ZTF Not Only Reclaims Starting Job, He Assumes Strong Leadership Role
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With the pandemic raging, Zion Tupuola-Fetui became a headliner for the University of Washington football team by coming up with an unstoppable seven sacks in four games, including three strip sacks.
The 2020 setting was something akin to a combine or a pro day where in a limited about of time he suddenly emerged as someone with high marks, as a recognizable player, as a guy with an initialized nickname — ZTF. He was singled out as first-team All-Pac-12 and third-team All-America selections, and it was suggested he might be a first-round draft pick.
However, Tupuola-Fetui lost all of his football momentum when his Achilles tendon suddenly ripped apart on him in spring ball two years ago.
Last season, this man known as ZTF was dealt another tough situation when he was faced with the acrimony of becoming a back-up player at edge rusher. It wasn't so much his performance that led to this depth-chart positioning as it was talented Husky teammates in Bralen Trice and Jeremiah Martin upping their games and becoming first-team All-Pac-12 choices.
Tupuola-Fetui could have become bitter by all of this. He could have looked for a ready escape. He wouldn't have been faulted at all had he turned to the transfer portal for a fresh college football start.
Instead, ZTF has reclaimed his starting role and taken it upon himself to be even more involved with the inner workings of the Huskies and demonstrate his allegiance by example.
A year ago, seniors such as safety Alex Cook and offensive guard Jaxson Kirkland provided a team voice. Tupuola-Fetui is one of those who has assumed that role now.
"I think he's really stepped up as a leader," UW coach Kalen DeBoer said. "This isn't just today. This isn't just this last week. It's been something where it's really cool to see his growth evolve and happen here with winter workouts. I think it first starts with the work you're putting in — he's working at another level."
DeBoer said Tupola-Fetui has earned the right to stand before his teammates and tell them what the thinks.
"When you do that and you believe in the investment you're making and the work you're putting in, you feel like you have that right to stand up and say something," the coach said.
When the academic quarter came to an end, spring football paused on March 10 following three practices, the latter highlighted by a high-spirited workout that involved no less than three skirmishes among the Huskies.
Players were emotionally involved in what easily could have been an uninspired spring getaway session and words were needed afterward.
ZTF and sophomore wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk were the most visible among several UW players who stood up and addressed the team. Their words were impactful. The leadership positions solidified.
"We always preach about being player-led," DeBoer said. "It was cool seeing [ZTF} and a guy like Ja'Lynn Polk. It was 10 guys. But those were the most vocal and they said some cool things."
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