George Achica

George Achica

Personal information
Born:	December 19, 1960 American Samoa
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	310 lb (141 kg)
Career information
High school:	San Jose (CA) Hill
College:	Southern California
Position:	Defensive tackle
NFL draft:	1983 / round: 3 / pick: 57
Career history
Los Angeles Express (1983–1985) Indianapolis Colts (1985)
Stats at Pro Football Reference

George Achica (born December 19, 1960) is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive lineman in the United States Football League (USFL) and National Football League (NFL) for four seasons during the 1980s. Achica played college football for the University of Southern California, and was recognized as an All-American. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Express of the USFL, and the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.

Early years

Achica was born in American Samoa. He prepped at Andrew Hill High School in San Jose, California.

College career

Achica attended the University of Southern California, where he played for the USC Trojans football team from 1979 to 1982. He was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, the Lombardi Award runner-up, and Morris Trophy winner as a senior in 1982. Achica was the first of four Samoans to be selected as All-Americans at USC; the others being Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, and Lofa Tatupu.

Achica was also a three-time first team Pac-10 defensive line selection from 1980-1982. One of Achica's Samoan teammates at USC is current Jacksonville Jaguars running backs coach Kennedy Pola.

Professional career

Achica was picked in the 3rd round with the 57th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts but chose to play for the USFL's Los Angeles Express from 1983 to 1985. Achica played nose tackle for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts in 1985 and went the San Francisco 49ers training camp in 1986 but retired weeks later.

External links

• Los Angeles Times Article on George Achica