mauia clearly has the type of intense and downright violent mindset that is needed to be a successful blocker at the NFL level.

And his physical dimensions don't hurt, either.

Mauia is 6 feet, 270, but what's most impressive is the chiseled physique and athleticism he clearly possesses. The former University of Hawaii standout used to be a 350-pound nose tackle but converted to fullback in his junior season. He quickly made his presence felt both as a blocker and a ball carrier, rushing for 56 yards and a bruising touchdown on just 10 carries against San Diego State in his final game of the 2005 season. As Mauia himself described during an interview on Le Batard's show, he was "knocking fools out" during his touchdown jaunt.

In 2006, Mauia developed into a consistent and well-rounded fullback, playing in 14 games and rushing for 153 yards and two touchdowns on just 31 carries. He also helped provide pass protection for the NCAA's top-ranked aerial offense and helped pave the way for a Hawaii rushing attack that averaged a healthy 5.5 yards per carry; although, some of that yardage can be attributed to the Rainbows' wide open passing attack and not Mauia's blocking prowess.

For Miami, Mauia will likely serve in an apprentice role at first, working behind 13-year veteran Cory Schlesinger. That's a good thing, because the gritty and experienced Schlesinger can help mold Mauia into the kind of fullback who will remind folks of another veritable juggernaut Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron utilized when he was with the San Diego Chargers.

And if Reagan Mauia can become half the fullback that perennial Pro Bowler Lorenzo Neal is, helping to pave running room for the already bruising Ronnie Brown, the Dolphins will likely possess one of the most intimidating power running games in recent memory.

Original Miami Dolphins insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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