Alameda Ta'amu

Alameda Ta'amu (born August 23, 1990) is an American football nose tackle who is currently a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football for the Washington Huskies.

High school career
Ta'amu attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington, where he was a two-way lineman and regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com.

2008
Played in all 12 games as a true freshman starting 5 of them. Was one of 12 true freshman to see playing time. Racked up a season high 6 tackles versus UCLA. Finished the season with 21 tackles.

2009
Played in all 12 games starting 11 of them. Had a season high 5 tackles at Arizona State. Finished the season with 19 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

2010
Started all 13 games at defensive tackle in what would be his breakout season. Was a key factor in getting the Huskies back to a bowl game. Had a season high 7 tackles at Oregon which was then matched versus UCLA. Recorded a 10-yard sack and 14-yard fumble return during the Holiday Bowl. Finished the season with 39 tackles, 5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 and won the L. Wait Rising Lineman of the Year award at the post-season banquet.

2011
Started all 13 games at one defensive tackle spot. Named a team captain prior to the start of the season. Earned honorable mention All-Pac-12. Had a good game vs. Washington State, totaling four tackles, two and a half for loss and two sacks. Had five tackles, one and a half for loss and half a sack in the win over Colorado. Two tackles for loss and a sack vs. Hawai'i. Five tackles vs. Eastern Washington. Two tackles in the Valero Alamo Bowl vs. Baylor. Named the L. Wait Rising Defensive Lineman of the Year award at the team's postseason banquet.

2012 NFL Draft
Regarded as one of the few two-gap nose tackles, Ta'amu was projected as a third-to-fourth round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. However, Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com described Ta'amu as "a pass rushing three-technique stuck in a zero-technique's body", who "struggles to hold his ground at the point of attack". He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 109th pick in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Arrest
On October 14, 2012, Ta'amu was arrested after he allegedly evaded police while driving intoxicated and struck several parked cars, injuring one person, During the chase, Ta'amu allegedly shed his shirt in an attempt to evade arrest, claiming he was not the driver of the erratic SUV. in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood before he was apprehended.

Free Agency
On November 12, 2012, Ta'amu was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was re-signed on November 15, 2012. Ta'amu was released December 14, 2012.