Shae Suiaunoa: The Swiss Army Knife in the Heart of the Defense

Shae Suiaunoa didn’t take the easy road — and he wouldn’t have it any other way. From waiting his turn behind veteran linebackers at Wyoming to becoming a multi-year starter and one of the most versatile defenders in the Mountain West, Suiaunoa’s path is a blueprint in patience, preparation, and purpose. With a motor that never stops, a high football IQ, and the ability to do it all — coverage, blitz, sideline-to-sideline run support — Suiaunoa is ready to bring that same edge to the next level. I caught up with Shae to talk about his journey, mindset, and what makes him different from the rest of this year’s linebacker class.

What separates you from other linebackers in this draft class?

I’m not sure what the other guys have, but I know that I’m one of the most versatile linebackers in this draft class. I believe I can do all things on the field.

You’ve had some of your best performances against high-profile teams. What does that say about your ability to compete on a bigger stage?

I know those opponents will get the best of me, and I want to prove I can compete at levels above the Mountain West. There are flaws, sure, but I showed on tape I can perform against bigger-name teams.

Early in your career, you primarily played special teams. How did that experience help your development?

I realized I didn’t like only being a special teams player, but I also understood I needed time to grow. I did that behind some good linebackers. I waited my time and took advantage of the opportunity when it came.

Does your background as a former quarterback help you as a linebacker?

At first, yeah — because going from high school to college, the jump in football IQ is massive. But now I focus more on tendencies and body language. That QB experience helps me see the field a little differently.

Walk me through your pre-snap mindset. What are you seeing out there?

It depends on the formation, but the offense can tell a lot just from their eyes. Watching film throughout the week helps me trust my instincts and focus on what I’m seeing in real time.

How important is it for you to be an all-around linebacker?

It’s everything. I want to be the guy who can be used whenever and however — on any down, any situation.

What game on your tape shows who you are as a player?

Boise State (2024) and Texas Tech (2023). I showed I could hang with so-called “bigger talent” and be impactful in every phase of the game.

You’ve earned all-conference recognition. How do you balance pride with hunger to improve?

I’m grateful and blessed to be in the position I was, but I don’t take too much pride in it. That was the goal. There are still things I didn’t do that I wanted to. It’s about growth and learning.

How has your leadership style evolved at Wyoming?

I went from quiet to vocal over the years. Building relationships with my teammates became a priority — chemistry matters. The locker room is all about building confidence, leaning on one another, and getting into that zone to go to war together.

How do you approach game planning and communication with coaches?

I ask questions. I want to know why we’re running a certain look against a certain team. Being coachable and seeking clarity lets me play faster and smarter.

Who helped shape your growth as a linebacker?

The guys who came through Wyoming before me — they were smart, knew the game, and had a real love for it. That kind of leadership early on showed me who I wanted to be as a player and person.

What’s something that doesn’t show up in the box score that you take pride in?

How we connected as a team. I truly believe that’s what takes a team to the next level. I was part of a group that built chemistry on and off the field — and it showed in our success.

You’ve faced adversity throughout your journey. How have you handled it?

I’ve kept faith in a higher power and trusted that my time would come as long as I kept putting myself in the right positions. I didn’t shy away from adversity — I went through it.

You originally had a quarterback offer before landing at Wyoming. How did that all play out?

My QB offer came off the table, and Wyoming came in before I planned to go JUCO. It all worked out, and I’m blessed they gave me that opportunity.

What kind of impact do you want to make in an NFL locker room?

I want to learn and soak everything in. Whatever position or situation they need me at, I want to be that guy they can count on.

When you’re not watching film or training, what helps you recharge?

Being with friends, being out in nature, and listening to reggae music.

What’s your message to NFL teams considering drafting you?

I can be put in many situations because of my versatility. I’m coachable and consistent. I’ll show up every day trying to grow and be the best version of myself. I want to be that missing piece to the puzzle — not just for me, but for the team’s bigger goal.

Shae Suiaunoa isn’t just a linebacker — he’s a problem solver. A communicator. A teammate. And a chess piece who can be moved anywhere on the board. With big-game production, multi-year starting experience, and a hunger that never wavers, he’s the kind of plug-and-play defender that NFL teams can build around.

Akash Shankar is a Business Economics student at UCLA with a passion for football. He has worked with UCLA Football’s video operations team and is pursuing opportunities in coaching, recruiting, and player personnel.

Instagram: akashshankar_