SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei knows he doesn't play a glamorous position in Carolina's defense, but that's not stopping him from aiming for better individual production in 2016.
"Just to be more productive and get my numbers up," Lotulelei said of his expectations. "Even though I play mainly inside at the nose position, I want to be more productive out of that position and make more plays. Sacks, tackles, whatever it is, I just want to have a bigger impact."
Lotulelei started every game as a rookie in 2013, recording 47 tackles and three sacks. In 2014, he missed two games with an ankle injury and posted 27 tackles and two sacks. Last year, he missed two games with a foot injury and compiled 25 tackles and one sack.
The former first-round pick clearly wants to reverse the trend in his fourth season. With a clean bill of health and a deep rotation behind him, Lotulelei appears poised to raise his production alongside Pro Bowler Kawann Short.
"We're trying to be the best," Lotulelei said, "and I want to be the best that I can be."