A run-stuffing interior defensive lineman, Tupou in 2016 was key component in Colorado fielding one of college football’s top defenses ... Started 45 of his 48 career games, in four seasons of action with the Buffaloes ... Helped CU’s defense to No. 13 national ranking in 2016, allowing 323.8 yards per game ... Considered by coaches to be athletic for his size.

Career transactions: Signed with Cincinnati as college free agent on 5-5-17.

 College highlights: 2016—Started all 14 games and played 520 snaps at nose tackle ... Named honorable mention All-Pac 12 (coaches) ... Totaled 49 tackles, including seven for losses, with 1.5 sacks ... Recorded seven tackles in win at Oregon ... Totaled four tackles and a half-sack at Michigan ... Six tackles at USC ... Five tackles in win at Stanford, with a half-sack. 2015—Did not play due to suspension (served as redshirt season); played on area rugby team to stay in shape. 2014—Started all 12 games and played 642 snaps, the second-most by a CU down-lineman in six seasons ... Totaled 42 tackles, including four for losses, with three sacks ... Had six tackles vs. UCLA ... Recorded six tackles, including two sacks, at Arizona. 2013—Started all 12 games and played 598 snaps on defense (plus an additional 17 on special teams) ... Totaled 38 tackles on the year, including three for losses, with a half sack ... Recorded career-high nine tackles at Utah, including a half-sack. 2012—Played in 10 games, including seven starts ... Played 343 snaps from scrimmage, the most by a CU true freshman defensive lineman since 1984 ... Missed two games due to ankle sprain ... Totaled 37 tackles, including five for losses ... Recorded season-high eight tackles against Washington.

High school: Attended Buena Park (Calif.) High School, after spending his first three years at Orange (Calif.) High School (both schools in Los Angeles area) ... As a senior, totaled 78 tackles, with five sacks and four forced fumbles ... Played only on offense during his first three years (at Orange), and then played both guard and defensive tackle as a senior (at Buena Park).

 Personal: Hometown is Long Beach, Calif. ... Communications major at Colorado ... Uncle, Viliami Maumau, played at Colorado from 1994-97 and in the NFL with the Denver Broncos ... Last name is pronounced “TEW-po.”