You could point to many players who were physically more talented than everyone else, but never stood out. You can also pick out guys who may not have been the fastest or strongest, but always seemed to make plays. I suspect hat separates the two groups is those two things.

The videos of him laying out fellow Hawaiians is fun to watch, but this blurb from ESPN at the Under Armor Bowl is what I found the most illuminating when it came to the Te'o hype.

"From the beginning of the first practice Wednesday, Te'o quickly demonstrated why he is considered the top overall linebacker prospect in the country. After dominating against lesser perceived talent out in the Hawaiian Islands during his high school career, Te'o didn't need long to stake his claim as the best linebacker and maybe overall player on the mainland. His great speed, striking explosiveness and uncanny instincts stood out all week, even to former NFL coaches who were in awe of his talents. Te'o took most of his reps on the inside, displaying the great scheme versatility he will bring to the next level. We knew he had the closing burst and overall tools to develop into a disruptive perimeter 'backer in college, but we were impressed this week with the short-area power, strength and leverage he showed between the tackles at the point of attack. Te'o made a living blowing up opponents' backfields in Orlando; he dominated in a fashion similar to that of last year's No. 1 overall player DaQuan Bowers."