Junior defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been a consistent force on Oregon’s defensive line since earning a starting spot at tackle his freshman year in 2002. His strength and quick first step off of the line have made him a cause for concern for offensive coordinators that have to make sure he is accounted for on every play.
As a freshman, he was best remembered for blocking kicks against UCLA, USC and Washington. He blocked a field goal attempt of Stanford kicker Michael Sgroi last weekend marking the sixth of his collegiate career.
Ngata faced a major setback his sophomore year when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter of the opening game against Mississippi State, which sidelined him for 2003. Ngata was granted a medical redshirt for the season and returned in 2004 to earn second-team all Pacific-10 Conference acclaim, despite not playing at full strength. The Salt Lake City native posted forced fumbles against Washington and Oregon State that same year and added a career-best eight tackles against Arizona.
Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti demands much from Ngata, who is by far the strongest player on his roster. Ngata benches more than 500 pounds and squats more than 550.
“(Ngata) is working hard. He is getting better. He is a dominant person and he receives a lot of attention from the offenses we play,” Bellotti said. “The bar has been raised for guys like Haloti. It may be unfair what we ask him to do, but I hold him to a higher standard, and I think he is comfortable with that. He wants to achieve that level.”
– Scott J. Adams