C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll (2019, 2020, 2021)
2021 (JUNIOR)
- Played in all 13 games at the fullback position.
- Backup fullback has carried the ball six times for 14 yards (2.3 avg.).
- Made two catches for 66 yards.
- Reeled in a 25-yard reception at Florida Atlantic.
- Hauled in a career-long 41-yard pass against Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl.
- Also utilized on special teams where he has returned a couple of kickoffs.
2020 (JUNIOR)
- Saw action in all eight games for the Miners, including making two starts at Louisiana Tech and North Texas.
- Had two receptions on the campaign for five yards.
- Made one catch for four yards in UTEP's home win over Abilene Christian.
- Had one reception for a 1-yard gain in the Miners' road game at UTSA.
- Also saw action on special teams coverage regularly.
2019 (SOPHOMORE)
- Saw action in all 12 games and started twice at fullback (at FIU, at North Texas).
- Caught a pass against Nevada.
- Credited with a solo tackle on special teams in the season opener versus Houston Baptist.
2018 (FRESHMAN)
- Played in all 12 games on special teams.
- Tallied three tackles and a fumble recovery.
- Recorded a solo stop at UNLV.
- Registered a tackle against North Texas.
- Posted a stop versus Southern Miss.
PRIOR TO UTEP
- Played two seasons on the varsity squad at Allen High School.
- Named All-District 6-6A First Team Defense.
- Named Texas APSE Class 6A All-State Honorable Mention following senior campaign.
- Earned 2016 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 6A All-State Honorable Mention on defense.
- Efforts helped Allen High School to a 14-1 overall mark and a trip to the state playoffs.
- The Eagles compiled a 28-2 record over two seasons (2015, 2016).
PERSONAL: Full name is James O. Tupou … Son of Taufa and Maxine Tupou … Has three brothers and one sister … Born in Sacramento, Calif. … Kinesiology major.
