By Kylee Meter (WSU Athletic Communications)

Washington State linebacker Frankie Luvu played his best game during the 2015 Sun Bowl vs. Miami, registering a career high four tackles. Luvu, who played mostly on special teams his first two seasons, is now working as the starting WIL linebacker during his junior year. His bowl game performance showed potential, but replacing Jeremiah Allison won't be easy.

Luvu is dedicated to picking up where former WIL linebacker, Allison, left off after making 97 tackles last season and All-Pac-12 honorable mention as a junior. Fortunately, Luvu credits his growth to Allison, who passed down the importance of being physical, quick and reading the scheme when facing high-tempo offenses.

“I was under his wing all of last season just trying to get what he experienced, and get something out of that,” Luvu said.

Luvu, from Tafuna, American Samoa, played outside linebacker the majority of his high school career, making Allison's guidance all the more important to him. Luvu said his physicality has allowed him to adjust to different positions, but there's still competition in securing will linebacker.

“There's a long list of guys trying to win that job, but he had a good spring,” WSU linebacker coach Ken Wilson said.

 With his reputation as one of the hardest hitters on the team, it's easy to see that Luvu could be a good fit. Coach Wilson said Luvu pass rushes and tackles really well, but he has to continue to learn how to dissect plays quicker. The goal for Wilson is to progress Luvu towards being able to prepare for a game in three to four days during the season, compared to the month long preparation he had for the bowl game.

Continuing on with spring practice, Luvu plans to stay consistent and keep his mindset of doing his job to be ready every play. As he focuses on keeping his spot on the first team, he also recognizes his opportunity to become a leader as an upperclassman.

 “I'm going to be that player that everyone's counting on to do my job so that the defense gets stops,” Luvu said.

Luvu believes his abilities were always present, but the bowl game was when this position really clicked on the field. Since the victory in El Paso, he has worked to hard to prove he can fill the big shoes Allison left behind.

“I'm ready. I'm ready to take the job. I'm ready to do anything to help this defense and this team win,” Luvu said.