Jaguars Sign DT Jay Tufele

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed rookie DT Jay Tufele (pronounced too-FELL-lay), the team announced today.

Tufele was selected by Jacksonville in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2021 draft after appearing in 25 games from 2018-19 at Southern California. Tufele recorded 65 tackles (36 solo) in his two years with the Trojans, including 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. In 2019, he earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors and won USC Defensive Lineman of the Year for the second consecutive season when he recorded 42 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss. In 2018, Tufele posted 23 tackles and was named to Phil Steele’s All-Pac-12 Second Team.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Tufele was named the 2015 Salt Lake Tribune MVP after posting 57 tackles and 10.5 sacks. He is the eighth player from Southern California to be selected by the Jaguars, joining Jacksonville’s first-ever selection, OL Tony Boselli.