Get to know Los Angeles Chargers OT Sam Tevi

Nov 26, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Utah Utes offensive tackle Sam Tevi (52) during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Tevi made it to the NFL. Get to know the new Los Angeles Charger in this exclusive interview.

The Chargers beefed up their offensive line by adding three linemen in the 2017 NFL Draft. Former Utah tackle Sam Tevi, the Chargers’ sixth-round pick, will look to earn a roster spot.

I recently interviewed Tevi and asked him some questions about the draft and his football career, as well as his favorite things to do off the field.

Q: What was it like getting that phone call from Chargers GM Tom Telesco (who was with you and what was it like)?

Tevi: “When I first got that call from Mr. Telesco, I was starstruck that this could be the call to open up an opportunity. Then I answered and (what) I heard was, ‘Hey Sam, it’s Tom Telesco, GM for the L.A. Chargers.’ Then my eyes started to get watery haha. It was only me and my older brother, and to see him smile I could tell he was proud of me.”

Q: The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled as of late, hence the reason why the team drafted three offensive linemen (including yourself). There are a lot of bodies fighting for starting and backup roles, but it’s fair to say that everybody has a chance to make the roster. What are your strengths and how do you hope to stand out?

Tevi: “My strengths that I’m bringing to this wonderful unit are my footwork, physical abilities and the ability to work. (I’m) just ready to get to work with this amazing offensive line.”

Q: You’ll be blocking for one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Philip Rivers. What are your thoughts on having him as a teammate?

Tevi: “Philip Rivers is one of (my) favorite QBs, and to know that I’ll hopefully get to block for him is one of the best things ever. I can’t wait to block for him, but more importantly, get to know him as a person and teammate.”

Q: Utah had FOUR offensive linemen get drafted this year, with Garett Boles, Isaac Asiata and J.J. Dielman all joining you. How cool was that?

Tevi: “It was very cool that all of us got drafted because we all had each other to lean on this year and even postseason. All of us come from different backgrounds, but we all had the same goal.”

Q: Speaking of your time at Utah, what were the greatest lessons learned (on and off the field) during your time there, and how will they translate to the NFL?

Tevi: “I’ve learned a lot of lessons throughout my whole college career, too many to count actually; but I would probably have to say how college really made me open up and become more of a man.”

Q: Before becoming a starting offensive lineman, you played on the defensive line as a true freshman. Can you see yourself ever moving back to that side of the ball and sacking the quarterback instead of protecting him?

Tevi: “I could play any position any of the coaches would ask me to play, but yeah, I think I still have it in me to go get the quarterback haha.”

Q: Let’s move away from what you can do on the football field and talk hobbies. What do you like to do with your free time?

Tevi: “I love to just listen to music, chill, stay active really.”

Q: Let’s continue the fun! What’s your favorite movie (I know, tough question)?

Tevi: “I don’t have a favorite movie yet. I just love action and comedy.”

Q: If you had to tell Chargers fans what kind of player they’re getting in just a few words, what would you say to them?

Tevi: “An interesting one! Haha.”