New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau knows what it looks like to be overlooked. The 24-year-old linebacker received one FBS offer coming out of high school, and it was from Hawaii. The San Diego native turned that into a standout college career for the Rainbow Warriors before transferring to UCLA and being selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a rookie, Muasau split time between the defense and special teams, where he amassed 55 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in seven starts. But entering Year 2, the three-time All-Conference defender is out to prove he’s more than just a special teams body.
“Coming in as a sixth round draft pick last year, I came in with a chip on my shoulder being thought of mostly as a special teams guy,” he told Giants.com "I am trying to develop my game. I felt a lot of growth throughout the year playing under Coach Dabes and all them, learning the defensive scheme, and learning how to become a pro.”
Darius Muasau’s growth can help a strong Giants’ defense improve even further
The second-year defender also credited his mentors in the linebacker room, Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden, in helping him adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL. And he only expects to improve going into Year 2.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot learning from both Bobby (Okereke) and Micah McFadden, so just a lot of experience and growth.”
The former Bruin was also a key piece of a 2024 class that was Joe Schoen’s most successful as GM. Every single player in New York’s reigning rookie class made a tangible impact as a rookie, headlined by Malik Nabers, who shattered franchise records and was named a Pro Bowler.
And Muasau credited their off-field chemistry– through spending time together and grabbing dinners– to their success as a group.
“I think last year we really set the standard, as far as what we can go out and contribute,” Muasau said. “We got a bunch of dogs in our draft class, we got Malik (Nabers), we got Tyrone (Tracy), we got Nube (Tyler Nubin), we got Dru Phillips. I think the camaraderie we bring is unmatched.”
Muasau also referred to Big Blue’s fearsome defensive front as “the best defensive line in the NFL” and he’s fired up for the unit’s next steps.
“I think it’s the same thing, just a higher standard for executing,” he added. “We got three premier edge rushers going out there, we got Dexter (Lawrence), we got Roy (Robertson-Harris), we got Darius Alexander– just a bunch of guys who can go out and just rush the passer. We’re really looking forward to that, and I honestly look forward to watching that every day (in practice).”
With the trust of the coaching staff, the backing of a loaded draft class, and a relentless drive to prove he belongs, Muasau is gearing up for a sophomore surge. Don’t be surprised if No. 53 emerges as one of the breakout stars on a Giants defense poised to be among the league’s best.