UNLV’s John Lotulelei serious about sticking with Oakland Raiders

It’s often argued the NFL preseason is too long and many of the games are meaningless. But in August, for players such as John Lotulelei, these games mean everything.

Lotulelei, a former UNLV linebacker, is fighting for a spot on the Oakland Raiders’ roster. He will approach each of the team’s four preseason games as if his career is on the line.

“I have to make it,” he said. “I’ve never not made a team. I have faith in myself. I expect nothing less than to go out there in the preseason and show the coaches what I’ve got.”

After two weeks of training camp in Napa, California, the Raiders open the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals at 7 p.m. Friday in Glendale, Arizona. Lotulelei, listed third among four middle linebackers on the depth chart, will be wearing No. 55 and is expected to see significant playing time.

“Every preseason game, bring your top-notch game and leave nothing behind,” said Lotulelei, a first-team All-Mountain West selection as a senior for the Rebels in 2012, when he totaled 120 tackles.

Lotulelei started his career in Seattle as an undrafted free agent. He made the Seahawks’ 53-man roster and played in two games before being released in October 2013. He was immediately claimed by Jacksonville, but he spent more time on injured reserve than on the field in two years with the Jaguars.

The Raiders signed Lotulelei in November and placed him on the active roster in December. The 5-foot-11-inch, 235-pounder is regarded as a strong run stopper who could help an improving Oakland defense led by Pro Bowl end Khalil Mack.

“This defense is going to be better than last year,” Lotulelei said, “and last year they were killing it.”

Lotulelei, from Hawaii, hopes he has found a home in Oakland. If the Raiders relocate to Las Vegas, he obviously would feel fortunate to stick around long enough to see it. Still, as with all young players, his eyes are fixed on the next preseason game, not what might happen in the distant future.

“For us, I think that would be exciting to have the team move over to Vegas,” he said. “But at the same time, we’re not guaranteed on this team for the next two or three years, so right now our focus is on making the team and having an impact on it.”

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247